Missile Architecture Engineer (Mechanical) - Graduate Programme 2026

MBDA S.A.S.; Stevenage; Hybrid; GBP 32,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading defence organisation in Stevenage is seeking Mechanical Missile Architects to manage missile system designs and collaborate through the project lifecycle. The role involves risk analysis and supporting trials for defence products. Candidates should have a degree in relevant engineering disciplines with opportunities for career progression and a hybrid working model.

Benefits

Salary of £31,500 plus a £3,000 joining bonus

Company bonus up to £2,500

Pension contributions up to 14%

Overtime opportunities

25 annual leave days plus additional purchase options

Subsidised meals and free parking

Qualifications

• Degree qualified in Aeronautical/Aerospace Engineering, Mechanical Engineering or Production/Manufacturing Engineering discipline to a minimum of 2:2.

Responsibilities

• Establish a coherent top-level missile design.
• Develop and deliver the missile's verification and validation strategy.
• Assist with trials and testing of components and missiles during the development phase.

Skills

Equipment design management

Risk analysis

Project management skills

Stakeholder engagement

Education

Degree in Aeronautical/Aerospace Engineering or Mechanical Engineering

Job description

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

Degree qualified in an Aeronautical/Aerospace Engineering, Mechanical Engineering or Production/Manufacturing Engineering discipline to a minimum of 2:2.

About MBDA

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.

Benefits & Compensation

• 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.
• 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…

Employee Support

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.

Application

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