Weapon Systems Algorithms Engineer - Undergraduate Placement 2026

MBDA; Bristol; Hybrid; GBP 23,000 - 28,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading defence organisation in Bristol is seeking an undergraduate Weapon Systems Algorithms Engineer for a 1-year placement starting September 2026. The role involves developing and optimising algorithms for various high-profile defence projects. Candidates should be pursuing a degree in engineering, physics, mathematics, or computer science and have a strong interest in mathematics and programming. The position offers a competitive salary of £23,495 and dynamic working conditions.

Benefits

Company bonus based on performance

Pension with up to 14% total contribution

25 days annual leave plus options to purchase extra

Opportunities for paid overtime

Fantastic site facilities including subsidised meals

Flexi Leave of up to 15 additional days

Qualifications

• Strong interest in mathematics and its application to engineering problems.
• Experience in programming for scientific/engineering applications is an advantage.

Responsibilities

• Develop and optimise algorithms for weapon systems.
• Provide technical support at the system level to high-profile projects.
• Work with MBDA project teams to deliver algorithm components.

Skills

Mathematics application

Programming (MATLAB, Python)

Education

Degree in Engineering, Physics, Mathematics or Computer Science

Job description

Overview

Weapon Systems Algorithms Engineer - Undergraduate Placement 2026

Algorithms are the backbone behind technology. We use them everyday without knowing, from scrolling social media to searching for the fastest route home. In the defence industry, we use them for so much more. In the Weapons System Algorithms & Performance team (WSAP), it's our job to develop and optimise the algorithms inside of MBDA's leading technologies.

Salary: £23,495

Dynamic (Hybrid) Working: 2-3 days per week on-site or more 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.

CLOSING DATE: MIDNIGHT ON 5 JANUARY 2026 (SUBJECT TO APPLICATION VOLUMES)

Benefits

• 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

• 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

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 the system level to a range of high-profile projects, including Future Combat Air System (FCAS); Future Cruise / Anti-Ship Weapon (FC/ASW); Future Air Defence System (FADS) and more.

The Weapon System Algorithms and Performance (WSAP) department specialises in the design, development and delivery of cutting-edge algorithms. We leverage AI in solving weapon system solutions, which operate across the entire weapon system to optimise the end-to-end mission performance of our products. Algorithms engineers in WSAP often work directly with MBDA project teams to ensure the delivery of critical algorithm components on time, on cost, and on quality to key programmes.

Some examples of topics you could be working on include:

• 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

We make a difference - the capabilities we deliver give our armed forces an operational advantage. Within the team, we provide opportunities to work across a variety of projects and value the people that work with us. Our active support in the careers of our team members allow them to maximise their career development.

What we’re looking for from you

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.

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.

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