Mechanical Missile Architect - Graduate Programme 2027

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

Benefits offered by this job

2-year programme

Annual salary review

Company bonus

Pension 14%

Paid overtime

Annual leave 25 days

Flexi leave

Career progression

Site facilities

Healthcare plan

Job summary

MBDA is seeking a Graduate Mechanical Missile Architect to join the 2027 programme in the UK. The role involves designing missile systems, developing verification strategies and delivering customer-valued products.

The position offers a £31,900 base salary plus a £3,000 joining bonus, with a 2-year programme and strong progression opportunities. Hybrid working is available (3–4 days on-site) and a company bonus of up to £2,500, plus pension and benefits, accompany the base package.

Qualifications

• Degree-qualified in Aeronautical/Aerospace Engineering, Mechanical Engineering or Production/Manufacturing Engineering to a minimum 2:2.
• Security clearance eligible: British citizen or dual UK national with British citizenship.

Responsibilities

• 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.
• Manage the equipment design process.
• Perform risk analysis and supplier down select.
• Develop and manage equipment verification and validation processes.
• Manage on-quality, on-schedule and on-cost delivery of supplier hardware.

Education

Aeronautical/Aerospace/Mechanical/Production/Manufacturing Engineering degree (2:2 minimum)

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.

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

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