Guidance, Control and Navigation Engineer - Undergraduate Placement 2026

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

Job summary

A leading defense organization in the UK is seeking an undergraduate for a placement role in Guidance, Control and Navigation Engineering starting September 2026. The role involves designing algorithms for missile systems and collaborating with a team of engineers. Candidates should be studying towards a relevant degree and possess skills in MATLAB and mathematics. The position offers a salary of £23,495 and a hybrid working model.

Benefits

Company bonus

Pension contribution up to 14%

Overtime opportunities

25 days annual leave

Flexi leave up to 15 days

Subsidised meals and free parking

Qualifications

• Currently studying towards a degree in Physics, Mathematical Sciences, Engineering or Computing.

Responsibilities

• Design and tune autopilot algorithms for stable flight dynamics.
• Estimate missile state using various sensors.
• Design weapon-system algorithms to track threats.

Skills

Physics

Mathematical Sciences

Engineering

Computing

Education

Undergraduate degree

Tools

MATLAB

SIMULINK

Job description

Overview

Guidance, Control and Navigation Engineer - Undergraduate Placement 2026

The algorithms we design in Guidance, Control and Navigation (GCN) 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.

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: 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

We host 4 areas of expertise:

• 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.

Get involved with

• 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.

What we're looking for from you

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

Our company

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.