Human Factors Engineer - Undergraduate Placement 2026

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

Job summary

A leading defence organisation in Watford offers a placement for students pursuing a degree in related fields. The role involves applying human-centred design principles to complex systems, conducting user experimentation, and supporting the development of technology like VR and AI. Candidates will gain hands-on experience while balancing remote and onsite work, with a salary of £23,495 per annum. The opportunity is ideal for those looking to bridge academic learning with real-world applications.

Benefits

Company bonus

Pension contributions

Paid overtime

Annual leave plus option for extra

Flexi leave

Subsidised meals

Free car parking

Qualifications

• Currently working towards a relevant degree.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills.
• Ability to conduct effective research.

Responsibilities

• Take a Human Centred Design approach in system development.
• Support User Experimentation with military users.
• Conduct research tasks providing recommendations.
• Perform workspace assessments and modeling tasks.
• Design Human Machine Interface concepts.
• Support technology development like VR and AI.
• Write reports and create presentations.

Skills

Human Centred Design

Research skills

Prototyping

Communication

Education

Degree in Psychology, Engineering, User Centred Design, or related field

Job description

Benefits

• 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…

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. It 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.

Responsibilities

• 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

Qualifications / Study Background

• 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

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.

Employee Networks

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 & Working Arrangements

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.