Job Details Hardware in the Loop Engineer - Graduate Programme 2026 Intake R29178

MBDA S.A.S.; Stevenage; Hybrid; GBP 31,000 - 38,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading aerospace and defense company in the UK is seeking a graduate to join their Hardware-in-the-Loop team. This role offers opportunities to develop engineering skills, work on integration of complex missile systems, and create bespoke testing equipment. Candidates should have a degree in Engineering or related fields and a desire to learn software development in C++ and MATLAB. Benefits include competitive salary, hybrid working, and excellent career progression.

Benefits

Dynamic working environment

£3,000 joining bonus

Up to £2,500 company bonus

Pension contribution up to 14%

Paid overtime opportunities

25 days annual leave plus flexi leave

Subsidised meals and free parking

Healthcare plans and well-being programs

Qualifications

• Degree qualified in Engineering, Physics or related field with a minimum of 2:2.
• Basic experience in MATLAB/Simulink or software development is desirable.

Responsibilities

• Develop engineering skills through integration and design of complex equipment.
• Create test software, data analysis scripts and control systems.
• Learn communication protocols such as RS422 and Ethernet.
• Perform electronic and mechanical design.

Skills

Integration of complex equipment

Electronic design

Mechanical design

Software development (C++, MATLAB)

Problem solving

Education

Degree in Engineering, Physics, Mathematics, Computing

Tools

MATLAB/Simulink

Linux

Job description

Overview

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. 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-optic (EO), LASER and Radio Frequency (RF) devices, anechoic chambers and multiple axis hydraulic motion tables. The small, but versatile, team have 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. HWIL supports and develops a broad range of skills, and is suitable for graduates from a wide range of engineering and problem solving backgrounds.

Responsibilities

• 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.
• 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.

Qualifications

• 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.

Rewards and Benefits

• Salary: £31,500 plus a £3,000 joining bonus.
• Dynamic (Hybrid) Working: 4-5 days per week on-site; security clearance: British Citizen or a dual UK national with British citizenship. BPSS checks required.
• 2 year Programme with salary reviews and a company bonus up to £2,500 (based on company performance).
• Pension: up to 14% total employer/employee contribution.
• Overtime: Opportunity for paid overtime.
• Annual Leave: 25 days plus option to purchase extra holiday; up to 15 flexi leave days.
• Excellent career progression and development opportunities.
• On-site facilities and lifestyle benefits (subsidised meals, free parking, gym membership options, and various discounts and schemes).
• Enhanced family leave provisions for maternity, adoption, shared parental, paternity, neonatal leave and related supports.
• Learning and development: access to online platforms and funded training; ability to participate in management training if interested.
• Additional benefits: Shares via Share Incentive Plan, Mortgage advice, Healthcare plans, and other well-being programs.