Future Systems Engineer - Undergraduate Placement 2026

MBDA UK Ltd; Stevenage; Hybrid; GBP 24,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading defence organisation is looking for an undergraduate Future Systems Engineer to support projects and develop crucial skills in military systems. This placement combines academic learning with real-world application, allowing you to contribute to defence contracts and projects. Ideal candidates are studying relevant degrees such as Maths or Engineering. The role includes developing visuals, supporting assessments, and project management. Salary is £23,495 with dynamic hybrid working arrangements.

Benefits

Company bonus based on performance

Maximum pension contribution of up to 14%

Opportunity for paid overtime

25 days annual leave plus flexibility

Fantastic site facilities including subsidised meals

Qualifications

• Currently studying a degree in Maths, Physics, Astronomy, Engineering, or related field.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills.
• Ability to work collaboratively in a team environment.

Responsibilities

• Support various activities in Future Systems projects.
• Develop visualisations and tools for concept evaluation.
• Assist in project planning and management.

Skills

Teamwork

Problem-solving

Analysis

Project management

Education

Currently studying towards a degree in relevant discipline

Job description

Future Systems Engineer - Undergraduate Placement 2026

Future Systems develops concepts and systems that meet our Customer's future military capability needs.

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: Midnight on 5 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

Future Systems in MBDA manage programmes throughout the Concept and Assessment phases of the product lifecycle, and achieve a smooth transition into the Programme Directorate. We also create and develop opportunities to acquire contracts for advanced concept studies and research and technology activities.

As a result, as an undergraduate in Future Systems you'll operate as cross-functional support across the wider department. This will enable undergraduates to work on business related functions critical to current activities. The team supports a diverse set of activities, working for both internal MBDA customers and external defence related contracts. Activities can include;

• Generation and development of visualisations for the Future Systems Concepts
• Collation and maturation of concepts
• Support in the development of tools for assessment of concepts
• Supporting generation of Review material
• Attendance of multi- functional reviews
• Project management, planning skills and stakeholder management

We will provide guidance and mentorship to develop an understanding of weapon systems in operational use, gaining a broad understanding of missile systems and learning about our industry, as well as developing your problem solving and analysis skills and written and verbal communication.

What we're looking for from you

Currently studying towards a degree in a Maths, Physics, Astronomy, Systems or Software Engineering, Computational Studies, Operational Research, Economics, Statistics 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.

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

#LI-CB1