Operational Analysis – Undergraduate Placement 2027

MBDA; Stevenage; Hybrid; GBP 22,000 - 27,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Company bonus

Pension up to 14%

Annual leave 25 days + extra

Job summary

MBDA invites applications for an Operational Analysis Undergraduate Placement for 2027 in the Stevenage area. The role provides 1 year of hands-on experience applying analytical methods to real projects with opportunities to progress to a graduate role.

You will work in a hybrid pattern (3 days on-site) with potential for up to 5 days on site depending on work classification. The placement comes with a salary of £24,460 and requires BPSS clearance after offer. Applications close 4 January 2027.

Qualifications

• Analytical mind set and problem solving ability.
• Genuine interest in defence and how analytical methods solve complex operational challenges.
• Currently studying towards a relevant analytical or defence related degree (e.g. Maths, Physics, Systems Engineering, Computational Studies, War Studies, Operational Research, Economics, Statistics).

Responsibilities

• Support multiple OA team activities during placement, including researching, running analytical models and preparing reports or presentations.
• Collaborate with multidisciplinary teams to apply analytical methods to defence problems.
• Develop technical skills in data analysis, statistics and scenario building.

Skills

Analytical thinking

Problem solving

Education

Mathematics

Physics

Systems Engineering

Computational Studies

War Studies

Operational Research

Economics

Statistics

Job description

Operational Analysis – Undergraduate Placement 2027

Salary: £24,460

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 4th January 2027 but may close earlier depending on application volumes.

What we can offer you:

• 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,

The opportunity:

Operational Analysis (OA) is a scientific approach to problem solving by applying analytical methods and tools in order to support and improve decision-making. Through qualitative and quantitative methods, the OA team supports a diverse set of activities. This includes working for both internal MBDA customers and external contracts across defence.

The OA Team is involved with:

• Collaboration with multidisciplinary teams and learning how operational, engineering and strategic considerations interact.
• Applying problem solving and critical thinking to complex questions across all the domains.
• Developing valuable technical skills in areas that are unique to the team e.g. data analysis, statistics, historical analysis, wargaming and scenario building.

As an Undergraduate within the OA Team, you will likely be supporting a number of different activities throughout your placement. This includes undertaking research, running analytical models, and producing reports or presentations.

What we're looking for from you:

• An analytical and problem solving mind set.
• A genuine interest in defence and how analytical methods can solve complex operational challenges.
• Currently studying towards a relevant analytical or defence related degree including, but not limited to; Maths, Physics, Systems Engineering, Computational Studies, War Studies, Operational Research, Economics, Statistics.

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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