Missile Test Architect - Undergraduate Placement 2026

MBDA; Stevenage; Hybrid; GBP 24,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading defense contractor is offering a Missile Test Architect undergraduate placement in Stevenage starting September 2026. This role involves supporting missile production testing, conducting coverage analysis, and developing testing solutions. Candidates should be pursuing a degree in Electrical/Electronic or Systems Engineering. The position offers competitive pay, flexible working conditions, and various benefits including a company bonus and healthcare support.

Benefits

Company bonus

Pension up to 14%

Overtime opportunities

Healthcare Cash Plan

25 days annual leave

Flexi Leave up to 15 days

Subsidized meals and free parking

Responsibilities

• Support production testing of missiles and manage test coverage vs cost.
• Conduct test coverage analysis and ensure effective self-testing of missiles.
• 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

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

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)

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.