Software Engineer - Graduate Programme 2026

MBDA; Bristol; On-site; GBP 100,000 - 125,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading defense organization in Bristol is looking for a graduate software engineer to join their two-year training program, starting in September 2026. This role offers the chance to work on advanced software for weapon systems, collaborating across various teams while developing critical engineering skills. Applicants should have a degree in a relevant STEM field. Competitive salary and benefits including bonuses and health support are included in the offering.

Benefits

Company bonus up to £2,500

Pension contribution of up to 14%

25 days annual leave plus options to purchase extra holidays

Healthcare cash plan for everyday health costs

Free car parking

Opportunities for paid overtime

Excellent career progression opportunities

Qualifications

• Degree qualified in Computing/Computer Science, Engineering, Mathematics, or Physics.
• Understanding of software development lifecycles.
• Ability to collaborate with various teams.

Responsibilities

• Develop skills in software engineering through training and work placements.
• Develop embedded and front-end software for weapon systems.
• Create and maintain technical documentation.
• Collaborate with other departments and participate in software engineering challenges.

Skills

C

C++

C#

Java

Education

Degree in Computing, Engineering, Mathematics, Physics or relevant STEM discipline (minimum 2:2)

Job description

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

• Healthcare Cash Plan: provides support with everyday health related costs - including medical, dental, optical, physio and health & wellbeing

• 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.