Propulsion Engineer - Undergraduate Programme 2026

MBDA; Bristol; Hybrid; GBP 23,000 - 28,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading defense organization is offering an Undergraduate Propulsion Engineer placement in Bristol starting September 2026. You'll engage in designing missile propulsion systems, working closely with a team of experts. Ideal candidates should be pursuing related degrees and must possess strong interest in aerospace principles. This role provides a unique opportunity to contribute to advanced missile technology while gaining hands-on experience in a supportive environment.

Benefits

Company bonus based on performance

Pension contributions of up to 14%

Paid overtime opportunities

25 days annual leave

Flexi leave up to 15 additional days

Subsidised meals and free parking

Qualifications

• Currently pursuing a degree in a relevant field.
• Strong interest in missile propulsion systems.
• Ability to work collaboratively in a team.

Responsibilities

• Develop propulsion systems for advanced missile technology.
• Engage with modeling tools to evaluate performance.
• Support projects across the product lifecycle.

Skills

Team collaboration

Aerospace principles understanding

Modeling techniques

Education

Degree in Aerospace/Aeronautical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, or related

Job description

Propulsion Engineer - Undergraduate Programme 2026

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: £23,495

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 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

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

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.

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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