Weapon Systems Algorithms Engineer Summer Internship 2027

MBDA; Filton; Hybrid; GBP 22,000 - 27,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Pension: up to 14% total contribution

Overtime pay

Annual Leave: 5 days

Subsidised meals

Free car parking

Job summary

MBDA is offering a 10-week placement for an Algorithm Engineer in the WSAP team at Filton. You will help develop and optimise the algorithms inside weapon systems, starting June 2027, with hybrid on-site work 2-3 days per week.

Applicants should be an undergraduate in Engineering, Physics, Mathematics or Computer Science, with a strong interest in mathematics and programming (MATLAB, Python). BPSS clearance is required; applications close 4 January 2027.

Qualifications

• Current undergraduate working towards a degree in Engineering, Physics, Mathematics or Computer Science.

Responsibilities

• Develop and optimise the algorithms inside weapon systems.
• Provide specialist technical support at system level to MBDA projects.
• Work with MBDA project teams to deliver algorithm components on time, on cost and on quality.

Education

Undergraduate student in Engineering, Physics, Mathematics or Computer Science

Tools

MATLAB

Python

Job description

An Algorithm Engineer's role is to build the code that forms the digital nervous system of a product. In the Weapons System Algorithms & Performance team (WSAP), your solutions and ideas will impact emerging and future technologies.

It's our job to develop and optimise the algorithms inside weapon systems across the whole of MBDA.

Salary: £24,460 (pro-rata)

Dynamic (hybrid) working: 2-3 days per week on-site due to workload classification

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. 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 4th January 2027 but may close earlier depending on application volumes.

What we can offer you

• 10 week placement: Starting June 2027, that allows you to apply your university learning to real-world projects and technologies
• Perform well on your placement and you could secure a graduate role before your final year
• Pension: Maximum total (employer and employee) contribution of up to 14%
• Overtime: Opportunity for paid overtime
• Annual Leave: 5 days
• Facilities: Fantastic site facilities including subsidised meals, free car parking and much more.

The opportunity

• As an Engineer in the Weapon Systems Design division, you will be part of a rapidly expanding area of the MBDA 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 Weapon System Algorithms and Performance (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

• Current undergraduate working towards a degree in Engineering, Physics, Mathematics or Computer Science.
• We are particularly interested in hearing from applicants with a strong interest in mathematics and applying mathematical techniques to engineering problems. Experience in programming for scientific/engineering applications (e.g. MATLAB, Python) would be an advantage.

Information

Training and Development

You’ll be able to choose between a variety of online learning platforms such as Percipio, YouLearn, Career Builder and Video Gateway. Each one is tailored to a specific type of learning. Speak to your line manager to find out more.

We encourage new learning and will provide up to £150 in financial support per year if you wish to participate in further study in your own time. You'll have access to our Learning Gateway, which hosts the formal course catalogue and is where you can select the right training for your role and future development. The catalogue displays which courses are being delivered virtually or are classroom based. If you want to lead a team, you might be interested in our management training, designed for people of all experience levels.

Dynamic Working

The way we work is changing and your schedule will reflect that. For non-executive employees, we have a flexi-time scheme that allows you to choose, within certain parameters, when you start and finish each day and how you can use time you have accrued. If you have worked the time, you are also able to accrue and take up to 15 days of Flexi-leave per annum, in addition to the 25 days of annual leave provided and bank holidays.

Security Clearance

All employees at MBDA are required to hold UK Security or BPSS Clearance.

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.