Systems Engineer - Summer Placement 2026

MBDA; Stevenage; Hybrid; GBP 23,000 - 28,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading defence organisation is looking for a Systems Engineer for a Summer Placement in 2026 in Stevenage. The role offers hands-on experience in designing and delivering Complex Weapons capabilities for the UK's Armed Forces. Ideal candidates are pursuing a relevant degree and have a keen interest in systems engineering. This hybrid position allows for a blend of on-site and remote work, fostering creativity and teamwork.

Benefits

10 week placement starting June 2026

Pension with up to 14% contribution

Paid overtime opportunities

5 days annual leave

Subsidised meals and free parking

Qualifications

• Currently studying for a relevant degree in STEM.
• Able to work in dynamic and fast-paced environments.
• Interest in systems engineering and complex systems.

Responsibilities

• Involved in designing and delivering Complex Weapons capabilities.
• Support research, requirement developing, and performance analysis.
• Engage with internal and external customers for project needs.

Skills

Creativity in problem-solving

Understanding of systems engineering

Communicating with engineering teams

Education

Currently studying for a degree in Physics, Mathematical Sciences, Engineering, Physical Sciences, Chemistry, Technology or Computing

Job description

Systems Engineer - Summer Placement 2026

Salary

£23,495 (pro rata)

Dynamic (Hybrid) Working

Where possible, we will seek to accommodate a blended approach to on-site and remote working. To ensure you get the most from this placement you would be expected to be on site at least 3 days per week.

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 5TH 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

Working within one of our Systems Design functions, you will be involved in concepting, designing, delivering and supporting the latest Complex Weapons capabilities for the UK and partner nation Armed Forces in response to advanced threats in all domains (Air, Land, Sea).

You’ll complete a placement based on a project that could be at any stage in a range of areas, from future capabilities to in‑service products. Through the placement, we’ll help you understand the make‑up of a missile or a weapon system; from the warhead to the seeker in the missile to the wider weapon system components.

These placements will enable you to understand the Systems Engineering V’ model across the whole product lifecycle – including:

• Researching future technologies and novel domains;
• Developing requirements and functional architectures;
• Creating concept solutions;
• Analysing performance and supporting trade‑off studies;
• Managing interfaces and integration of systems and sub‑systems;
• Proving and certification activities at Weapon and Missile system level;
• Learning about technologies and customer needs associated with specific products or capabilities.

Across the Systems Engineering domain, we offer exposure to a wide variety of different technologies, engineering methodologies, and customer needs associated with specific products or capabilities. This also offers a great opportunity to engage with internal and external customers.

This role is suited to those that enjoy the creativity and practicality of working with problems to arrive at logical solutions.

Our Systems Design function will support you to become a fully integrated member of the team with the opportunity to assume an increasing level of responsibility. We offer varied roles with scope to choose placements based on interests and skills.

Our people are adaptable and the role is varied and fast paced – Innovation is a company value that we practice the most.

Systems Engineers work with people across all engineering fields and business teams, meeting suppliers and customers and engaging with international MBDA colleagues. There is also an opportunity to travel both within the UK and potentially internationally.

What we’re looking for from you

Currently studying for a degree in Physics, Mathematical Sciences, Engineering, Physical Sciences, Chemistry, Technology or Computing discipline.

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.