Hardware in the Loop Engineer - Graduate Programme 2026

MBDA; Stevenage; Hybrid; GBP 31,000 - 37,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading defence organization is seeking a Hardware-In-the-Loop Engineer for their Graduate Programme 2026 in Stevenage. This position offers hands-on experience in missile hardware testing and development, with responsibilities including integration of complex systems and software development. The program includes salary reviews, bonuses, and excellent career growth opportunities.

Benefits

Salary reviews throughout the Programme

Company bonus up to £2,500

Pension contributions up to 14%

Annual Leave: 25 days plus options

Excellent career progression opportunities

Qualifications

• Degree qualified in an Engineering or related discipline to a minimum of 2:2.
• Basic experience of MATLAB/Simulink or software development desirable.

Responsibilities

• Integrate complex hardware subsystems to optimize missile performance.
• Develop test software and data analysis scripts.
• Design bespoke equipment for testing.

Skills

Basic software development

Problem-solving

MATLAB

C++

Education

Degree in Engineering, Physics, Mathematics, or related discipline

Tools

MATLAB

Simulink

Linux

Job description

Hardware-In-the-Loop Engineer – Graduate Programme 2026

Hardware-in-the-Loop (HWIL) is a sophisticated testing technique that integrates real hardware components with simulated environments. We focus on bringing confidence to MBDA that their missile systems will perform at their maximum capability through novel testing methods.

Salary and Working

Salary: £31,500 plus a £3,000 joining bonus.

Dynamic (Hybrid) Working: 4‑5 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. 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.

Application Deadline

Closes at midnight on 3rd November 2025.

What we can offer you

• 2‑year Programme: starting September 2026
• Salary reviews throughout the Programme
• Company bonus: up to £2,500 (based on company performance and will vary year to year)
• Pension: maximum total (employer and employee) contribution of up to 14%
• Opportunity for paid overtime
• Annual Leave: 25 days plus option to purchase extra holiday
• Flexi Leave: up to 15 additional days
• Excellent career progression and development opportunities
• Fantastic site facilities including subsidised meals, free car parking and much more

The opportunity

The HWIL department is a unique facility that integrates complex missile subsystems, simulates their dynamic flight to optimise missile performance prior to operational firing trials.

In the labs there are Electro‑optical, LASER and Radio Frequency devices, anechoic chambers and multiple axis hydraulic motion tables. The small, but versatile, team has a mixture of technical expertise that enables them to design and develop the electronics equipment needed for the labs; design the experiments; create custom software and hardware simulations; and to analyse and deliver results to support missile development and evaluation.

In HWIL there are a vast number of opportunities to get hands‑on, and as a graduate you will be involved in testing missile hardware sub‑systems (Seeker, Inertial Measurement Unit and Missile Computer), developing and integrating HWIL simulations and using the HWIL facility Infra‑red, Radio‑Frequency and Flight Motion Simulators.

HWIL supports and develops a broad range of skills, and is suitable for graduates from a wide range of engineering and problem‑solving backgrounds.

You will have the opportunity to develop many different engineering skills including integration of complex equipment; designing bespoke equipment; problem solving to create, set up and action test procedures. You will also work on a selection of the following:

• Complex function integration.
• Developing test software, data analysis scripts and control systems (C++, MATLAB, CAD, Linux).
• Learning communication protocols (e.g. RS422, Ethernet, MODBUS, 1553).
• Electronic design and Mechanical design.
• Workshop skills (design and build of lab equipment and cables using pillar drills, hand tools, soldering etc).
• Technical report writing to support trials reviews.

What we're looking for from you

• Degree qualified in an Engineering (incl. Aeronautical/Aerospace, Electronic/Electrical and Mechanical), Physics, Mathematics, Artificial Intelligence, Computing, Control Theory, Systems discipline to a minimum of 2:2.
• Basic experience of MATLAB / Simulink or software development desirable.

MBDA is a leading defence organisation. We partner with governments to work together towards a common goal, defending our freedom. 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.