Weapon Systems Algorithms Engineer - Graduate Programme 2027

MBDA UK; West of England; Hybrid; GBP 32,000 - 42,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Annual salary review

Company bonus up to £2,500

Pension up to 14%

Flexible annual leave

Job summary

MBDA UK is seeking a Graduate Programme Algorithms Engineer for 2027. You will build and optimise digital algorithms across future weapon systems, contributing to high-profile programmes such as FCAS, STRATUS and DragonFire.

The role offers a structured two-year programme with annual salary reviews, a company bonus and a generous pension, with hybrid working (3–4 days on-site) and potential overtime opportunities.

Qualifications

• Degree in Engineering, Physics, Mathematics or Computer Science (2:2 min).
• Experience with cutting-edge algorithms and performance evaluation is desirable.

Responsibilities

• Develop and optimise algorithms for weapon systems in MBDA WSAP.
• Collaborate with project teams to deliver algorithm components on time, cost and quality.
• Gain exposure to weapon system architecture, performance modelling and early-stage concepts.

Skills

Deep reinforcement learning

Test-driven development

Education

Engineering/Physics/Mathematics/CS degree (2:2)

Job description

Weapon Systems Algorithms Engineer - Graduate Programme 2027

An Algorithm Engineer's role is to build the code that forms the digital nervous system of a product. It's our job to develop and optimise the algorithms inside weapon systems across the whole of MBDA. In the Weapons System Algorithms & Performance (WSAP) team, your solutions and ideas will impact emerging and future technologies.

Salary

• Salary: £31,900 plus a £3000 joining bonus

Working

Dynamic (Hybrid) Working: 3-4 days per week on-site due to workload classification

Security Clearance

British Citizen 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.

This role is scheduled to close for applications at midnight on Monday 2nd November 2026 but may close earlier depending on application volumes.

What we can offer you

• 2 year Programme: Starting September 2027
• Annual Salary Review
• Company bonus: Up to £2,500 (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
• Excellent career progression and development opportunities
• Facilities: Fantastic site facilities including subsidised meals, free car parking and much more…
• Healthcare Cash Plan: The Healthcare Cash Plan benefit provides the option to claim cash back on everyday healthcare expenses such as optical, dental, health and wellbeing and more.

The opportunity: As an Engineer in the Weapon Systems Design division, you will be part of a rapidly expanding area of our business - providing specialist technical support at system level to a range of high-profile projects, including Future Combat Air System (FCAS), STRATUS and DragonFire.

The WSAP department specialises in a broad range of areas: developing cutting-edge algorithms, mathematically evaluating the performance of products, and working with the future business teams to bring technical excellence to our future concepts. We leverage the use of leading technologies and tools such as deep reinforcement learning and test-driven algorithm development to provide optimised weapon system solutions across the whole of the MBDA product line. Over your time in the department, you’ll have visibility on not only algorithm development but weapon system architecture, performance modelling, and early stage concepting.

Starting as an Algorithms Engineer in WSAP, you will work directly with MBDA project teams to ensure the delivery of critical algorithm components on time, on cost, and on quality to key programmes.

Our algorithms team is currently working on

• Routing algorithms for long-range strike weapons
• Operator decision aids for strike mission planning
• Threat evaluation & weapon assignment algorithms for air defence
• Multi-weapon co-operation
• Application of machine learning techniques to air-to-air combat

Regardless of which project you work on, you’ll be part of a team comprising some of the most talented engineers, scientists and technicians in their fields, helping to deliver innovative battle-winning capabilities to MBDA’s customers across the globe.

What we’re looking for from you

Degree qualified in Engineering, Physics, Mathematics, or Computer Science to a minimum of 2:2

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. 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.

What we do matters. Because defence matters. As a leading company in the defence industry we support our nations by delivering essential military capabilities, both for today and the future. We are proud to be an award-winning employer and are proud of the growing diversity of our workforce. Our people are the ones who drive our constant innovation and deliver against challenging targets.

Whatever your background, we welcome your application to MBDA UK and look forward to speaking with you soon.