Weapon System Simulation and Experimentation Engineer - Undergraduate Placement 2026

MBDA S.A.S.; Bradley Stoke; Hybrid; GBP 24,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading defence organisation in the UK seeks an Undergraduate Weapon System Simulation and Experimentation Engineer for 2026. The position involves designing and developing software applications to support battlefield simulations and weapon system integration. Candidates should be pursuing a degree in Engineering, Physics, Mathematical Studies or Computing, with basic programming skills in C++, C#, or Java. The role offers dynamic hybrid working, with a salary of £23,495, focused on collaboration with cross-functional teams and learning in a professional environment.

Benefits

Dynamic working model

Training in new programming languages

Qualifications

• Working towards a degree in a relevant field is required.
• Basic programming skills in C++, C#, or Java are essential.
• Familiarity with software development processes and eagerness to learn new technologies is beneficial.

Responsibilities

• Design, develop, and maintain software applications and simulations.
• Collaborate with teams for system lifecycle integration and training.
• Apply Agile and Waterfall methodologies to software projects.
• Integrate software applications onto hardware and validate through testing.

Skills

C++

C#

Java

Software development processes

Education

Degree in Engineering, Physics, Mathematical Studies or Computing

Tools

Visual Studio

Eclipse

Job description

Weapon System Simulation and Experimentation Engineer – Undergraduate Placement 2026

Weapon System Simulation and Experimentation (WSSE) design leading‑edge software applications and simulations in order to support synthetic battlefield experiments, weapon system integration, product concept and design, and so much more. We create demonstrators and system representations for products from across the MBDA portfolio, covering Land, Sea and Air domains.

WSSE’s simulations are at the forefront of problem solving across a broad spectrum of MBDA’s programs, focusing on improving MBDA’s Agility and Time to Market. The simulations we develop evolve in‑line with the lifecycle of the systems: from concept demonstrations with customers and stakeholders, to integration, trials, experimentation, and training with in‑service operators. We work alongside other business areas such as Integration & Systems Validation, Human Factors, Future Systems, Customer Support Services and Sales & Business Development.

WSSE is a dynamic department based across our Stevenage and Bristol sites with a diverse team of engineers working together to deliver across a wide range of projects and programs. You will have the opportunity to broaden and strengthen your skills from experts in synthetic environments and be a part of our agile teams developing, integrating and deploying software and simulation components. The role will give experience of software development methodologies, including Agile and Waterfall.

There is training in new programming languages and software tools, and experience integrating and deploying software applications onto hardware environments. As well as the opportunity to develop and test code within professional software development teams, and gain an understanding of the company process for delivering products to our customers, including test and certification.

We work across a number of disciplines, primarily software development using programming languages such as C++, C# and Java within environments such as Visual Studio and Eclipse, but we also span system engineering, networking, hardware integration, and use of algorithms such as flight dynamics and rotational geometry.

Responsibilities

• Design, develop, and maintain leading‑edge software applications and simulations to support synthetic battlefield experiments and weapon system integration.
• Develop simulations that evolve with the system lifecycle from concept demonstrations through to integration, trials, experimentation, and training.
• Collaborate with cross‑functional teams such as Integration & Systems Validation, Human Factors, Future Systems, Customer Support Services and Sales & Business Development.
• Apply software development methodologies, including Agile and Waterfall.
• Integrate and deploy software applications onto hardware environments and validate through test and certification processes.

Qualifications

• Working towards a degree in Engineering, Physics, Mathematical Studies or a Computing discipline.
• Basic programming skills in C++, C# or Java and familiarity with Visual Studio or Eclipse.
• Understanding of software development processes and an eagerness to learn new technologies.

Benefits and Salary

Salary: £23,495
Dynamic (Hybrid) Working: 3-5 days per week on‑site due to workload classification

MBDA is a leading defence organisation. We partner with governments to work together towards a common goal, defending our freedom. 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.