Mechanical Engineer - Graduate Programme 2026

MBDA UK Ltd; Stevenage; On-site; GBP 30,000 - 40,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading defence organisation in Stevenage is seeking graduates for its Mechanical Engineer Programme starting in September 2026. This role offers hands-on experience in mechanical design, analysis, and actuation systems within a collaborative environment. Candidates should hold a degree in Mechanical or Aeronautical Engineering with at least a 2:2 qualification. The programme provides excellent career development opportunities, with a company bonus and pension scheme.

Benefits

Company bonus up to £2,500

25 days annual leave plus extra holiday options

Subsidised meals

Free car parking

Qualifications

• Degree qualified in Mechanical Engineering, Aeronautical Engineering or a comparable subject to a minimum of 2:2.
• British Citizen or a Dual UK national with British citizenship.
• Mandatory BPSS checks after offer stage.

Responsibilities

• Work across placements with hands-on interaction with hardware.
• Collaborate with teams across departments to deliver project outcomes.
• Contribute to meaningful work from the outset.

Skills

Mechanical Design

Mechanical Analysis

Materials Science

CAD tools

Education

Degree in Mechanical Engineering or related field

Job description

Overview

Mechanical Engineer - Graduate Programme 2026. The Mechanical Engineering department develops physical solutions from concept through development and certification to production on missiles and weapon systems. The environment presents a wide range of mechanical engineering challenges. You could be part of this exciting team!

The Opportunity

Our team is at the forefront of defence, working alongside highly qualified engineers and technical specialists, to deliver key multinational defence projects. You could be working across Internal Research or Design and Analysis, through to Integration, Tooling and Testing. As a graduate joining our team you'll be working in a supportive and collaborative environment and benefit from a range of support networks. You will be contributing to meaningful work from the outset; all work is relevant to a project.

You can experience placements in some of the following areas:

• Mechanical Design – involve all stages of design from concept development through to manufacture. A typical role relies on CAD tools and includes laboratory test programs.
• Mechanical Future Concepts – cutting-edge missile technology, concept generation to R&D studies.
• Mechanical Analysis – FEA and laboratory testing, detailed stress and thermal analysis on structures and mechanical systems.
• Actuation Systems – multidisciplinary team on electro-mechanical design of fin, wing and seeker actuation systems.
• Materials and Processes Group – materials science principles, evaluate ideas against material compatibility; opportunities for top-tier research and practical lab assessments.

You may experience placements in some of the following areas:

Mechanical Design – from concept development to manufacture, typically CAD-focused with lab testing involvement.

Mechanical Future Concepts – early-stage lifecycle experience from concept generation to R&D studies.

Mechanical Analysis – FEA and testing for stress and thermal analyses.

Actuation Systems – electro-mechanical design of fin, wing and seeker actuation systems.

Materials and Processes Group – guidance on materials science and evaluating ideas for material compatibility.

What we can offer you

• 2 year Programme: starting September 2026
• Salary reviews throughout the Programme
• Company bonus: up to £2,500 (depends on performance)
• Pension: total employer and employee contribution 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
• Excellent career progression and development opportunities
• Facilities: subsidised meals, free car parking and more

Responsibilities

• Work across placements with hands-on interaction with hardware to support understanding of the product.
• Collaborate with teams across departments to deliver project outcomes.
• Contribute to meaningful work from the outset, ensuring relevance to projects.

Requirements

Degree qualified in Mechanical Engineering, Aeronautical Engineering or a comparable subject to a minimum of 2:2.

Security: British Citizen or a Dual UK national with British citizenship. Mandatory BPSS checks after offer stage. Some nationality and/or right-to-work restrictions may apply.

Additional information

Closing date for this role is midnight on 3 November 2025.

We are MBDA, a leading defence organisation. We are proud of our role in supporting the Armed Forces and partnering with governments toward common goals. We welcome diverse networks and encourage applicants to discuss any required adjustments during the recruitment process.

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