Radio Frequency Systems Engineer - Summer Placement 2026

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

Job summary

A leading defense organization is offering a Radio Frequency Systems Engineer summer placement in Bristol. This 10-week program starts in June 2026 and allows students to apply their STEM knowledge to real-world RF communication projects. Competitive salary, hybrid working, and excellent personal development opportunities will be provided. The candidate should be pursuing a STEM degree and have an interest in RF technologies.

Benefits

Pension with up to 14% contribution

Paid overtime opportunity

Subsidized meals and free parking

Qualifications

• Candidates must be working towards a degree and interested in RF technologies.

Responsibilities

• Work on RF-based missile communication systems.
• Involve in requirements engineering, system design, and performance modelling.

Skills

Interest in RF technologies

Team collaboration

Education

Working towards a degree in any STEM subject

Job description

Overview

Radio Frequency Systems Engineer - Summer Placement 2026

At MBDA, we are continuing to grow our world leading missile data link capability. We have a number of exciting opportunities within our Data Link Systems organisation working from research, through the early concept phase, to full product design and production programmes.

Salary: £23,495 pro-rated

Dynamic (Hybrid) Working: 2-3 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 5 January 2026 (subject to application volumes)

What we can offer you

• 10 week placement: starting June 2026, that allows you to apply your university learning to real-world projects and technologies
• Pension: maximum total (employer and employee) contribution of up to 14%
• Overtime: opportunity for paid overtime
• Annual Leave: 5 days
• Facilities: Fantastic site facilities including subsidised meals, free car parking and much more

The opportunity

You'll be working with cutting edge Radio Frequency (RF) based missile communication systems. The Data Link Systems department is responsible for the performance of the RF communications links between our missiles and the platforms they are launched from, whether air, sea or land. Robust data links are vital to MBDA's customers as they are a key part of ensuring mission success.

As a Radio Frequency Systems Engineer in our team, you'll have the opportunity to work on a variety of products, each presenting different technical challenges. We cover the whole product life cycle, from Research and Development in communication technologies, system concepting and design through to product test and verification where our communications systems are proven to work reliably in the most demanding of environments. You'll have the opportunity to be involved in a broad range of technical work, including:

• Requirements engineering
• System design
• Performance modelling
• Product testing
• Researching novel techniques for next generation communication systems
• Electronic warfare
• Missile survivability through stealth and electromagnetic modelling
• Digital Signal Processing
• Waveform design
• Message protocols using the OSI model
• Software defined radio

You'll be part of a team of committed and collaborative individuals, where team events and socials help to build stronger relationships. Our approachable team are on hand to offer support to help you get the most out of your role - collaboration and innovation are not just buzz words here! Because of the nature of the work we do, you'll also get to work with other departments across the wider technical community, as well as external customers and suppliers.

Benefits

• Excellent opportunities for personal development
• Access to a vast array of training and opportunities to learn directly from experts in the field
• Ability to apply technical knowledge to influence the direction of technologies and projects
• Experience products at different phases of the product lifecycle
• Diverse range of roles available creating varied and stimulating work

What we're looking for from you

• Working towards a degree in any STEM subject
• Interest in RF technologies

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, 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.