Missile Architecture Engineer (Mechanical) - Graduate Programme 2026

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

Job summary

A leading defense organization in the UK is seeking a Graduate Mechanical Architect for its Missile Architecture Engineer program. This role involves working on missile design and verification processes while offering a hybrid work model. The ideal candidate will have a relevant degree and is expected to contribute to various technical projects. The position includes competitive salary, bonuses, and flexible annual leave options.

Benefits

Company bonus up to £2,500

Max 14% pension contribution

25 days annual leave plus options

Paid overtime opportunities

Subsidized meals and parking

Qualifications

• Degree qualified with a minimum classification of 2:2.
• Strong communication abilities for team collaboration.
• Understanding of missile systems and design processes.

Responsibilities

• Establish coherent top-level missile design.
• Manage equipment design process and perform risk analysis.
• Support verification and validation of missile systems.

Skills

Analytical skills

Project management

Technical problem-solving

Education

Degree in Aeronautical/Aerospace Engineering or Mechanical Engineering

Job description

Missile Architecture Engineer (Mechanical) - Graduate Programme 2026

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: £31,500 plus a £3,000 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 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

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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