Job Details Test and Testability Architecture - Undergraduate Placement 2026 R29183

MBDA S.A.S.; Stevenage; Hybrid; GBP 80,000 - 100,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading defense organization in the UK is offering a dynamic opportunity for students pursuing an Engineering degree to join as a Missile Architect. This position offers a hybrid work model with 3-4 days on-site, hands-on experience with missile testing and design, and opportunities for learning and development. Ideal candidates will have strong collaboration skills and a foundation in engineering principles.

Benefits

Company bonus based on performance

Pension contributions up to 14%

Paid overtime opportunities

25 days annual leave plus additional options

Fantastic site facilities including subsidised meals

Qualifications

• Understanding of missile production testing and built-in test design.
• Knowledge of electrical and electronic systems.
• Ability to collaborate with various engineering disciplines.

Responsibilities

• Participate in missile test equipment specification and design.
• Work on allocated projects at different lifecycle stages.
• Collaborate with the manufacturing team on testing routines.

Skills

Dynamic working environment

Collaboration

Engineering principles

Education

Working towards a degree in Engineering

Job description

Overview

MBDA develop some of the world's highest performing weapon systems; but how do we ensure our products can be tested to ensure they are safe and fit for purpose? This is the challenge that Test and Testability Architecture are responsible for.

What we offer

• 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…

The opportunity

Missile Architects in MBDA are deployed across all of the project teams. They draw upon a range of inputs from around the company to drive a coherent top-level design for our missiles. Typically the team consists of electrical, test, safety and reliability, and mechanical engineers. Test Architects work with a wide range of technical functions and provides direct input towards project delivery across the business. Within the role you'll be working on allocated projects, which could be at any stage of its lifecycle! The role comes with the experience of working with various people and departments within MBDA to achieve successful delivery of your project. During the programme you'll get the opportunity to collaborate and learn from the Test Architecture department on a broad range of topics touching all aspects of the missile including:

• Production testing of electronics including specifying the testing and managing test coverage vs cost trade-offs. Working with the manufacturing team to implement a safe and effective test routine
• Missile Built in Test design and coverage analysis, ensuring the Missile is able to test itself effectively
• Missile Test Equipment specification, design and delivery

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.

Learning and development

• Working towards a degree in an Engineering discipline (preferably Electrical/Electronic, Systems or similar).
• 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.

Requirements

• Salary: £23,495
• 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.