Warheads Engineer - Undergraduate Placement 2026

MBDA; Bolton; On-site; GBP 80,000 - 100,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading defense organization in Bolton offers a Warheads Engineer - Undergraduate Placement for 2026. This one-year placement provides a unique opportunity to work on real-world projects in Warhead development, collaborating with experts in the field. Ideal candidates should be pursuing a degree in Engineering or related disciplines. Benefits include a company bonus, pension contributions, and additional annual leave.

Benefits

Company bonus

Pension contributions up to 14%

25 days annual leave

Paid overtime opportunities

Flexi leave

Subsidised meals and free parking

Qualifications

• Pursuing a degree in Engineering, Mathematical or Applied Science.
• Ability to work independently and in teams.
• Interest in Warhead technologies and missile systems.

Responsibilities

• Work on various stages of Warhead development.
• Produce design definitions and conduct concept assessments.
• Analyze performance data collected during trials.

Skills

Teamwork

Analytical skills

Knowledge in Engineering disciplines

Education

Working towards a relevant degree

Job description

Overview

Warheads Engineer - Undergraduate Placement 2026

The Complex Warheads Centre of Excellence is a coordinated team and the company's design authority for Warheads. We support Warhead development throughout the product lifecycle; starting with concept design, design definitions, assessment, technical specification, test equipment and maturity of concepts, into manufacture.

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

• 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

The opportunity

The team develops, designs and tests Warheads for MBDA missiles.

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

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

Through this placement you'll:

• Work closely with the team in a variety of stages within the product lifecycle

• Learn how to produce detailed design definitions, carry out concept assessment using modelling simulations

• Support the team to analyse and assess performance data collected during trials

• Support the design and planning for 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 and their lethal effects to 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

Working towards a degree in an Engineering, Mathematical or Applied Science subject area such as Aeronautical, Aerospace, Mechanical or Systems Engineering, Physics, Chemistry or Mathematics 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.

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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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