Job Details Propulsion Engineer - Graduate Programme 2026 R30154

MBDA S.A.S.; Bristol; Hybrid; GBP 31,000 - 37,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading defence organization in Bristol is seeking a Graduate Propulsion Engineer to join their team. This exciting two-year program involves four six-month placements to gain experience in propulsion engineering while collaborating with industry leaders. The role offers an annual salary of £31,500 with an additional £3,000 joining bonus, alongside extensive benefits including hybrid working. Ideal candidates will hold a relevant degree and must have British citizenship.

Benefits

£3,000 joining bonus

25 days annual leave plus purchase options

Pension and health-related schemes

Access to learning and development resources

Qualifications

• Minimum of a 2:2 degree qualification in a relevant field.
• Experience or understanding of propulsion systems is beneficial.

Responsibilities

• Contribute to engineering projects across the full product lifecycle.
• Collaborate with suppliers and teams to deliver solutions.
• Apply modelling techniques to evaluate performance integrations.

Skills

Team collaboration

Modelling techniques

Problem-solving

Education

Degree in Aerospace/Aeronautical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, or related field

Job description

Overview

Becoming a graduate propulsion engineer offers you the opportunity to develop the skills and expertise needed to design and evaluate the propulsion systems that power MBDA's advanced missile systems, including solid rockets, ramjets, and gas turbines. The Propulsion Department supports projects across the full product lifecycle—from concept through in-service support. You will work with leading UK and international propulsion suppliers, contribute to a wide portfolio of projects, and join a collaborative team of engineers, scientists and specialists focused on advancing propulsion technology. You will be mentored by experienced experts, learn cutting-edge modelling techniques, and gain hands-on exposure to real-world engineering challenges.

Responsibilities

• Contribute to the propulsion engineering work within MBDA’s projects across the full product lifecycle (concept to in-service support).
• Collaborate with UK and international propulsion suppliers and internal teams to deliver propulsion solutions.
• Learn and apply modelling techniques and tools to evaluate propulsion performance and integration on missiles.
• Engage in multi-disciplinary design challenges, including integration, plume, thermal, structural, and system considerations.
• Work across placements to gain breadth and depth in propulsion engineering, including potential placements outside MBDA Propulsion.

Placement Structure

• The graduate programme is structured around four 6-month placements, providing breadth and depth across propulsion engineering.
• Opportunities to spend a placement outside MBDA Propulsion with organisations such as Rolls Royce, BAE Systems, DSTL, and others to broaden experience.
• 2-year programme with salary reviews, development opportunities, and a pathway to progression within propulsion engineering.

Qualifications

• Degree qualified in Aerospace/Aeronautical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, General Engineering, Maths, Physics, Chemistry, Materials Sciences or other related subject to a minimum of 2:2.

Rewards, Working Style and Benefits

• Salary: £31,500 plus a £3,000 joining bonus.
• Dynamic (Hybrid) Working: 4 days per week on-site due to workload classification.
• Security Clearance: British Citizen or a Dual UK national with British citizenship. All successful candidates will undergo HMG Basic Personnel Security Standard checks (BPSS).
• Annual Leave: 25 days plus option to purchase extra holiday; additional leave may be available at milestones and through payroll.
• Overtime, flexi leave, and other flexible working policies may be available depending on role.
• General benefits include pension, life and health-related schemes, and access to learning and development resources.

Eligibility and Compliance

• Must be a British citizen or a dual UK national with British citizenship; BPSS checks managed by MBDA Personnel Security Team.

Notes

MBDA is a leading defence organisation. We are committed to diversity and inclusion and offer employee networks and family-friendly policies, including enhanced parental leave where applicable.