Navigation Sensors Engineer - Undergraduate Placement 2027

MBDA S.A.S.; Stevenage; On-site; GBP 22,000 - 27,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Company bonus

Pension up to 14%

Paid overtime

25 days annual leave + buy extra

Flexi Leave: Up to 15 additional days

Healthcare cash plan

Free car parking

Job summary

MBDA is offering a 1-year placement for aNavigation Sensors Engineer. Based at Stevenage or Bristol, the role involves testing navigation equipment, hands-on design work, and collaboration with international teams.

You will gain exposure to GPS receivers, anti-jam equipment, and IMUs, with the potential transition to a graduate role after your final year. The position includes a company bonus, pension contribution, and flexible leave options.

Qualifications

• Current undergraduate working towards a degree in a Physics, Mathematics, Electronics, or Engineering discipline.

Responsibilities

• Support tests and trials to evaluate navigation equipment performance.
• Hands-on research and design activities to develop next generation navigation equipment.
• Monitor supplier and technology developments and identify future technologies.
• Collaborate with suppliers and researchers for development of new technology.
• Investigate engineering problems and conduct rapid technical analyses.

Skills

Security clearance

Education

Undergraduate degree in physics/math/electronics/engineering (in progress)

Tools

GPS receivers

Anti-jam equipment

Inertial Measurement Units

Job description

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

• 1 year placement: Starting September 2027, that allows you to apply your university learning to real-world projects and technologies
• Perform well on your placement and you could secure a graduate role before your final year
• 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…
• Healthcare Cash Plan: The Healthcare Cash Plan benefit provides the option to claim cash back on everyday healthcare expenses such as optical, dental, health and wellbeing and 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
• Hands‑on 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. 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.

Current undergraduate working towards a degree in a Physics, Mathematics, Electronics, or Engineering discipline.

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.

• Salary: £24,460
• Dynamic 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
• All successful candidates will need to undergo HMG Basic Personnel Security Standard checks (BPSS), which are managed by the MBDA Personnel Security Team