Software Engineer - Graduate Programme 2026

MBDA S.A.S.; Stevenage; Hybrid; GBP 31,000 - 37,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading defence organisation in the UK is seeking a Software Engineer to join their dynamic team. The role involves software development for advanced weapon systems, requiring collaboration across various departments and exposure to the software life cycle. Candidates should hold a relevant degree and possess experience with C and C++. The position offers a starting salary of £31,500 with a joining bonus and numerous benefits, including hybrid working opportunities.

Benefits

Joining bonus: £3,000

Company bonus: Up to £2,500

Pension contribution of up to 14%

Paid overtime opportunities

25 days annual leave

Flexi Leave: Up to 15 additional days

Subsidised meals and free car parking

Qualifications

• Degree qualified in Software Engineering, Computer Science or relevant Engineering field.
• Minimum 2:2 classification required.
• Some software experience preferred.

Responsibilities

• Develop and maintain software for weapons systems.
• Ensure technical robustness of project deliverables.
• Create and update technical documentation.
• Collaborate across departments and teams.

Skills

C

C++

Python

ADA

Team collaboration

Education

Degree in Software Engineering or Computer Science

Relevant Engineering field

Job description

You'll develop your skills 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 primarily C, C++ with potential for ADA and some scope for C# and Python dependant on the specific group and team.
• 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.

Degree qualified in Software Engineering, Computer Science or relevant Engineering field (incl. Aeronautical/Aerospace, Mathematics, Physics) with some software experience to minimum 2:2.

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.

Software Team Role

The Software team at MBDA 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 numerous programming languages, software tools and software lifecycle methodologies to achieve this.

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

Dynamic (Hybrid) Working: 4-5 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.

• 2 year Programme: starting September 2026
• Salary reviews throughout the 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…