Navigation Electronic Warfare Engineer - Undergraduate Placement 2026

MBDA UK Ltd; Bristol; Hybrid; GBP 24,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading defense organization is offering a Navigation Electronic Warfare Engineer placement in Bristol, starting September 2026. This role involves supporting missile navigation system projects, collaborating with international teams, and engaging in research and testing of advanced navigation technologies. Candidates should be pursuing a degree in a relevant field. The role offers a competitive salary of £23,495, hybrid working arrangements, and various employee benefits including bonuses and a pension plan.

Benefits

Company bonus based on performance

Pension contributions up to 14%

25 days annual leave plus options

Opportunity for paid overtime

Fantastic site facilities

Qualifications

• Working towards a relevant degree is essential.
• Ability to work in a dynamic environment.
• Strong mathematical and analytical skills are required.

Responsibilities

• Support tests and trials for navigation equipment.
• Engage in research and design for navigation technologies.
• Collaborate with suppliers for technology development.

Skills

Problem-solving

Team collaboration

Technical analysis

Education

Degree in Physics, Mathematics, Electronics, or Engineering

Job description

Overview

Bristol

Navigation Electronic Warfare Engineer - Undergraduate Placement 2026

As a Navigation Electronic Warfare Engineer, you will support vital work ensuring that MBDA missiles are able to navigate effectively in the harshest and most challenging electronic warfare environments.

Salary: £23,495

Dynamic (Hybrid) Working: 4 days per week on-site due to workload classification and need for access to site test facilities

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: Midnight on 5 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
• 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

MBDA Missiles cannot complete their missions without critical Navigation Sensors on board, withstanding enemy interference and providing robust navigation data to guide the missile to the target. Your work will directly influence the design of real missiles, with frequent exposure to high-profile, fast-paced projects.

The Navigation Sensors Group are responsible for the design of the missile navigation subsystems, including identifying and testing equipment from specialist manufacturers — this includes GPS receivers, anti-jam equipment, and Inertial Measurement Units.

You can choose to be based at either our Stevenage or Bristol site. Over the course of your placement you'll get involved in:

• Supporting tests and trials to evaluate and assess navigation equipment performance
• Research and design activities to develop the next generation of navigation equipment
• Monitoring supplier and technology developments and identifying future technologies
• Collaborating with suppliers and researchers for the development and maturation of new and emerging technology
• Investigating engineering problems and conducting rapid technical analyses

In this role, you'll work in a varied and dynamic environment, including as part of an international team with our colleagues in MBDA France and the wider MBDA Group. You'll work alongside other departments to increase your knowledge on the complexities of a missile, including datalinks, seekers and sensors, and work closely with Integration and System Validation teams.

The work is technically challenging, innovative and rewarding. You'll be working alongside experienced engineers who will encourage and help you develop the skills required to be an effective Navigation Electronic Warfare Engineer.

What we're looking for from you

Working towards a degree in a Physics, Mathematics, Electronics, or Engineering discipline.

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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