Guidance, Control and Navigation Engineer - Undergraduate Placement 2026

MBDA S.A.S.; Bristol; On-site; GBP 23,000 - 41,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading defence organization in the United Kingdom is looking for a Guidance, Control and Navigation Engineer for an Undergraduate Placement in 2026. You will be part of a supportive team, developing skills in control theory, flight dynamics, and coding with tools like MATLAB/SIMULINK. Key responsibilities include designing autopilot algorithms and implementing AI techniques for missile guidance. The role offers a competitive salary and various benefits including overtime and healthcare support.

Benefits

Company bonus based on performance

Pension contribution up to 14%

Paid overtime opportunity

Healthcare Cash Plan

25 days annual leave plus extra option

Flexi Leave up to 15 days

Subsidised meals and free parking

Qualifications

• Studying towards a degree in relevant discipline.
• Familiarity with algorithms for missile guidance.
• Understanding of data fusion techniques.

Responsibilities

• Design and tune autopilot algorithms for stable flight.
• Estimate missile state using on-board sensors.
• Implement AI techniques for GCN algorithms.

Skills

Coding and modelling

Mathematics

Flight dynamics

Control theory

AI techniques

Education

Current undergraduate studying Physics

Mathematical Sciences

Engineering

Computing

Tools

MATLAB/SIMULINK

Job description

Guidance, Control and Navigation Engineer - Undergraduate Placement 2026

£40,786 per year - estimated. Full time.

Role Overview

You will 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.

Responsibilities

• 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.
• 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 (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.

Qualifications

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

Benefits and Conditions

• 1 year placement: starting September 2026.
• 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: support with everyday health related costs – medical, dental, optical, physio and well‑being.
• Annual Leave: 25 days plus the 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.
• 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.
• All successful candidates will need to undergo HMG Basic Personnel Security Standard checks (BPSS).

Contact & Equal Opportunity

MBDA is a leading defence organisation that supports the Armed Forces. We partner with governments to defend our freedom. We are proud of our employee‑led networks and encourage you to speak to us for any adjustments throughout the recruitment process. For more information, visit our MBDA Careers website.