Navigation Electronic Warfare Engineer - Undergraduate Placement 2026

MBDA UK Ltd; Stevenage; Hybrid; GBP 23,000 - 28,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading defence organisation is seeking a Navigation Electronic Warfare Engineer for an undergraduate placement starting September 2026 in Stevenage. The role involves supporting tests, conducting research, and collaborating with suppliers on navigation technologies. Candidates should be pursuing a degree in Physics, Mathematics, Electronics, or Engineering. This position offers a dynamic hybrid work environment and competitive benefits including a starting salary of £23,495.

Benefits

Company bonus based on performance

Pension contributions up to 14%

Opportunity for paid overtime

25 days annual leave plus extra purchase option

Subsidised meals

Free car parking

Qualifications

• Studying a relevant engineering or science discipline.
• Ability to work in a collaborative team environment.
• Willingness to learn about missile systems.

Responsibilities

• Support tests and trials for navigation equipment performance.
• Engage in research and design activities for new technology.
• Monitor supplier developments and identify future technologies.

Skills

Understanding of navigation systems

Collaboration

Research skills

Education

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

Job description

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 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
• 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.

Follow us on LinkedIn (MBDA), X (@MBDA_UK), Instagram (MBDA_UK) and Glassdoor or visit our MBDA Careers website for more information.