Control Systems Engineer - Graduate Programme 2026

MBDA Missile Systems; Stevenage; Hybrid; GBP 31,000 - 37,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading defence organisation is seeking a Control Systems Engineer for their Graduate Programme starting in September 2026. The successful candidate will develop control algorithms for electro-mechanical systems and engage in trials to ensure system performance meets customer requirements. This role offers a salary of £31,500, a joining bonus, and dynamic hybrid working arrangements.

Benefits

Company bonus of up to £2,500

Annual Leave: 25 days plus additional purchase options

Flexible Leave: Up to 15 additional days

Opportunity for paid overtime

Excellent career progression

Subsidised meals and free car parking

Qualifications

• Degree qualified in Mechanical Engineering, Aeronautical Engineering, or a comparable subject to a minimum of 2:2.

Responsibilities

• Development of control algorithms for electro-mechanical systems.
• Modelling of Actuation System within Matlab and Simulink for performance analysis.
• Design and implementation of proving trials to validate system performance.

Skills

Control algorithms development

Matlab

Simulink

Data analysis

Electro-mechanical systems

Education

Degree in Mechanical Engineering or Aeronautical Engineering

Job description

Overview

The Control Systems Engineer - Graduate Programme 2026 role sits within the Mechanical Engineering department, which develops physical solutions from concept through development and certification to production on missiles and weapon systems. The environment presents a broad range of mechanical engineering challenges.

Salary and Working Arrangements

Salary: £31,500 plus a £3,000 joining bonus.

Dynamic (Hybrid) Working: 3-4 days per week on-site due to workload classification.

Security Clearance: British Citizen or a Dual UK national with British citizenship. Restrictions may apply. After offer, candidates will need to undergo BPSS checks managed by the MBDA Personnel Security Team.

Closing Date

Closing date for this role is midnight on 3 November 2025.

What we can offer you

• 2 year Programme: starting September 2026
• Salary reviews throughout the Programme
• Company bonus: Up to £2,500 (based on company performance)
• Pension: maximum total (employer and employee) contribution of up to 14%
• Overtime: opportunity for paid overtime
• Annual Leave: 25 days plus option to purchase extra holiday
• Flexi Leave: Up to 15 additional days
• Excellent career progression and development opportunities
• Facilities: subsidised meals, free car parking and more

The Opportunity

Within the Actuation Systems Centre of Excellence (CofEx), the Servo Design team specialise in the design and proving of control algorithms and resulting system performance. We are looking for a graduate to join this dynamic team, ensuring the delivery of Actuation Systems products meets the requirements of our Customers.

The Servo Design Team work collaboratively within a multi-functional team to design, develop and prove control algorithms for Actuation Systems products. Responsibilities include:

• Development of control algorithms in applications typically for the control of electro-mechanical systems.
• Modelling of the Actuation System within Matlab and Simulink for performance analysis.
• Design and implementation of proving trials and data analysis to validate overall system performance with respect to design requirements.
• Support the system architecture definition and interact with various design fields ensuring the needs of the control system design are met.

As a graduate within the team you will have the opportunity to experience multiple placements within the Actuation Systems CofEx as well as the wider Mechanical Engineering department. The multi-functional nature provides variety and long-term career opportunities. You will experience development across the full product lifecycle from concept studies to product qualification and manufacturing. You will regularly engage in trials to prove that designs meet customer requirements and communicate technical information to technical and non-technical audiences.

What we’re looking for from you

Degree qualified in Mechanical Engineering, Aeronautical Engineering or a comparable subject to a minimum of 2:2.

Our company

MBDA is a leading defence organisation. We are proud of the role we play in supporting the Armed Forces who protect our nations. We partner with governments to defend freedom. We encourage diverse networks and welcome adjustments during recruitment.

We recognise that everyone is unique, and we encourage you to speak to us should you require any advice, support or adjustments throughout our recruitment process.

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