Guidance, Control and Navigation Engineer - Undergraduate Placement 2026

MBDA S.A.S.; Bath; Hybrid; GBP 24,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading defense organization in the UK is looking for a Guidance, Control and Navigation Engineer for an undergraduate placement starting in September 2026. This opportunity allows students to apply their learning in real-world projects while working on complex missile and weapon systems. The role offers involvement in all phases of product life cycle and extensive collaboration with international teams, along with mentorship to develop key engineering skills. A competitive salary of £23,495 is offered along with various employee benefits.

Benefits

Company bonus based on performance

Healthcare Cash Plan

Pension contributions up to 14%

Flexi Leave up to 15 days

Subsidised meals and free parking

Qualifications

• Undergraduate status in relevant discipline required.
• Ability to work in a team and on complex systems is essential.
• Understanding of algorithms as applied to navigation and control systems.

Responsibilities

• Participate in developing algorithms for missile guidance and control.
• Collaborate with various departments to enhance missile system knowledge.
• Utilize MATLAB/SIMULINK for modelling and simulations.

Skills

Coding and modelling

Mathematics

Flight dynamics

Control theory

Education

Current undergraduate studying Physics, Mathematical Sciences, Engineering or Computing

Tools

MATLAB

SIMULINK

Job description

Guidance, Control and Navigation Engineer - Undergraduate Placement 2026

Guidance, Control and Navigation (GCN) algorithms lie at the heart of all of the highly complex MBDA missile and weapon systems. We're involved in every phase of the product's life cycle, from concept through to service.

• Guidance - figuring out a suitable trajectory, providing an effective route to target interception and improving the probability of defeating the target
• Control - designing and tuning autopilot algorithms, for various control surfaces, to maintain stable flight dynamics and achieve the guidance demands
• Navigation - estimating the current missile state (position, velocity and altitude/orientation) using measurements from a range of on-board sensors
• Command and Control (C2) - designing weapon-system level algorithms to track and evaluate incoming threats, plan engagements, and provide additional mission context to the operator

You'll join a supportive and experienced team of engineers who will encourage and help you to develop skills including coding and modelling, mathematics, flight dynamics and control theory, utilising tools such as MATLAB/SIMULINK daily. Work alongside other departments to increase your knowledge on the complexities of a missile, including propulsion, aerodynamics, seekers, sensors and actuators. Broaden your technical knowledge of the design and function of a complex weapon system. Have visibility of a wide range of work, from researching and developing futuristic technologies through to being on the design team for current high-profile projects. Experience work within one of the many international teams in MBDA, with the GCN function in Paris and Rome! This doesn't always equate to travel but you may be offered the option where the opportunity arises.

• Integrated navigation, such as 'Terrain Reference Navigation', 'GPS integration', and 'Image Based Navigation'
• Autopilot and control system design and analysis, including dual-mode control, thrust vector control, etc.
• Algorithms for mid-course guidance, terminal guidance, target tracking and selectivity
• Data fusion to combine data from multiple sensors. For example, radars, seekers, IMUs, etc.
• Implementing AI techniques including neural networks and deep learning to improve traditional GCN algorithms and solve new challenges
• Designing autonomous decision-making systems for use in complex collective missions.

Qualification requirements

Current undergraduate studying towards a degree in Physics, Mathematical Sciences, Engineering or Computing discipline.

About MBDA

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.

Salary: £23,495 Dynamic (Hybrid)

Working: 5 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
• Healthcare Cash Plan: provides support with everyday health related costs - including medical, dental, optical, physio and health & wellbeing
• 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...