Propulsion Engineer - Graduate Programme 2026

MBDA UK Ltd; Bristol; Hybrid; GBP 31,000 - 37,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading defence organisation in Bristol seeks a Graduate Propulsion Engineer for its 2026 programme. The role involves evaluating missile propulsion systems and collaborating with top suppliers. Successful candidates will receive competitive salary and benefits, including hybrid working arrangements. Applicants must have a relevant degree with a minimum classification of 2:2. This position offers excellent career development opportunities.

Benefits

Company bonus up to £2,500

Pension contributions up to 14%

Paid overtime opportunities

25 days annual leave plus additional flexi leave

Subsidised meals and free parking

Qualifications

• Minimum 2:2 degree in relevant engineering or sciences.
• Ability to evaluate propulsion systems.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills.

Responsibilities

• Work on missile propulsion system design and evaluation.
• Collaborate with propulsion suppliers on projects.
• Contribute to various phases of missile lifecycle assessment.

Skills

Aerospace/Aeronautical Engineering

Mechanical Engineering

Maths

Physics

Education

Degree in related field (min 2:2)

Job description

Overview

Propulsion Engineer - Graduate Programme 2026

Step into one of the most dynamic and technically challenging areas of aerospace engineering – missile propulsion. As a Graduate Propulsion Engineer at MBDA, you'll play a part in shaping the next generation of defence technology, working on projects that are innovative, impactful and at the very forefront of engineering.

Salary: £31,500 plus a £3,000 joining bonus

Dynamic (Hybrid) Working: 4 days per week on-site due to workload 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.

Closing date: Midnight on 3 November 2025

What we can offer you

• 2 year Programme: starting September 2026
• Salary reviews throughout the programme
• 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

The opportunity

Becoming a graduate propulsion engineer offers you the opportunity to develop the skills and expertise needed to design and evaluate the propulsion systems that power MBDA's advanced missile systems, including solid rockets, ramjets, and gas turbines. The Propulsion Department is central to MBDA's mission, supporting projects across the full product lifecycle – from early concept through to in-service support. Working closely with leading UK and international propulsion suppliers, you'll contribute to a wide portfolio of projects that underpin the UK's defence capability.

Our Propulsion Department is a collaborative team of engineers, scientists and specialists who are passionate about pushing the boundaries of what propulsion systems can achieve. You'll be mentored by experienced experts, learning cutting-edge modelling techniques and gaining hands-on exposure to real-world engineering challenges.

The graduate programme is structured around four 6-month placements, giving you breadth and depth across propulsion engineering. These placements cover areas such as:

• Application and development of bespoke and commercial modelling tools to evaluate propulsion performance.
• Assessment of missiles at different stages of their lifecycle (concept, development, in-service).
• Exploration of multi-disciplinary design challenges, including integration, plume, thermal, structural and system considerations.
• Understanding the role of propulsion when integrating missiles onto land, naval and air platforms.

You'll also have the opportunity to spend one placement outside of MBDA Propulsion – with past graduates working with organisations such as Rolls Royce, BAE Systems, DSTL, ARA, Bayern Chemie, S&C Thermofluids and Roxel Motors – to broaden your experience and perspective. By joining MBDA's propulsion team, you'll be part of a supportive environment where innovation thrives, collaboration is key, and your work directly contributes to the future of defence technology.

What we're looking for from you

Degree qualified in Aerospace/Aeronautical Engineering, Mechanical engineering, General engineering, Maths, Physics, Chemistry, Materials Sciences or other related subject to a minimum of 2:2.

Our company

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, including 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.

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