Systems Design Engineer - Summer Placement 2026

MBDA S.A.S.; Bristol; Hybrid; GBP 24,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading defence organization in the UK is seeking a Systems Design Engineer for a 10-week placement starting June 2026. This role involves collaborating with development teams to propose innovative solutions and derive requirements across various engineering domains. British citizenship is required along with the ability to undertake security checks. This opportunity offers a salary of £23,495, flexible working conditions, and valuable experience applying university knowledge to real-world projects.

Benefits

Paid overtime

Subsidized meals

Free car parking

Annual leave: 5 days

Pension contributions

Qualifications

• Working towards a relevant degree.
• Eligible for HMG Basic Personnel Security Standard Checks.

Responsibilities

• Collaborate with development teams to propose and detail innovative solutions.
• Derive requirements and develop functional architectures.
• Analyse system performance and conduct trade studies.
• Support the Systems 'V' Model and product lifecycle.
• Engage with suppliers, customers, and international colleagues.

Education

Working towards a degree in Engineering, Science, Computing, Maths or Technology

Job description

Position Overview

Systems Design engineers play a key role in bringing together design viewpoints, ensuring customer requirements are met, and proposing innovative solutions across all domains – Land, Maritime, Air, and Cyber. Working at MBDA, you will have exposure to a variety of engineering methodologies and processes within the Bristol team, covering Weapon Systems, Command and Control Systems, Integration and Systems Validation, Emerging Portfolio and Capability, and Sparkworks.

Key Responsibilities

• Collaborate with development teams to propose and detail innovative solutions.
• Derive requirements, brainstorm concept solutions, and develop functional architectures.
• Analyse system performance, conduct trade studies and gather verification evidence in lab or through off‑site trials.
• Support the entire Systems ‘V’ Model and maintain high‑level view of product definition and lifecycle.
• Engage with suppliers, customers and international MBDA colleagues across engineering and business teams.

Eligibility & Qualifications

• Working towards a degree in Engineering, Science, Computing, Maths or Technology.
• British Citizen or Dual UK National with British citizenship (or other eligible status, subject to restriction).
• Ability to undertake HMG Basic Personnel Security Standard Checks (BPSS) after offer.

Benefits & Working Conditions

• 10‑week placement starting June 2026 to apply university learning to real‑world projects.
• Pension: maximum total (employer and employee) contribution up to 14 %.
• Opportunity for paid overtime.
• Annual leave: 5 days.
• Facilities: site facilities including subsidised meals, free car parking and more.
• Salary: £23,495 (pro‑rated) with dynamic hybrid working – 3‑5 days a week depending on project.
• Security clearance requirements and BPSS checks as described.

About MBDA

MBDA is a leading defence organisation proud of its role in supporting the Armed Forces and protecting national freedom. We champion employee‑led networks such as Gender Equality, Pride, Menopause Matters, Parents and Carers, Armed Forces, Ethnic Diversity, Neurodiversity, Disability, and more. We encourage applicants to ask for support or adjustments during the recruitment process.

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