Seeker Hardware Engineering Level 6 Degree Apprenticeship 2026

MBDA S.A.S.; Stevenage; On-site; GBP 80,000 - 100,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading defense organization in the UK is looking for a Seeker Engineer to develop radar seekers for missile guidance. The role involves innovative teamwork and hands-on experience in electronic and electrical design. Candidates must have a strong educational background including GCSEs and A levels or BTEC in relevant subjects. This position comes with comprehensive support including a degree apprenticeship program.

Benefits

Paid travel expenses

Annual pay reviews

25 days annual leave plus flexi leave

Study leave during exam periods

Qualifications

• Minimum of 5 GCSEs including English Language and Mathematics.
• 3 A levels including Maths and Physics or a Technology/Engineering subject.
• BTEC Level 3 Extended Diploma in Engineering with a minimum grade of DDM.

Responsibilities

• Support development of radar seekers with RF and electro-optic sensors.
• Work collaboratively on various electronic hardware design aspects.
• Participate in projects covering the full product lifecycle.

Skills

Problem solving

Team collaboration

Data Analysis

Education

5 GCSEs at grades 9-4 including English, Mathematics, and a Science/Technology subject

3 A levels including Maths and Physics or Technology/Engineering with grades A to C

BTEC Level 3 Extended Diploma in Engineering at minimum grade DDM

T-Level at Merit or Distinction in Engineering

Tools

RF Hardware Design

Lab Testing

EM Simulation and Modelling

Job description

Benefits

• 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, the 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.

Responsibilities

• Support the development of all radar seekers, including multi-mode seekers that combine radar (RF) and electro-optic (IR) sensors.
• Work collaboratively amongst teams to tackle technical challenges.
• Participate in 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
• 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-apprenticeships-electronics

Qualifications

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 including Maths and either Physics or a Technology/Engineering subject. Applicants must have achieved grades A to C. Grades below a C will not be considered.
• 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 Dist 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.

Other Information

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.