RF Seekers Programme 2027

MBDA; Stevenage; On-site; GBP 21,000 - 28,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

1 year placement

Graduate role ahead

Company bonus

Pension 14%

Overtime pay

25 days annual leave

Flexi-leave 15 days

Site facilities

Healthcare plan

Job summary

MBDA in Stevenage is offering a 1 year placement starting September 2027 to apply university learning to real-world radar seeker projects. You will work in a dynamic Seeker department across simulation, algorithm development and hardware/software integration, gaining hands-on experience from research to production.

The role is for current undergraduates in Mathematics, Physics, Engineering or Computing, with on-site work 4 days per week.

Qualifications

• Current undergraduate studying for a degree in Mathematics, Physics, Engineering or Computing.

Responsibilities

• System simulation and modelling.
• Algorithm development.
• Design and test of electronic and RF circuits.
• Hardware and software integration.
• Signal processing and data analysis.
• Performance analysis, requirements and specifications.
• Electromagnetic simulation.
• Experimental lab testing.
• Field trials including flight trials and firing trial preparation.
• Image processing and ray tracing.

Education

Undergraduate degree in Mathematics, Physics, Engineering or Computing

Job description

The seeker is "the eyes" of every missile; not just a collection of sensors, but a sophisticated integrated system which detects, identifies, and tracks targets.

The seeker contains some of the most advanced technology in the missile, and typically comprises around half of the development activity of a missile project.

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.

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

The Seekers department is responsible for the design, development, integration and production of all radar seekers, including multi-mode seekers (combining radar (RF) and electro-optic sensors). Our work is especially broad, as we are the design authority for all aspects of the seeker product. The diversity of fields working together under one roof makes the Seekers department a unique environment for discovering, exploring, developing and specialising in a wide variety of highly technical and valuable areas of expertise.

Seekers work across the whole product lifecycle from research and development, concept and design, integration and test, through to production and in-service support. You can gain experience in areas such as:

• System simulation and modelling.
• Algorithm development.
• Design and test of electronic and RF circuits.
• Hardware and software integration.
• Signal processing and data analysis.
• Performance analysis, requirements and specifications.
• Electromagnetic simulation.
• Experimental lab testing.
• Field trials including flight trials and firing trial preparation.
• Image processing and ray tracing.

This will use and advance your knowledge from university, applying it to technical challenges at the cutting edge of technology, in a department which never stops learning.

What we’re looking for from you

• Current undergraduate studying for a degree in a Mathematics, Physics, Engineering or Computing discipline.

Information

Training and Development

You’ll be able to choose between a variety of online learning platforms such as Percipio, YouLearn, Career Builder and Video Gateway. Each one is tailored to a specific type of learning. Speak to your line manager to find out more.

We encourage new learning and will provide up to £150 in financial support per year if you wish to participate in further study in your own time. You’ll have access to our Learning Gateway, which hosts the formal course catalogue and is where you can select the right training for your role and future development. The catalogue displays which courses are being delivered virtually or are classroom based. If you want to lead a team, you might be interested in our management training, designed for people of all experience levels.

Dynamic Working

The way we work is changing and your schedule will reflect that. For non-executive employees, we have a flexi-time scheme that allows you to choose, within certain parameters, when you start and finish each day and how you can use time you have accrued. If you have worked the time, you are also able to accrue and take up to 15 days of Flexi-leave per annum, in addition to the 25 days of annual leave provided and bank holidays.

Security Clearance

All employees at MBDA are required to hold UK Security or BPSS Clearance.

For further information, please view our Security & Vetting page.

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.