Missile Test Architect - Undergraduate Placement 2026

MBDA UK Ltd; Stevenage; On-site; GBP 24,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading defence organisation in Stevenage is offering an undergraduate placement as a Missile Test Architect starting September 2026. This role involves supporting missile testing, providing insights into design and operational effectiveness within an engineering context. Ideal candidates should be pursuing a degree in Electrical/Electronic or Systems Engineering. The role promises a unique collaboration experience with experts across multiple disciplines, enhancing teamwork and project management skills.

Benefits

Company bonus based on performance

Pension plan with up to 14% contributions

Paid overtime opportunities

Healthcare Cash Plan for health-related costs

Annual leave plus option to purchase extra days

Flexi leave up to 15 additional days

Facilities including subsidised meals and free parking

Qualifications

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

Responsibilities

• Support the production testing of missiles and manage test coverage vs cost trade-offs.
• Conduct test coverage analysis and ensure missile testing effectiveness.
• Develop Missile Test Equipment solutions from specification to delivery.

Skills

Collaboration

Problem-solving

Project management

Education

Degree in Electrical/Electronic or Systems Engineering

Job description

Missile Test Architect - Undergraduate Placement 2026

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.

CLOSING DATE FOR THIS ROLE IS MIDNIGHT ON 5TH JANUARY 2026 (SUBJECT TO APPLICATION VOLUMES)

What we can offer you

• 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...

The opportunity

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.

In this undergraduate placement you'll be involved in:

• 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

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.

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.

What we're looking for from you

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

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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