Electronic Manufacturing Test Engineer - Undergraduate Placement 2026

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

Job summary

A leading defense organization is offering a 1-year undergraduate placement as an Electronic Manufacturing Test Engineer. Candidates will engage in testing products, problem-solving on the shop floor, and creating technical documentation. This role blends on-site and remote work, accommodating around 10% remote time. Ideal for engineering students eager to apply their academic knowledge to practical challenges.

Benefits

Company bonus based on performance

Pension contributions up to 14%

25 days annual leave plus options

Qualifications

• Currently studying for an Engineering degree or relevant scientific degree.
• Capable of diagnosing and fault finding in electronic products.

Responsibilities

• Conduct hands-on testing and troubleshooting of products.
• Author documentation and specifications.
• Analyze production-related data and assist with process improvements.

Skills

Analytical skills

Problem-solving

Communication

Education

Engineering degree or relevant discipline

Job description

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.

Responsibilities

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

Qualifications

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

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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