Systems Engineer - Undergraduate Placement 2026

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

Job summary

A leading defense organization in the UK is looking for a Future Systems Engineer for an undergraduate placement starting in September 2026. You will engage in various Systems Engineering projects, develop requirements, and analyze technologies that drive military capabilities. This dynamic role allows you to apply your academic learning while working in a hybrid model, participating in innovative projects tied to real-world challenges. An annual salary of £23,495 is offered with additional benefits including a bonus and healthcare support.

Benefits

Company bonus based on performance

Pension contribution up to 14%

Paid overtime opportunity

Healthcare Cash Plan

25 days annual leave plus option to purchase extra

Flexi Leave up to 15 additional days

Subsidised meals and free car parking

Qualifications

• Currently studying for a degree in relevant engineering or science disciplines.
• Ability to manage interfaces and integration of systems.
• Experience with analytic methodologies to support trade-off studies.

Responsibilities

• Complete a placement based on various projects in Systems Engineering.
• Understand the Systems Engineering 'V' model across the product lifecycle.
• Engage with internal and external customers on diverse engineering projects.

Skills

Researching future technologies

Developing requirements

Creating concept solutions

Analysing performance

Managing interfaces

Education

Degree in Physics, Mathematical Sciences, Engineering, Physical Sciences, Chemistry, Technology or Computing

Job description

Working within one of our Systems Design functions in Stevenage, 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 Opportunity to travel within the UK and potentially internationally. 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. Salary : £23,495 Dynamic (Hybrid Working): Up to 5 days per week on‑site dependant on workload and/or 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 FOR THIS ROLE IS MIDNIGHT ON 5TH JANUARY 2026 (SUBJECT TO APPLICATION VOLUMES).

What we can offer you

• 1 year placement: starting September 2026, that allows you to apply your university learning to real‑world projects and technologies
• Company bonus: 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
• Healthcare Cash Plan: provides support with everyday health related costs – including medical, dental, optical, physio and health & wellbeing
• Annual Leave: 25 days plus option to purchase extra holiday
• Flexi Leave: up to 15 additional days
• Facilities: fantastic site facilities including subsidised meals, free car parking and much more

Future Systems Engineer – Undergraduate Placement 2026 – Future Systems develops concepts and systems that meet our Customer's future military capability needs. Salary : £23,495 Dynamic. Hybrid Working: 2‑3 days per week on‑site due to workload classification. Security …