Operational Analysis - Graduate Programme 2027

MBDA UK; Stevenage; Hybrid; GBP 29,000 - 35,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Company bonus up to £2,500

Pension up to 14%

Overtime paid

25 days annual leave

Flex Leave up to 15 days

Job summary

MBDA UK invites graduates to join the Operational Analysis Graduate Programme 2027. The role blends analytical problem solving with defence-focused work, within a circa two-year scheme.

You will engage in modelling and analysis to inform weapon system concepts, with a hybrid on-site pattern and potential for up to five days per week on-site when required. The programme offers a salary around £31,900 with a £3,000 joining bonus, annual salary reviews, a company bonus and a strong development

Qualifications

• Analytical mindset and problem-solving ability.
• Interest in defence and understanding of operational environment.
• Studying a relevant analytical/defence degree to at least 2:2.

Responsibilities

• Support a range of activities across MBDA's OA team.
• Develop and use mathematical modelling and simulation tools.
• Assess future weapon system options and concepts.

Skills

Analytical thinking

Problem solving

Interest in defence

Team collaboration

Education

Analytical/defence-related degree

Tools

Mathematical modelling tools

Simulation tools

Job description

Operational Analysis - Graduate Programme 2027

Operational Analysis is a scientific approach to problem solving! Through applying analytical methods and tools we can support and improve decision‑making within the business.

Salary: £31,900 plus a £3000 joining bonus

Dynamic (Hybrid)

Working: 3 days per week on-site hybrid working pattern. There may be times we ask you to work up to 5 days per week on site subject to work 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.

This role is scheduled to close for applications at midnight on Monday 2nd November 2026 but may close earlier depending on application volumes.

What we can offer you:

• 2 year Programme: Starting September 2027
• Annual Salary Review
• Company bonus: Up to £2,500 (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
• Excellent career progression and development opportunities
• 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 MBDA Operational Analysis (OA) Team is made up of approximately twenty people from a variety of educational backgrounds, including Maths, Physics, Engineering, Economics and Military History. Through qualitative and quantitative methods, the team supports a wide range of work across the business. The team supports a diverse set of activities, working for both internal MBDA customers and external defence related contracts.

The OA Team is involved with:

• Understanding and communicating the nature of the future battlespace and operational context for future weapon systems
• Assessment of weapons system options in war fighting scenarios
• Developing the Concept of Operation for future weapons
• Generating evidence to support high level choices, both for UK future systems and potential export campaigns.
• Support with Identification and definition of potential future weapon system concepts, based on anticipated customer requirements and promising future technologies.
• Developing and using mathematical modelling and simulation tools
• Providing analysis to demonstrate the value of current products to potential customers.
• Concept and technology considerations for future products

What we're looking for from you:

• An analytical and problem solving mind set.
• An interest in defence and passion for understanding the operational environment in which weapon systems will be used.
• Currently studying towards a relevant analytical or defence related degree such as Maths, Physics, Astronomy, Systems Engineering, Computational Studies, Operational Research, Economics, Statistics, War Studies to a minimum of 2.2

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.

What we do matters. Because defence matters.

As a leading company in the defence industry we support our nations by delivering essential military capabilities, both for today and the future.

We are proud to be an award-winning employer and are proud of the growing diversity of our workforce. Our people are the ones who drive our constant innovation and deliver against challenging targets.