Warheads Engineer - Undergraduate Placement 2026

MBDA S.A.S.; Manchester; Hybrid; GBP 23,000 - 28,000; Full time

Job summary

A defense systems company based in Manchester is offering a 1-year engineering placement starting September 2026. The role involves supporting the development and analysis of missile warheads, where you'll work closely with engineers and apply your university learning to real-world projects. Candidates should be pursuing a degree in Engineering, Mathematics, or a related field. The position may require travel and involves hybrid working arrangements. Attractive benefits include a competitive salary, company bonus, and comprehensive healthcare support.

Benefits

Company bonus based on performance

Healthcare Cash Plan

25 days annual leave plus options to purchase more

Flexi leave up to 15 additional days

Fantastic site facilities including subsidised meals

Qualifications

• Must be working towards a relevant degree in an engineering or scientific discipline.
• Experience in performing simulations and analyzing technical data is preferred.

Responsibilities

• Support product lifecycle and detailed design definition.
• Assist in data analysis and trial assessments.
• Collaborate on trial designs and contribute to defense systems.

Skills

Engineering principles

Modelling simulations

Performance data analysis

Team collaboration

Education

Working towards a degree in Engineering, Mathematics or Applied Science

Job description

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.

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.

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Salary and Working

Salary: £23,495 Dynamic (Hybrid). Working: 4 days per week on‑site due to workload classification.

Security Clearance

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. After offer stage, all successful candidates will need to undergo HMG Basic Personnel Security Standard checks (BPSS).

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…

Qualifications

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.