Mechanical Missile Architect - Graduate Programme 2027

MBDA UK Ltd; Stevenage; Hybrid; GBP 29,000 - 35,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Annual pay review

Bonus up to £2,500

Pension up to 14%

Overtime pay

25 days leave + extra

Flexi leave 15 days

Healthcare cash plan

Subsidised meals

Free parking

Job summary

MBDA UK Ltd is seeking a Mechanical Missile Architect for its Graduate Programme 2027 in Stevenage. The role bridges customer requirements with the product development process to shape a top-level missile design and verification strategy.

Starting September 2027, the programme includes career progression, a salary of £31,900 plus a £3,000 joining bonus, and a comprehensive benefits package with pension, bonus and flexible leave options. The role is hybrid with on-site work 3–4 days per week.

Qualifications

• Degree in Aeronautical/Aerospace Engineering, Mechanical Engineering or Production/Manufacturing Engineering (2:2 minimum).
• Clearance/bpSS considerations and eligibility for UK employment will apply (British citizen or dual UK national).

Responsibilities

• Establish a coherent top-level missile design and develop verification strategies.
• Deliver and support a product meeting customer requirements and quality standards.
• Manage equipment design processes and support trials, testing, and verification activities.
• Contribute to on-time, on-cost delivery of hardware with project management input.

Education

Engineering degree (2:2)

Job description

Mechanical Missile Architect - Graduate Programme 2027

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

Salary: £31,900 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.

This role is scheduled to close for applications at midnight on Monday 2nd November 2026 but may close earlier depending on application volumes.

What we can offer you:

• 2 year Programme: Starting September 2027
• Annual Salary Review
• 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.
• Healthcare Cash Plan: The Healthcare Cash Plan benefit provides the option to claim cash back on everyday healthcare expenses such as optical, dental, health and wellbeing and more.

The opportunity:

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:

Degree qualified in an Aeronautical/Aerospace Engineering, Mechanical Engineering or Production/Manufacturing Engineering discipline 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.

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