Software Engineering - Summer Placement 2026

MBDA UK Ltd; Stevenage; Hybrid; GBP 24,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading defense organization is offering a Software Engineering Summer Placement for 2026 in Stevenage. This opportunity allows students to apply university learning to real-world projects within a hybrid working environment. Candidates will develop skills in software development lifecycles using C/C++, Python, and gain insights into both embedded and front-end development. The program includes benefits like competitive pay, overtime opportunities, and ample learning experiences.

Benefits

10 week placement starting June 2026

Pension contributions up to 14%

Paid overtime opportunities

5 days annual leave

Subsidized meals and free parking

Qualifications

• Studying a relevant engineering degree.
• Ability to work in a hybrid team environment.
• Strong interest in software development lifecycles.

Responsibilities

• Develop skills necessary to become a well-rounded software engineer.
• Gain exposure to various development stages.
• Learn the importance of technical documentation.

Skills

Software Engineering

C/C++

DevOps

Python

Education

Working towards a degree in Software Engineering, Computer Science or relevant Engineering field

Job description

Overview

Software Engineering - Summer Placement 2026

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 and Working Arrangements

Salary: £23,495 pro-rated

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.

Closing date: MIDNIGHT ON 5 JANUARY 2026 (SUBJECT TO APPLICATION VOLUMES)

What we can offer you

• 10 week placement: starting June 2026, that allows you to apply your university learning to real-world projects and technologies
• Pension: maximum total (employer and employee) contribution of up to 14%
• Overtime: opportunity for paid overtime
• Annual Leave: 5 days
• Facilities: Fantastic site facilities including subsidised meals, free car parking and much more...

The opportunity

The Software team at MBDA (Stevenage) 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 munitions, weapon systems, software infrastructures (i.e. DevOps) and Simulation Software to support the business. We use a variety of programming languages, software tools and software lifecycle methodologies to achieve this.

You will get exposure to some aspects of a software development lifecycle and develop some of the skills necessary to become a well-rounded software engineer.

• The opportunity to gain exposure to a variety of development stages within our weapons systems or research projects: 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.
• Learn about the functional and technical robustness of project deliverables.
• The importance of technical documentation.
• Work with other departments within the company, learning a general overview of the business.

What we\'re looking for from you

Working towards a degree in Software Engineering, Computer Science or relevant Engineering field (incl. Aeronautical/Aerospace, Mathematics, Physics)

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.

#LI-CB1