Warhead Engineer - Graduate Programme 2026

MBDA; Bolton; Hybrid; GBP 31,000 - 37,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading defence organisation is seeking a Warhead Engineer for a Graduate Programme launching in September 2026. This role involves supporting Warhead development and includes modelling missile performance. Candidates should have a relevant engineering degree with a minimum 2:2. The position offers hybrid working, competitive salary, and numerous benefits including ongoing professional development.

Benefits

Joining bonus of £3,000

Company bonus up to £2,500

Pension contribution up to 14%

25 days annual leave

Flexi Leave of up to 15 additional days

Paid overtime opportunities

Subsidised meals and free parking

Qualifications

• Degree qualified in an Engineering, Mathematical or Applied Science subject area such as Aeronautical, Aerospace, Mechanical or Systems Engineering.
• Minimum grade of 2:2 required.
• Experience in related fields may be beneficial.

Responsibilities

• Support Warhead development throughout the product lifecycle.
• Predict missile system performance through modelling.
• Collaborate with various MBDA departments across the UK and Europe.

Skills

Engineering knowledge

Mathematical skills

Analytical skills

Education

Degree in Engineering, Mathematics, or Applied Science

Job description

Warhead Engineer - Graduate Programme 2026

The Complex Warheads Centre of Excellence is a coordinated team situated across sites in Bolton and are the company’s design authority for Warheads.

Salary: £31,500 plus a £3000 joining bonus

Dynamic (Hybrid) Working: 4 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 FOR THIS ROLE IS MIDNIGHT ON 3RD NOVEMBER 2025

What we can offer you

• 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…

The opportunity

The team support Warhead development throughout the product lifecycle; starting with concept design, design definitions, assessment, technical specification, test equipment and maturity of concepts, through into manufacture. They also:

• Predict the lethal performance of various types of missile systems through modelling of missile terminal engagement, target detection, Warhead detonation and lethal performance prediction.

• Provide expertise in the skill areas of Warheads, energetic materials, target detection and weapon lethality.

Your time within the Warheads team will involve working closely with highly skilled engineers across the whole of the Warhead product lifecycle. You will learn how to produce detailed design definitions, carry out concept assessment using modelling simulations and analyse and assess performance data collected during trials.

This is an outstanding opportunity to join a niche group of engineers with specialised expertise. The skills we utilise are not typical in academia and so joining the team presents an opportunity for you to develop knowledge in numerous aspects of Warhead development that you would not acquire anywhere else.

Joining us will build your knowledge and enable you to apply an understanding of Warhead technologies for various types of missile systems in development and in service.

You may be encouraged to work independently, with limited supervision, or part of a small to medium team, as required.

Some projects may include collaboration with other MBDA departments across the UK and Europe. This role may require you to travel.

What we're looking for from you

Degree qualified in an Engineering, Mathematical or Applied Science subject area such as Aeronautical, Aerospace, Mechanical or Systems Engineering, Physics, Chemistry or Mathematic to a minimum of 2:2

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.

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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.

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