Job Details Mechanical Architect Engineer (Mechanical) - Undergraduate Placement 2026 R29185

MBDA S.A.S.; Stevenage; Hybrid; GBP 23,000 - 28,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading defence organisation in Stevenage is seeking a Mechanical Architect for their undergraduate scheme. The role involves engaging with missile design processes and supporting the development and validation of defence products. Candidates must be pursuing a relevant engineering degree and are expected to manage project-related tasks effectively. This position offers a starting salary of £23,495 along with diverse benefits including a company bonus and flexible working options.

Benefits

Company bonus based on performance

Subsidised meals

Paid overtime

Learning and development funding

Qualifications

• Working towards a degree in relevant engineering fields.
• Ability to manage equipment design processes and participate in trials.
• Must be a British Citizen or dual UK national.

Responsibilities

• Establish top-level missile design and verification strategy.
• Support trials and procurements for missile components.
• Manage supplier hardware delivery within project timelines.

Skills

Project management

Risk analysis

Requirements generation

Education

Degree in Aeronautical/Aerospace Engineering

Degree in Mechanical Engineering

Degree in Production/Manufacturing Engineering

Job description

Overview

The Opportunity To join MBDA's undergraduate scheme within our Mechanical Missile Architecture Department. Mechanical Missile Architects work between customer requirements and the product development process to establish a coherent top-level missile design, develop and deliver the missile's verification and validation strategy, and deliver and support a product our customers are satisfied with.

Mechanical Architects are deployed in each of our missile product teams which include products across all stages of the missile lifecycle. They draw upon inputs from stakeholders across the business and perform various technical and project management tasks. Depending on the product lifecycle stage and specific project needs, mechanical architects will manage the equipment design process, perform risk analysis, supplier down select and performance trade studies, develop and manage equipment verification and validation process by generating requirements, design verification strategies, supporting trials and procurement specialists etc., and manage the on-quality, on-schedule and on-cost delivery of supplier hardware using project management skills and toolsets. They work with a wide range of technical functions and provide input towards project delivery across the business. During the scheme you will have the opportunity to learn how to manage elements of missile equipment design process, gain a practical understanding of the verification and validation lifecycle of defence products, assist with trials and testing of components and missiles during the development phase, and support certification, manufacture and delivery of hardware.

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.

Salary: £23,495

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…

Requirements / Qualifications

• Working towards a degree in Aeronautical/Aerospace Engineering, Mechanical Engineering or Production/Manufacturing Engineering
• Dynamic (Hybrid) Working: 3-4 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. 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.

Notes

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.