Missile Test Architect - Undergraduate Placement 2026

MBDA S.A.S.; Stevenage; Hybrid; GBP 80,000 - 100,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading defence organization in Stevenage is seeking a Test Architect for a 1-year placement starting September 2026. This role involves collaborating with multiple technical functions to support missile testing and ensure rigorous quality assurance. Responsibilities include developing test equipment solutions and influencing testing requirements. Ideal candidates are pursuing a degree in Electrical/Electronic or Systems Engineering and possess strong problem-solving and project management skills. Competitive salary of £23,495 with hybrid working and benefits, including leave and healthcare support.

Benefits

Company bonus based on performance

Healthcare Cash Plan

25 days annual leave

Flexi Leave up to 15 additional days

Fantastic site facilities

Qualifications

• Working towards a degree in relevant engineering discipline.
• Ability to work collaboratively with various technical functions.
• Understanding of missile testing processes and requirements.

Responsibilities

• Support production testing for missiles and manage test coverage.
• Influence built‑in test requirements and conduct analysis.
• Develop missile test equipment solutions from specification to delivery.

Skills

Collaboration

Communication

Problem-solving

Project management

Education

Degree in Electrical/Electronic or Systems Engineering

Job description

Our Test Architects collaborate with a wide range of technical functions to provide direct input towards project delivery across the business. Drawing on a wealth of internal knowledge, they drive a coherent top-level design of our systems bringing together insights from across the company.

Responsibilities

• Supporting the production testing of missiles, specifying the testing, and managing test coverage vs cost trade-offs and working with the manufacturing team to implement a safe and effective test routine
• Influencing missile built‑in‑test (BIT) requirements and conducting test coverage analysis, ensuring the missile is able to test itself effectively for faults throughout its lifecycle
• Helping develop Missile Test Equipment solutions from initial specification through to system design and delivery

Personal Development & Growth

This opportunity is second to none if you want to collaborate with experts from multiple disciplines - it offers a broader technical experience than many other engineering placements you'll see. But what else will you gain?

• You'll enhance your collaboration, communication and teamwork skills.
• This role will truly help you practice and hone your problem‑solving abilities
• You'll be leading projects so you'll be able to demonstrate practical experience of project management
• You'll also develop hands‑on skills in specifying, designing, and managing test equipment., You’ll be able to choose between a variety of online learning platforms such as Percipio, YouLearn, Career Builder and Video Gateway. Each one is tailored to a specific type of learning. Speak to your line manager to find out more.

We encourage new learning and will provide up to £150 in financial support per year if you wish to participate in further study in your own time. You'll have access to our Learning Gateway, which hosts the formal course catalogue and is where you can select the right training for your role and future development. The catalogue displays which courses are being delivered virtually or are classroom based. If you want to lead a team, you might be interested in our management training, designed for people of all experience levels.

Working towards a degree in an Electrical/Electronic or Systems Engineering discipline (or similar)

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.

At MBDA we develop some of the world's highest performing weapon systems - where confidence in our products is paramount. We need individuals who can help us ensure our systems are rigorously tested, working on projects at any stage of the lifecycle utilising the right approach. This is a great opportunity for those that thrive on precision as well as the bigger picture and have an interest in how engineering, quality and project management work together. Salary: £23,495 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.

• 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
• Healthcare Cash Plan: provides support with everyday health related costs - including medical, dental, optical, physio and health & wellbeing
• 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…