Propulsion Engineer - Undergraduate Placement 2027

MBDA; West of England; On-site; GBP 22,000 - 27,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Company bonus

Pension 14%

Overtime paid

Annual leave 25 days + extra

Flexi leave 15 days

Subsidised meals

Free car parking

Healthcare Cash Plan

Job summary

MBDA is offering an Undergraduate Propulsion Engineer placement for 2027 in the United Kingdom. You will work on propulsion systems for advanced missile platforms, gaining hands-on experience with solid rockets, ramjets and gas turbines.

The role includes mentoring, industry-standard modelling techniques, and potential graduate opportunities. Starting September 2027, the 1-year placement includes a company bonus, a pension plan with up to 14% total contribution, paid overtime where applicable,

Qualifications

• Undergraduate pursuing a degree in Aerospace/Aeronautical Engineering or related subjects.
• Willingness to undergo BPSS security checks (British citizen or dual UK national).
• Available to work on-site 4 days per week.

Responsibilities

• Assist in designing and evaluating propulsion systems for MBDA missile programmes.
• Engage with propulsion technologies including solid rockets, ramjets and gas turbines.
• Learn and apply bespoke and commercial modelling tools to assess propulsion performance.
• Collaborate with UK and international propulsion suppliers on project work.

Education

Aerospace/Aeronautical Engineering

Mechanical Engineering

General Engineering

Mathematics

Physics

Chemistry

Materials Science

Tools

CFD

Propulsion modelling tools

Job description

Propulsion Engineer - Undergraduate Placement 2027

Step into one of the most dynamic and technically challenging areas of aerospace engineering - missile propulsion. As an Undergraduate 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: £24,460

Dynamic 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.

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, dental, health and wellbeing and more.

The opportunity:

Becoming an undergraduate 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.

During your time with the Propulsion team, you'll be involved in understanding areas such as:

• Application and development of bespoke and commercial modelling tools to evaluate propulsion performance.

• Key drivers are in future propellant research, and failure modes of propellants and how this affects the length of service of the rocket motor.

• Internal ballistic modelling of solid rocket motors and assessing rocket exhaust plume characteristics using CFD techniques.

• 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.

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:

Current undergraduate working towards a degree in Aerospace/Aeronautical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, General Engineering, Maths, Physics, Chemistry, Materials Sciences or other related subject.

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.

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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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