Seeker Hardware Engineering Level 6 Degree Apprenticeship 2026

MBDA UK Ltd; Stevenage; On-site; GBP 80,000 - 100,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading defence organization in the UK is offering a Seeker Hardware Engineering Level 6 Degree Apprenticeship starting in 2026. This role will allow you to work on innovative radar systems while pursuing a fully funded Electrical and Electronic Engineering degree at the University of Hertfordshire. Ideal candidates will have a solid foundation in Maths and Science and enjoy problem-solving. Competitive salary with a joining bonus is offered.

Benefits

Fully funded qualification

Paid travel expenses

Annual pay reviews

25 days annual leave

Study leave during exams

Qualifications

• Minimum 5 GCSEs at grades 9-4 including Maths and English.
• 120 UCAS Tariff points from A Levels or equivalent qualifications.
• Strong interest in electronic and radar fundamentals.

Responsibilities

• Work on RF Hardware Design and PCB layout.
• Conduct lab testing using anechoic chambers.
• Integrate hardware and software systems.

Skills

Problem solving

Mathematics

Communication

Education

GCSEs including English, Maths, and Science

3 A levels including Maths and Physics

BTEC Level 3 Extended Diploma in Engineering

Job description

Overview

Seeker Hardware Engineering Level 6 Degree Apprenticeship 2026

Salary: £18,750 plus a £3,000 joining bonus

Work Location: MBDA Stevenage

Learning Provider Location: University of Hertfordshire, Hatfield

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 23RD JANUARY 2026 (SUBJECT TO APPLICATION VOLUMES)

What we can offer you

• Fully funded qualification starting September 2026
• Paid travel expenses to and from your place of study
• Annual pay reviews
• 25 days annual leave (plus holiday purchase) and up to 15 days flexi leave
• Study leave during exam periods

The opportunity

The seeker is the 'eye' of a missile. It is a complex integrated radar system and is required for missile guidance as well as for detection, identification and tracking of targets.

Our department is responsible for the development of all radar seekers, including multi-mode seekers that combine radar (RF) and electro-optic (IR) sensors. From design, to development, integration and production, Seeker department's contribution is vital to ensure we can deliver the highest quality products to our customers.

As a Seeker Engineer, you'll work innovatively and collaboratively amongst teams of motivated individuals to tackle technical challenges. Your work will be integral in helping to advance the capability of radar technology at MBDA.

You'll have a unique opportunity to apply your degree course content to real world problems, supported by colleagues in varied and inclusive teams. You will undertake various placements, working on different aspects of electronic and electrical hardware design for seekers and contributing to projects that span the full product lifecycle. This could include:

• RF Hardware Design - Component design and PCB layout
• Lab Testing - Bench testing and using anechoic chambers
• Hardware and Software Integration
• EM Simulation and Modelling
• Data Analysis - Applying analytical techniques to draw conclusions from results

The above placements will develop your practical, technical and communication skills within an industrial environment, raising your awareness of the economic, social, legal, ethical and sustainability considerations of the business and engineering.

You will also have the opportunity to work towards Professional Chartership with the IOP, IMA, IET, IMechE or RAeS, and we will pay 100% of the fees whilst you are on the apprenticeship scheme.

The diversity of expertise working together under one roof makes the Seekers department a unique environment for discovering, exploring and specialising in a wide variety of highly technical areas. We are therefore looking for candidates with diverse backgrounds and interests.

We also work closely with many other teams, giving you exposure to other exciting areas across MBDA. With Seekers being an Anglo-Italian department, multi-national projects are common and can lead to exciting travel or secondment opportunities.

This role would be ideal for someone who enjoys:

• Problem solving
• Learning electronic and radar fundamentals
• Applying university knowledge in a real world environment
• Developing future defence concepts

Programme structure

Your work week will consist of one day study leave to attend university, with the remaining four days completing rotational placements within the RF Seekers department. At Uni, you will study towards a BEng (Hons) Electrical and Electronic Engineering at The University of Hertfordshire for 4 years, which will be fully funded by MBDA.

Find more details about the course here: https://www.herts.ac.uk/courses/degree-apprenticeships/engineering-degree-apprenticeship-electronics

This is a fantastic opportunity for you to join an apprenticeship scheme that has developed winners of some of the most prestigious apprenticeship awards in the UK!

What we're looking for from you

This role has specific qualification and subject criteria so please make sure you carefully check your eligibility against this criteria before applying otherwise your application will not be considered. If you are currently studying and predicted to meet these requirements by the start date you are welcome to apply.

GCSEs:

A minimum of 5 GCSEs at grades 9-4. This must include:

• English Language
• Mathematics
• Any Science or Technology subject

After GCSEs:

After your GCSEs you must have completed one of the following and achieved 120 UCAS Tariff points:

• 3 x A levels at minimum grade C including Maths and either Physics or a Technology/Engineering subject
• BTEC Level 3 Extended Diploma in Engineering at a minimum grade of DDM including a Distinction in Further Maths module
• T-Level at Merit or Distinction in an Engineering subject

Please note: We look at entry criteria based on your top three full A Levels or equivalent qualifications (BTEC/T Level). We do not include UCAS points gained from an Extended Project Qualification. Additionally, as an employer we set our own entry criteria based on the requirements of this role. This means that the criteria above may differ from the university.

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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