Control Systems Engineer - Graduate Programme 2026

MBDA UK Ltd; Stevenage; Hybrid; GBP 32,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading defence organisation in Stevenage is seeking a Graduate Control Systems Engineer to design control algorithms for Actuation Systems. You will work within an innovative team, gaining experience in multiple placements and responsibilities including Modelling with Matlab and Simulink. The role offers a competitive salary of £31,500, a joining bonus of £3,000, and dynamic hybrid working conditions.

Benefits

Salary reviews

Company bonus up to £2,500

Pension contribution up to 14%

Paid overtime opportunities

25 days annual leave plus extras

Fantastic site facilities including subsidised meals

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 Systems using Matlab and Simulink.
• Conducting proving trials and data analysis for system validation.

Skills

Control algorithms development

Matlab and Simulink

Communication skills

Education

Degree in Mechanical Engineering or Aeronautical Engineering

Job description

Overview

Control Systems Engineer - Graduate Programme 2026

The Mechanical Engineering department develops physical solutions from concept through development and certification to production on missiles and weapon systems. The nature of complex weapons and the environments they operate in present an extensive scope of unique and interesting mechanical engineering challenges.

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 and/or limitations relating to nationality and/or rights to work may apply. As a minimum and after offer stage, all successful candidates will need to undergo HMG Basic Personnel Security Standard checks (BPSS), which are managed by the MBDA Personnel Security Team.

Closing date: 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 and will vary year to year)
• 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: Fantastic site facilities including subsidised meals, free car parking and much 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 the Matlab and Simulink environment for the purposes of performance analysis.
• Design and implementation of proving trials and subsequent 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 of Actuation Systems design provides the opportunity to engage with various design communities beyond your educational background. It provides variety in your day to day work and long term provides a wider knowledge base, opening further career opportunities.

The role is more than just theory! You will regularly engage in trials activities to prove that your designs meet and exceed customer requirements. You'll need to be comfortable communicating technical information to both a technical and non-technical audience through a range of methods including written reports and virtual / in-person meetings.

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 motto: Peace is not a given, Freedom is not a given, Sovereignty is not a given.

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 work together towards a common goal, defending our freedom.

We are proud of our employee-led networks, examples include: Gender Equality, Pride, Menopause Matters, Parents and Carers, Armed Forces, Ethnic Diversity, Neurodiversity, Disability and more...

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.

Follow us on LinkedIn (MBDA), X (@MBDA_UK), Instagram (MBDA_UK) and Glassdoor or visit our MBDA Careers website for more information.

#LI-CB1