Radio Frequency Systems Engineer - Summer Placement 2026

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

Job summary

A leading defence organisation is seeking a Radio Frequency Systems Engineer for a Summer Placement 2026 in Bristol. The role involves working on missile communication systems, requiring a degree pursued in any STEM subject and an interest in RF technologies. Candidates will benefit from a hybrid working model and comprehensive training opportunities, making this an excellent start for future engineers.

Benefits

Pension contribution of up to 14%

Paid overtime opportunities

5 days annual leave

Subsidised meals and free car parking

Qualifications

• Candidates should be working towards a degree in any STEM subject.
• Interest in RF technologies is essential.

Responsibilities

• Work on cutting edge Radio Frequency based missile communication systems.
• Engage in requirements engineering and system design.
• Perform product testing and research novel techniques for next-generation communication systems.

Skills

Interest in RF technologies

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, spanning research, 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.

Some of the benefits of joining this team are:

• Diving 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

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

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.

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