Operational Analyst - Undergraduate Placement 2026

MBDA; Stevenage; Hybrid; GBP 24,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading defence organization is offering an Undergraduate Placement in Operational Analysis starting September 2026. The successful candidate will engage in real-world projects, focusing on analytical methods to support decision-making. This role requires a relevant degree and an interest in defense, alongside excellent problem-solving skills. The position offers a competitive salary and hybrid working arrangements.

Benefits

Company bonus based on performance

Pension contribution up to 14%

Paid overtime opportunities

25 days of annual leave

Flexi Leave up to 15 additional days

Subsidised meals and free parking

Qualifications

• Demonstrate analytical and problem-solving skills.
• Passion for understanding the operational environment.

Responsibilities

• Support various activities within the OA Team.
• Undertake research and run analytical models.
• Produce reports or presentations.

Skills

Analytical mindset

Problem-solving

Interest in defence

Education

Relevant analytical or defence related degree

Job description

Overview

Operational Analyst - Undergraduate Placement 2026

Operational Analysis is a scientific approach to problem solving by applying analytical methods and tools in order to support and improve decision-making.

Salary

Salary: £23,495

Dynamic (Hybrid) Working

Dynamic (Hybrid) Working: 3-5 days per week on-site due to workload classification

Security Clearance

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

The MBDA Operational Analysis (OA) Team is approximately 20 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 from 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

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

What we are looking for from you

• Working towards a relevant analytical or defence related degree such as Maths, Physics, Astronomy, Systems Engineering, Computational Studies, Operational Research, Economics, Statistics, War Studies

• 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.

Our company

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.

Note: This description contains standard recruitment information and does not alter the original role responsibilities or requirements.