Human Factors Engineer - Undergraduate Placement 2026

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

Job summary

A leading defence organisation in the UK is offering a Human Factors Engineer placement for 2026. You will apply User Centred Design principles and conduct research to enhance the interaction of military personnel with complex systems. This dynamic role includes working both onsite and remotely, supporting design and testing efforts. The position offers competitive salary, opportunities for paid overtime, ample annual leave, and a chance to develop practical skills in real-world projects.

Benefits

Company bonus

Pension contribution up to 14%

Paid overtime

25 days annual leave plus options for extra holiday

Flexi Leave up to 15 additional days

Subsidised meals and free parking

Qualifications

• Pursuing a relevant degree with a focus on human factors and design.
• Strong interpersonal skills for collaboration with military users.
• Ability to conduct research and analyze data.

Responsibilities

• Take a Human Centred Design approach to develop complex systems.
• Support User Experimentation and trials with military users.
• Conduct workspace assessments and anthropometric modelling tasks.
• Design and prototype Human Computer Interface concepts.

Skills

User Centred Design

Ergonomics/Human Factors

Cognitive Science

Education

Working towards a degree in Psychology, Engineering, User Centred Design or related fields

Job description

Human Factors Engineer - Undergraduate Placement 2026

The future represents an increasingly dynamic, complex and challenging environment for our military operators. As a Human Factors Engineer, you will apply User Centred Design and Human Factors Integration to effectively identify and resolve human related risks, issues and opportunities, throughout the product lifecycle. The aim of the Human Factors Team is to improve the efficiency and effectiveness of our products as well as the health, safety, and comfort of our operators.

Salary: £23,495 (pro rata)

Dynamic (Hybrid) Working: 3 to 4 days per week. The team operates a flexible working model allowing you to work at home where it is possible, however the nature of the job will often require you to be onsite to access specific facilities, personnel or data.

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
• 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

The placement is an opportunity for you to develop an appreciation for how people interact with complex equipment and systems from a physical, cognitive and physiological perspective. This will involve conducting research tasks and identifying new technologies that will shape the way military personnel use their equipment in the future. There is the potential opportunity to get "hands on" with kit and work with military users.

Examples of day‑to‑day activities

• Taking a Human Centred Design approach to the development of complex systems
• Supporting the planning and conduct of User Experimentation and trials with military users on prototype through to real weapon system equipment and software
• Carrying out individual research tasks, to provide recommendations and solve problems
• Conducting workspace assessments and anthropometric modelling tasks
• Designing and prototyping Human Computer Interface / Human Machine Interface concepts
• Supporting the development and application of technologies, such as Virtual Reality and Artificial Intelligence, in future systems
• Writing reports and creating presentations on areas you've been working on

What we're looking for from you

Working towards a degree in Psychology, Engineering, User Centred Design, User Experience Design, Ergonomics/Human Factors, Product Design, Systems Engineering, Cognitive Science or Human Sciences discipline.

Our company

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.