Job Details Radio Frequency Systems Engineer - Summer Placement 2026 R29646

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

Job summary

A leading defence organisation in Bristol is seeking a Radio Frequency Systems Engineer for a 10-week placement, starting in June 2026. This role involves working on missile communication systems, engaging in requirements engineering, system design, and performance modelling. The ideal candidate is pursuing a degree in a STEM subject and has an interest in RF technologies. The position offers competitive salary and opportunities for personal development in a collaborative environment.

Benefits

Subsidised meals

Free car parking

Financial support for further study

Qualifications

• Pursuing a degree in a related STEM field.
• Interest in RF technologies.

Responsibilities

• Conduct requirements engineering for missile communication systems.
• Design and model performance for RF systems.
• Engage in product testing and verification.

Skills

Requirements engineering

System design

Performance modelling

Product testing

Interest in RF technologies

Education

Working towards a degree in any STEM subject

Job description

Overview

The opportunity You'll be working with cutting edge Radio Frequency (RF) based missile communication systems. The Data Link Systems department is responsible for the performance of the RF communications links between our missiles and the platforms they are launched from, whether air, sea or land. Robust data links are vital to MBDA's customers as they are a key part of ensuring mission success. As a Radio Frequency Systems Engineer in our team, you'll have the opportunity to work on a variety of products, each presenting different technical challenges. We cover the whole product life cycle, from Research and Development in communication technologies, system concepting and design through to product test and verification where our communications systems are proven to work reliably in the most demanding of environments.

You'll have the opportunity to be involved in a broad range of technical work, including:

• Requirements engineering
• System design
• Performance modelling
• Product testing
• Researching novel techniques for next generation communication systems
• Electronic warfare
• Missile survivability through stealth and electromagnetic modelling
• Digital Signal Processing
• Waveform design
• Message protocols using the OSI model
• Software defined radio

You'll be part of a team of committed and collaborative individuals, where team events and socials help to build stronger relationships. Our approachable team are on hand to offer support to help you get the most out of your role - collaboration and innovation are not just buzz words here! Because of the nature of the work we do, you'll also get to work with other departments across the wider technical community, as well as external customers and suppliers.

Benefits and Development

• 10 week placement: starting June 2026, that allows you to apply your university learning to real-world projects and technologies
• Pension: maximum total (employer and employee) contribution of up to 14%
• Overtime: opportunity for paid overtime
• Annual Leave: 5 days
• Facilities: Fantastic site facilities including subsidised meals, free car parking and much more…
• Excellent opportunities for personal development
• Access to a vast array of training and opportunities to learn directly from experts in the field
• Ability to apply technical knowledge to influence the direction of technologies and projects
• Experience products at different phases of the product lifecycle
• Diverse range of roles available creating varied and stimulating work
• Online learning platforms available: Percipio, YouLearn, Career Builder and Video Gateway
• Up to £150 in financial support per year for further study

Speaking to your line manager to find out more about training options is encouraged. You will 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.

Qualifications

• Working towards a degree in any STEM subject
• Interest in RF technologies

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.

At MBDA, we are continuing to grow our world leading missile data link capability. We have a number of exciting opportunities within our Data Link Systems organisation working from research, through the early concept phase, to full product design and production programmes.

Salary: £23,495 pro-rated

Dynamic (Hybrid) Working: 2-3 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.