Job Details Warhead Engineer - Graduate Programme 2026 R29441

MBDA S.A.S.; Bolton; Hybrid; GBP 29,000 - 34,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading defence organization in Bolton is seeking a graduate engineer for the Complex Warheads Centre of Excellence. You'll support warhead development from concept to production, work with skilled teams, and have opportunities to grow your knowledge in niche engineering areas. The role offers a competitive salary of £31,500 plus a £3,000 bonus and allows for a hybrid working arrangement.

Benefits

25 days paid annual leave

Dynamic working policies

Retirement savings plan

Financial wellbeing access

Learning and development opportunities

Competitive salary

Qualifications

• Degree qualified with a minimum of 2:2 in a relevant subject.
• Ability to work independently and in teams.
• Willingness to travel as required.

Responsibilities

• Support warhead development throughout the product lifecycle.
• Work closely with engineers on design definitions.
• Conduct modelling simulations and assess performance data.

Skills

Predictive modelling

Collaboration

Data analysis

Education

Degree in Engineering, Mathematical or Applied Science

Job description

Overview

The team supports Warhead development throughout the product lifecycle, from concept design and design definitions to assessment, technical specification, test equipment and maturity of concepts, through to manufacture. They also:

• Predict the lethal performance of various types of missile systems through modelling of missile terminal engagement, target detection, Warhead detonation and lethal performance prediction.
• Provide expertise in the skill areas of Warheads, energetic materials, target detection and weapon lethality.

Your time within the Warheads team will involve working closely with highly skilled engineers across the whole of the Warhead product lifecycle. You will learn how to produce detailed design definitions, carry out concept assessment using modelling simulations and analyse and assess performance data collected during trials. This is an outstanding opportunity to join a niche group of engineers with specialised expertise. The skills we utilise are not typical in academia and so joining the team presents an opportunity for you to develop knowledge in numerous aspects of Warhead development that you would not acquire anywhere else. Joining us will build your knowledge and enable you to apply an understanding of Warhead technologies for various types of missile systems in development and in service. You may be encouraged to work independently, with limited supervision, or part of a small to medium team, as required. Some projects may include collaboration with other MBDA departments across the UK and Europe. This role may require you to travel.

Benefits and Working Arrangements

• Employees receive 25 days of paid annual leave per calendar year, in addition to all statutory and public holidays. After 5, 10 and 15 years of service, an additional day of annual leave is added at each milestone. You can also purchase up to five additional days of holiday.
• Dynamic Working policies offer flexibility around hours and where you work, with options for paid overtime, time in lieu and more.
• Retirement Savings Plan: Defined Contribution plan (Mercer Master Trust) with 4% employee and 6% employer contributions, up to 2% more by agreement.
• Financial wellbeing: access to free financial webinars and a financial education website.
• Share Incentive Plan: acquire shares in UK shareholder, BAE Systems PLC, with tax-efficient benefits on purchases.
• Mortgage advice, season ticket loan, and a range of health and wellbeing benefits (incl. Private Medical Insurance, Dental Insurance, Healthcare Cash Plan, and more).
• Learning and development: access to online learning platforms and a formal course catalogue; up to £150 per year for further study; management and leadership training opportunities.
• Competitive salary and career progression opportunities.

Degree qualified in an Engineering, Mathematical or Applied Science subject area such as Aeronautical, Aerospace, Mechanical or Systems Engineering, Physics, Chemistry or Mathematics to a minimum of 2:2.

Role Details

• The Complex Warheads Centre of Excellence is a coordinated team across sites in Bolton and acts as the company design authority for Warheads.
• 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. BPSS checks required after offer stage.

About MBDA

MBDA is a leading defence organisation. We are proud of the role we play in supporting the Armed Forces and partnering with governments to defend freedom. We promote employee networks and encourage accessibility, support and adjustments throughout the recruitment process.