Job Details Mechanical Engineer - Undergraduate Placement 2026 R29134

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

Job summary

A leading defense organization in Stevenage seeks candidates for a Mechanical Engineering placement starting September 2026. The role involves hands-on experience in design, analysis, and materials science across multiple areas in Mechanical Engineering. Successful candidates will work 3 to 4 days on-site and receive a salary of £23,495 along with benefits including a company bonus, pension contributions, and annual leave. Applicants must be studying a relevant degree and eligible for security clearance.

Benefits

Company bonus based on performance

Pension contributions up to 14%

Flexible leave options

Subsidized meals

Free car parking

Qualifications

• Studying for a relevant degree in Mechanical Engineering or similar fields.
• Willing to learn and participate in practical engineering challenges.

Responsibilities

• Engage in various Mechanical Engineering projects.
• Conduct laboratory tests and research.
• Collaborate within multi-disciplinary teams.

Skills

Mechanical Design

Finite Element Analysis (FEA)

Materials Science

Education

Working towards a degree in Mechanical Engineering or Aeronautical Engineering

Job description

Overview

THE OPPORTUNITY The Mechanical Engineering department develops physical solutions from concept through development and certification to production on missiles and weapon systems. The nature of complex weapons and the environments they operate in present an extensive scope of unique and interesting mechanical engineering challenges. With hands-on work experience from all placements - interaction with hardware is highly encouraged to help further understanding of our products. This could mean use of rapid prototyping facilities, getting involved in external manufacture or participating in assembly builds and laboratory tests. You'll learn from our engineer's knowledge in complex weapons and Defence technology across all departments. During your placement, you'll get the opportunity to work in different areas of Mechanical Engineering in two 5 months placements. You could experience placements in some of the following areas:

• Mechanical Design - Be involved in all stages of design from concept development through to manufacture. This role relies on CAD tools and gives opportunity to be involved in laboratory test programs.
• Mechanical Future Concepts - Positioned at the cutting-edge of missile technology, gain experience in the early stages of the product lifecycle from concept generation to research & development (R&D) studies.
• Mechanical Analysis - Develop specialist technical solutions to aid the design process. With Finite Element Analysis (FEA) tools and laboratory testing, conduct detailed stress and thermal analysis on structures and mechanical systems.
• Actuation Systems - Working within a multi-disciplinary team on the electro-mechanical design of fin, wing and seeker actuation systems. The role is broadly similar to the Mechanical Design placement with the added possibility of working in a cross-discipline, international team.
• Materials and Processes - Advise design teams in the principles of materials science, and evaluate their ideas against material compatibility; this offers the chance to get involved in top-tier research of novel materials as well as practical lab based assessments.

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.

We offer: 1 year placement starting September 2026, company bonus based on company performance, pension up to 14% combined contributions, opportunity for paid overtime, annual leave 25 days plus option to purchase extra holiday, flexi leave up to 15 days, and facilities including subsidised meals and free car parking.

Requirements and Eligibility

Working towards a degree in Mechanical Engineering, Aeronautical Engineering or a comparable subject.

Salary: £23,495 Dynamic | Hybrid Working: 3 to 4 days per week on-site due to workload classification.

Security Clearance: British Citizen or a Dual UK national with British citizenship. 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.

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. 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.