Electro-Optic Seekers & Systems Engineer - Undergraduate Placement 2026

MBDA Missile Systems; Bristol; Hybrid; GBP 24,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading defense organization in the United Kingdom is seeking an Undergraduate Placement for an Electro-Optic Seekers & Systems Engineer role starting in 2026. The position offers a unique opportunity to innovate in sensing and imaging technology, contributing to projects that support our Armed Forces. Ideal candidates are pursuing a degree in relevant fields and possess a strong interest in electro-optic systems. The role includes a hybrid working model and various employee benefits.

Benefits

Company bonus based on performance

Pension with up to 14% contribution

Paid overtime opportunities

25 days of annual leave

Subsidised meals and free car parking

Qualifications

• Working towards a relevant degree.
• Keen to apply knowledge in engineering.
• Interest in electro-optic technologies.

Responsibilities

• Join teams working on diverse engineering projects.
• Engage in each phase of the product lifecycle.
• Work collaboratively to innovate and design systems.

Skills

Interest in electro-optic systems

Problem-solving abilities

Education

Degree in Physics, Engineering, Electronics, Computing or Applied Science

Job description

Electro-Optic Seekers & Systems Engineer - Undergraduate Placement 2026

Would you like to utilise your degree to push the cutting edge of sensing and imaging technology? This opportunity within the Electro-Optics Seekers and Sensors department at MBDA will allow you to innovate within a supportive team, at a company that invests in its people and supports our Armed Forces.

Salary: £23,495

Dynamic (Hybrid) Working: 2-3 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 FOR THIS ROLE IS MIDNIGHT ON 5TH JANUARY 2026 (SUBJECT TO APPLICATION VOLUMES)

What we can offer you

• 1 year placement: starting September 2026, that allows you to apply your 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...

The opportunity

Our Electro-Optic (EO) Seekers & Sensors department provides expertise and support into all projects within MBDA involving EO technologies, as well as investing in research and development of innovative technologies which will shape the future of our products. We work on projects that cover the whole product lifecycle from concept and assessment through to full product design, testing and production. This role presents an exciting opportunity to experience all of these areas through a range of systems design, computational modelling, lab testing and field trials within a diverse team of engineers.

Some of the EO technologies we specialise in include:

• Infra-Red (IR) Seekers & Sensors
• Optics
• Computational Imaging
• Lasers & Directed Energy Weapons

Across the department we have a variety of different teams to get involved in, who work together to deliver our overall functional capability. We all interact regularly through team meetings, events and socials to continue to grow as a department. We also collaborate closely with the technical community across MBDA and the wider defence industry. Within our department you will be able to undertake work with the following teams:

• Systems Engineering - Support major MBDA programmes by designing and certifying EO products
• Technologies - Innovate and develop cutting edge technologies alongside experts in the field
• Modelling and Tools - Generate models for EO systems and use these to predict performance
• Scene Generation - Create synthetic IR imagery for these models to test different scenarios
• Trials - Assess real EO systems through lab testing and field trials

You will have the opportunity to work across all these different areas to discover your passion in engineering and develop the skills and knowledge needed to excel in your career within EO Seekers & Systems.

What we're looking for from you

Working towards a degree in a Physics, Engineering, Electronics, Computing or any Applied Science discipline.

We are looking for candidates with an interest in electro-optic systems and technologies, who are keen to apply their knowledge and skills to challenge themselves, the team and our technical capability.

At MBDA, we recognise the power of equity, diversity and inclusion and celebrate how it enriches our business and our community. All candidates that apply must serve as a role model of MBDA's behaviours and values.

Our company: 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.

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