Software Engineer - Graduate Programme 2026

MBDA; Bristol; Hybrid; GBP 29,000 - 34,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading defence organisation in Bristol is seeking a Graduate Software Engineer for a dynamic program that starts in September 2026. You will work with programming languages like C, C++, C#, and Java while developing skills across project lifecycles. The role offers a starting salary of £31,500 with a bonus and excellent career development opportunities, requiring a degree in a related STEM field.

Benefits

Up to £2,500 company bonus

Pension with up to 14% contribution

25 days annual leave plus purchase options

Fantastic site facilities including subsidised meals

Qualifications

• Degree qualified in Computing, Engineering, Mathematics, Physics or relevant STEM discipline to a minimum 2:2.

Responsibilities

• Develop skills through technical training and work placements.
• Work closely with teams in various stages of software development.
• Create and maintain technical documentation.

Skills

C

C++

C#

Java

Software development lifecycle

Embedded systems

Education

Degree in Computing/Computer Science, Engineering, Mathematics, Physics or relevant STEM discipline

Job description

Software Engineer - Graduate Programme 2026

The Software team at MBDA (Bristol) deliver software for the next generation of weapons in an ever evolving environment to support those on the battlefield!

This is a great opportunity to learn and understand fundamentals in the Software life cycle, and Software delivery as well as gain broader skills/exposure such as systems engineering and agile project management. You’ll see how software teams interact and collaborate with other stakeholders within MBDA.

Salary: £31,500 starting salary plus £3,000 joining bonus.

Dynamic (Hybrid) Working: 5 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 FOR THIS ROLE IS MIDNIGHT ON 3RD NOVEMBER 2025

What we can offer you

• 2 year Programme: starting September 2026
• Salary reviews throughout Programme
• Company bonus: Up to £2,500 (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
• Excellent career progression and development opportunities
• Facilities: Fantastic site facilities including subsidised meals, free car parking and much more

The opportunity

The Software team at MBDA (Bristol) deliver software for the next generation of weapons in an ever evolving environment to support those on the battlefield!

Our teams provide a range of products from high integrity software running on our weapon systems, to mission planning solutions integrated into a complex battlespace arena. We use a variety of programming languages, software tools and software lifecycle methodologies to achieve this.

You will develop the skills necessary to become a well-rounded software engineer. This goal will be achieved through a combination of technical training, four challenging work placements and development activities such as:

• Working closely with other teams in a variety of development stages within our weapons systems including both embedded and front end software development on a range of platforms, such as Windows and Linux, utilising C, C++, C# and Java.
• Ensuring the functional and technical robustness of project deliverables
• Owning responsibility for the creation and maintenance of technical documentation.
• Working with other departments within the company, learning a general overview of the business.
• You’ll get exposure to all aspects of a software development lifecycle, a chance to collaborate with others in the annual multi-national Software Engineering Challenge, and opportunities to travel.

What we're looking for from you

Degree qualified in Computing/Computer Science, Engineering (incl. Aeronautical/Aerospace, Electrical/Electronic, Mechanical or Software), Mathematics, Physics or relevant STEM discipline to a minimum 2:2.

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