Job Details Electro-Optic Seekers & Systems Engineer - Undergraduate Placement 2026 R28912

MBDA S.A.S.; Bristol; On-site; GBP 60,000 - 80,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading defence organization in Bristol seeks candidates for an Electro-Optics role starting in September 2026. The position encourages hands-on engineering experience, including systems design and computational modelling, with a strong focus on collaboration and ongoing development within a dedicated team. Candidates should be pursuing a relevant degree and have a passion for applying their knowledge to real-world challenges.

Benefits

Company bonus based on performance

Pension contributions up to 14%

25 days of annual leave plus extra holiday options

Paid overtime opportunities

Subsidised meals and free car parking

Qualifications

• Candidates must be working towards relevant degree.
• Keen interest in applying knowledge to technical challenges.
• Must embody MBDA's values of equity, diversity, and inclusion.

Responsibilities

• Work across various teams to contribute to EO projects.
• Engage in systems design, computational modelling, and lab testing.
• Participate in the development of innovative technologies.

Skills

Interest in electro-optic systems

Collaboration

Analytical thinking

Education

Degree in Physics, Engineering, Electronics, Computing or Applied Science

Job description

Overview

Across the department we have a variety of different teams to get involved in, who work together to deliver our overall functional capability. We all interact regularly through team meetings, events and socials to continue to grow as a department. We also collaborate closely with the technical community across MBDA and the wider defence industry.

Within our department you will be able to undertake work with the following teams:

• Systems Engineering - Support major MBDA programmes by designing and certifying EO products
• Technologies - Innovate and develop cutting edge technologies alongside experts in the field
• Modelling and Tools - Generate models for EO systems and use these to predict performance
• Scene Generation - Create synthetic IR imagery for these models to test different scenarios
• Trials - Assess real EO systems through lab testing and field trials

You will have the opportunity to work across all these different areas to discover your passion in engineering and develop the skills and knowledge needed to excel in your career within EO Seekers & Systems.

Learning and Development

You'll be able to choose between a variety of online learning platforms such as Percipio, YouLearn, Career Builder and Video Gateway. Each one is tailored to a specific type of learning. Speak to your line manager to find out more.

We encourage new learning and will provide up to £150 in financial support per year if you wish to participate in further study in your own time. You'll have access to our Learning Gateway, which hosts the formal course catalogue and is where you can select the right training for your role and future development. The catalogue displays which courses are being delivered virtually or are classroom based. If you want to lead a team, you might be interested in our management training, designed for people of all experience levels.

Requirements and Expectations

Working towards a degree in a Physics, Engineering, Electronics, Computing or any Applied Science discipline. We are looking for candidates with an interest in electro-optic systems and technologies, who are keen to apply their knowledge and skills to challenge themselves, the team and our technical capability.

At MBDA, we recognise the power of equity, diversity and inclusion and celebrate how it enriches our business and our community. All candidates that apply must serve as a role model of MBDA's behaviours and values.

Our company motto: 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 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, Benefits and Eligibility

• 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

Our Electro-Optic (EO) Seekers & Sensors department provides expertise and support into all projects within MBDA involving EO technologies, as well as investing in research and development of innovative technologies which will shape the future of our products. This role presents an exciting opportunity to experience all of these areas through a range of systems design, computational modelling, lab testing and field trials within a diverse team of engineers.

Some of the EO technologies we specialise in include:

• Infra-Red (IR) Seekers & Sensors
• Optics
• Computational Imaging
• Lasers & Directed Energy Weapons