Warhead Engineer - Graduate Programme 2026

MBDA UK Ltd; Bolton; Hybrid; GBP 100,000 - 125,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading defense organization in the UK seeks a Warhead Engineer for its 2026 Graduate Programme. The role involves supporting Warhead development through various phases and collaborating with skilled engineers. Applicants should have a degree in Engineering or related fields with at least a 2:2. Competitive salary of £31,500 plus a £3,000 joining bonus offered. Hybrid working model applies, with a requirement for security clearance.

Qualifications

• Degree qualification in appropriate fields.
• Work independently or in a team as required.
• Ability to analyze and assess performance data.

Responsibilities

• Support Warhead development throughout product lifecycle.
• Predict missile performance through modeling.
• Collaborate with other MBDA departments.

Skills

Degree in Engineering, Mathematical or Applied Science

Knowledge in Aeronautical, Aerospace, Mechanical or Systems Engineering

Understanding of Physics, Chemistry or Mathematics

Education

Degree qualified to a minimum of 2:2

Job description

Overview

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

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

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.

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