Mechanical Architect Engineer (Mechanical) - Undergraduate Placement 2026

MBDA UK Ltd; Stevenage; Hybrid; GBP 24,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading defence organisation is seeking an Undergraduate Mechanical Architect Engineer for a placement starting in September 2026. The role involves managing missile systems design processes and collaborating with various departments. Candidates should be pursuing a relevant engineering degree. This position offers competitive pay and hybrid work conditions, alongside multiple employee benefits.

Benefits

Company bonus based on performance

Pension contributions up to 14%

Paid overtime opportunities

Subsidised meals and free parking

25 days annual leave plus extra purchase options

Qualifications

• Working towards a relevant engineering degree.
• Ability to collaborate with various technical functions.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills.

Responsibilities

• Manage the equipment design process.
• Perform risk analysis and supplier down select.
• Develop and manage verification and validation processes.

Skills

Curiosity

Project Management

Technical Analysis

Education

Degree in Aeronautical/Aerospace Engineering, Mechanical Engineering or Production/Manufacturing Engineering

Job description

Mechanical Architect Engineer (Mechanical) - Undergraduate Placement 2026

We're looking for curious minds and fresh perspectives, launch your career with us as a Undergraduate Mechanical Architect and help design systems that shape our future.

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.

CLOSING DATE FOR THIS ROLE IS MIDNIGHT ON 5TH JANUARY 2026 (SUBJECT TO APPLICATION VOLUMES)

What we can offer you

• 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

To join MBDA's undergraduate scheme within our Mechanical Missile Architecture Department. Mechanical Missile Architects work between customer requirements and the product development process to:

• Establish a coherent top-level missile design.
• Develop and deliver the missile's verification and validation strategy.
• Deliver and support a product our customers are satisfied with.

Mechanical Architects are deployed in each of our missile product teams which include products across all stages of the missile lifecycle. They draw upon inputs from stakeholders across the business and perform various technical and project management tasks. Depending on the product lifecycle stage and specific project needs, mechanical architects will:

• Manage the equipment design process.
• Perform risk analysis, supplier down select and performance trade studies.
• Develop and manage equipment verification and validation process by generating requirements, design verification strategies, supporting trials and procurement specialists etc.
• Manage the on-quality, on-schedule and on-cost delivery of supplier hardware using project management skills and toolsets.

Mechanical Architects work with a wide range of technical functions and provide 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 the design 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 scheme you'll get the opportunity to:

• Learn how to manage elements of missile equipment design process.
• Gain a practical understanding of the verification and validation lifecycle of defence products.
• Assist with trials and testing of components and missiles during the development phase.
• Support certification, manufacture and delivery of hardware.

What we're looking for from you

Working towards a degree in Aeronautical/Aerospace Engineering, Mechanical Engineering or Production/Manufacturing Engineering.

Our company: Peace is not a given, Freedom is not a given, Sovereignty is not a given

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.

Follow us on LinkedIn (MBDA), X (@MBDA_UK), Instagram (MBDA_UK) and Glassdoor or visit our MBDA Careers website for more information.

#LI-CB1