Weapon System Equipment Engineer - Graduate Programme 2026

MBDA S.A.S.; Bristol; Hybrid; GBP 31,000 - 37,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading defence engineering company in the UK is seeking a Weapon System Engineer to join their WSE team. The successful candidate will manage sub-systems, technical standards, and collaborate with multi-disciplined teams on various projects. The role offers a dynamic hybrid working environment and a starting salary of £31,500 plus bonuses and benefits.

Benefits

Joining bonus of £3,000

Company bonus up to £2,500 based on performance

Pension contribution up to 14%

25 days annual leave plus extra days

Subsidised meals and free car parking

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Electrical, Mechanical, Aerospace Engineering, Physics, Mathematics or Computer Science.
• Eligible for security clearance requiring British citizenship or dual nationality.

Responsibilities

• Manage sub-system and equipment requirements.
• Technical management of equipment development and trials.
• Develop equipment policies and technical standards.

Skills

Electrical Engineering

Mechanical Engineering

Aerospace Engineering

Project Management

Education

Degree in Engineering or related field (minimum 2:2)

Job description

Overview

The Weapon System Equipment (WSE) team is responsible for managing groups of equipment and Weapon System sub‑systems from the bidding stage, into the concept & requirements generation phase, through their development programme, and on to production & delivery and final integration onto the platform or launcher. As a Weapon System Engineer in MBDA you will be part of one department in a fast growing, multi‑national group that provides a variety of different engineering and specialist skills across a number of projects, ensuring our products are fit for purpose and delivered on time and to cost. As the complexity of the battlefield increases, so too do our customers' capability needs! Consequently, we have evolved to provide the necessary expertise across a large range of weapon system aspects, much wider than just the missile itself. The WSE team provides technical and project management to ensure that these products & equipment are fit for purpose and delivered on time and to cost. As an engineer within the Weapon System Equipment team, you will have a unique opportunity to develop skills in several areas (e.g. technical, project management, product delivery) working across a variety of different projects in MBDA to gain a wide breadth of knowledge.

Responsibilities

• Sub‑System & Equipment Requirements generation and management
• Technical management of equipment development, production and delivery to meet Customer milestones
• Managing equipment and hardware development trials
• Develop equipment policies and technical standards to improve capability
• Regular contact with a variety of partners including external MBDA Customers and Suppliers
• Working with a multi‑disciplined team across all parts of the product lifecycle (e.g. procurement, commercial, mechanical & electrical engineers, software engineers, trials & integration teams)

Qualifications

Degree qualified in Electrical and Electronic Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, Physics, Mathematics or Computer Science to a minimum of 2:2.

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).

Company Culture and Support

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 and Programme Details

• Salary: £31,500 plus a £3,000 joining bonus
• Dynamic (Hybrid) Working: 2‑3 days per week on‑site due to workload classification
• Security Clearance requirement: British Citizen or Dual UK national with British citizenship (subject to checks)
• 2‑year Programme: starting September 2026
• Salary reviews throughout Programme
• Company bonus: up to £2,500 based on company performance (varies 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