Electronic Manufacturing Test Engineer - Undergraduate Placement 2026

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

Job summary

A leading defense organization is seeking an Electronic Manufacturing Test Engineer for a one-year undergraduate placement starting in September 2026. This role involves testing products and diagnosing issues, providing hands-on experience in a supportive team environment. Candidates should be studying an Engineering or related degree. The position is primarily on-site with flexible remote working options available. Competitive salary of £23,495 and various employee benefits offered.

Benefits

Company bonus based on performance

Pension contribution up to 14%

Paid overtime opportunities

25 days annual leave plus additional holidays

Subsidized meals and free car parking

Qualifications

• Currently studying for an Engineering degree in a relevant field.
• Strong analytical skills and problem-solving capabilities.

Responsibilities

• Assist in diagnosing and fault finding non-conforming products.
• Author instructions and specifications.
• Analyze test and production related data.
• Participate in introducing new products into Manufacturing.

Skills

Engineering knowledge

Problem-solving

Analytical skills

Education

Currently studying for an Engineering degree or related discipline

Job description

Overview

Electronic Manufacturing Test Engineer - Undergraduate Placement 2026

This is a fantastic opportunity for University Students to experience working life as an Electronic Manufacturing Test Engineer. This is an exciting time to join as we begin work on a host of challenging, but rewarding projects.

Within this role you may be responsible for testing the variety of products that we manufacture, diagnostics and investigations on offline product, continuous improvement of the manufacturing facility and supporting new products moving from design phase to production phase. We are hands on, providing final approvals on the functionality of the product before it leaves to be delivered to customers.

Salary: £23,495

Dynamic (Hybrid) Working: Where possible, we will seek to accommodate a blended approach to on-site and remote working, typically a Test Engineer will spend 90% of their time on-site, working a day every couple of weeks from home if desired, as the type of work permits.

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

Manufacturing Test Engineering is part of the Operations Directorate in MBDA. We have engineers deployed across three of our UK sites supporting the manufacturing process throughout the whole build cycle from sub-systems to the final product for launch platforms and weapon systems. We support the testing and programming of systems, from circuit cards through to missiles; working with varied technologies including, but not limited to, electronics, mechatronics, optics and RF.

Within Manufacturing Test Engineering you'll be working within a team of Engineers who have varied experiences and expertise, who work together to support a set of equipment. You'll have the opportunity to learn from these Engineers throughout your scheme as you participate in two, five month placements.

Test Engineers work closely with several collaborative functions such as Product Design, Test Equipment Design, Manufacturing Engineering and Quality Assurance to support our key customer, Manufacturing Operations.

Daily activities for a Test Engineer vary from working hands on with the product on the shop floor and in the lab, to working in the office on technical documentation and drawings. Your regular activities could include:

• Assisting in diagnosing and fault finding non-conforming products or equipment
• Authoring instructions and/or specifications
• Drafting and publishing drawing packs
• Analysing test and production related data
• Assisting in introducing new products and equipment into Manufacturing
• Process improvements

What we're looking for from you

Currently studying for an Engineering degree (incl. General, Mechanical, Manufacturing/Production, Aeronautical/Aerospace, Civil, Electrical/Electronic and Software) or Physics, Astronomy, Mathematics, Computing or Applied Science Degree discipline

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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