Data Strategy & Transformation - Undergraduate Placement 2026

MBDA UK Ltd; Stevenage; Hybrid; GBP 23,000 - 28,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading defense organization based in Stevenage is seeking an Undergraduate Placement for 2026 in Data Strategy & Transformation. The role offers a 1-year opportunity to tackle data challenges in an international environment, developing essential change management skills. Successful candidates will gain hands-on experience while working closely with experts and will enjoy a hybrid work model. Competitive salary and various company benefits included.

Benefits

Pension contributions up to 14%

Annual leave of 25 days plus options

Overtime opportunities

Subsidised meals

Free car parking

Qualifications

• Working towards a degree in Business Computing, Information Technology, Information Systems, Computer Science, Statistics or Business & Management Studies.

Responsibilities

• Support implementation of data practices throughout the business.
• Assist in developing good governance and management of data projects.
• Engage in various data-related tasks with mentorship from a skilled data team.

Skills

Knowledge of data strategy

Change management skills

Analytical skills

Communication skills

Education

Pursuing a degree in Business Computing or related fields

Job description

Overview

Data Strategy & Transformation - Undergraduate Placement 2026

Launch your career in an international environment with MBDA's Transformation and Improvement team. During your 1-year undergraduate placement, you'll work with experts to tackle real data challenges and shape the future of international data governance. You will gain exposure to the business's functional areas, refine change management skills, and help drive the international data strategy forward.

You will work with a global data team to build and enhance data governance and data management frameworks. If you're ready to make a significant impact from day one, this is the role for you.

Salary: £23,495

Dynamic (Hybrid) Working: 2 days per week on-site due to workload classification

Security Clearance: British Citizen or a Dual UK national with British citizenship. Restrictions related to nationality and/or rights to work may apply. After offer stage, successful candidates will need to undergo HMG Basic Personnel Security Standard checks (BPSS), managed by the MBDA Personnel Security Team.

Closing date: Midnight on 5 January 2026 (subject to application volumes)

The opportunity

In this role you'll work closely with the international Data Strategy & Data Transformation team to support the implementation of data practices throughout the business and help develop good governance and management of data and data projects within MBDA. As an Undergraduate, you'll experience 1 year of tasks that provide a broad understanding of data within the international environment, assist your learning of the business functional areas and develop key change management skills to contribute to the delivery of the international data strategy. This role is ideal for those looking to work on a wide variety of data-related tasks on a daily basis. With support and mentorship from a skilled data team, we will provide practical training to develop your skills in:

• Understanding data strategy and business application of data practices and projects
• Presenting and communicating in different forums
• Helping you build and maintain relationships within the business and with external partners
• Analysing business challenges and positively influencing business decisions

The Data Strategy & Data Transformation team sits within our Transformation and Improvement team at MBDA. This is made up of major projects helping the international business achieve operational excellence and prepare for the future.

What we're looking for from you

Working towards a degree in Business Computing, Information Technology, Information Systems, Computer Science, Statistics or Business & Management Studies.

What we offer

1 year placement: starting September 2026, applying university learning to real-world projects and technologies

Company bonus: 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

Facilities: Fantastic site facilities including subsidised meals, free car parking and much more

Additional information

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 towards a common goal, defending our freedom. We recognise that everyone is unique and 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.