Mechanical Engineer - Graduate Programme 2026

MBDA; Stevenage; Hybrid; GBP 31,000 - 37,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading defense organization in Stevenage is looking for a Mechanical Engineer for its Graduate Programme starting in September 2026. This role involves engaging in hands-on work across various departments, focusing on missile technology and mechanical systems. A degree in Mechanical Engineering or a comparable subject is required. The successful candidate will benefit from a competitive salary and bonus, along with a hybrid work model.

Benefits

Company bonus up to £2,500

Pension contributions up to 14%

Paid overtime opportunities

25 days annual leave plus options for extra holiday

Fantastic site facilities including subsidised meals

Qualifications

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

Responsibilities

• Engage in design and analysis, testing, and integration work.
• Collaborate in multidisciplinary teams on innovative engineering solutions.

Skills

Mechanical Engineering

Problem-solving

Team collaboration

Education

Degree in Mechanical Engineering or related field (min 2:2)

Tools

Finite Element Analysis (FEA)

CAD tools

Job description

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 nature of complex weapons and the environments they operate in present an extensive scope of unique and interesting mechanical engineering challenges. You could be part of this exciting team!

Salary: £31,500 plus a £3000 joining bonus

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 3RD NOVEMBER 2025

What we can offer you

• 2 year Programme: starting September 2026

• Salary reviews throughout the Programme

• Company bonus: up to £2,500 (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

• Excellent career progression and development opportunities

• Facilities: fantastic site facilities including subsidised meals, free car parking and much more…

The Opportunity

Our team is at the forefront of defence, working alongside highly qualified engineers and technical specialists, to deliver key multinational defence projects. The nature of complex weapons and the environments they operate in present an extensive scope of unique and interesting mechanical engineering challenges. 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 working environment and benefit from a range of support networks. You'll also benefit from:

• Hands on work experience in all placements; interaction with hardware is actively encouraged to help further understanding of the product.

• Wide knowledge base and range of experiences can be found in all departments

• Opportunity to collaborate with MBDA on a group level.

• 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 – Be involved in all stages of design from concept development through to manufacture. A typical role relies on CAD tools and gives opportunity to be involved in laboratory test programs.

Mechanical Future Concepts - Positioned at the cutting-edge of missile technology, gain experience in the early stages of the product lifecycle from concept generation to research & development (R&D) studies.

Mechanical Analysis - Develop specialist technical solutions to aid the design process. With Finite Element Analysis (FEA) tools and laboratory testing, conduct detailed stress and thermal analysis on structures and mechanical systems.

Actuation Systems - Working in a multidisciplinary team on the electro-mechanical design of fin, wing and seeker actuation system.

Materials and Processes Group - Advise design teams in the principles of materials science, and evaluate their ideas against material compatibility; this offers the chance to get involved in top-tier research of novel materials as well as practical lab based assessments.

What we're looking for from you

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

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.