Mechanical Engineer - Undergraduate Placement 2026

MBDA; Stevenage; Hybrid; GBP 23,000 - 28,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading defence organization in Stevenage is offering an Undergraduate Placement for a Mechanical Engineer starting September 2026. You'll engage in missile systems development and be involved in areas such as Mechanical Design, Future Concepts, and Actuation Systems. Ideal candidates are pursuing degrees in Mechanical or Aeronautical Engineering. Competitive salary and various benefits, including a company bonus and a pension plan, are offered.

Benefits

Company bonus based on performance

Pension contribution up to 14%

Paid overtime opportunities

25 days annual leave plus option to purchase extra holiday

Flexi Leave of up to 15 additional days

Subsidised meals and free parking

Qualifications

• You should be pursuing a degree in Mechanical Engineering or related fields.

Responsibilities

• Engage in the Mechanical Engineering department for missile systems development.
• Work in areas such as Mechanical Design, Future Concepts, and Actuation Systems.

Skills

Mechanical Engineering

CAD tools

Finite Element Analysis (FEA)

Materials science principles

Education

Working towards a degree in Mechanical Engineering, Aeronautical Engineering or a comparable subject

Job description

Mechanical Engineer - Undergraduate Placement 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.

Salary: £23,495

Dynamic (Hybrid) Working: 3 to 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

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

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.

With hands-on work experience from all placements - interaction with hardware is highly encouraged to help further understanding of our products. This could mean use of rapid prototyping facilities, getting involved in external manufacture or participating in assembly builds and laboratory tests. You\'ll learn from our engineer\'s knowledge in complex weapons and Defence technology across all departments. During your placement, you\'ll get the opportunity to work in different areas of Mechanical Engineering in two 5 months placements.

You could experience placements in some of the following areas

• Mechanical Design - Be involved in all stages of design from concept development through to manufacture. This 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 within a multi-disciplinary team on the electro-mechanical design of fin, wing and seeker actuation systems. The role is broadly similar to the Mechanical Design placement with the added possibility of working in a cross-discipline, international team.
• Materials and Processes - 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

Working towards a degree in Mechanical Engineering, Aeronautical Engineering or a comparable subject.

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.

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