Weapon Systems Algorithms Engineer - Undergraduate Placement 2027

MBDA UK; West of England; Hybrid; GBP 24,000 - 26,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Company bonus

Pension up to 14%

Paid overtime

25 days leave + buy/sell

Flexi Leave

Job summary

MBDA UK invites undergraduates to join the Weapon System Algorithms & Performance (WSAP) team for a 12-month placement starting September 2027. You will apply university learning to real-world projects and technologies, with exposure to algorithm development and system-level performance modelling.

The role offers potential to secure a graduate position after the placement. The package includes a company bonus, a pension scheme with up to 14% total contributions, paid overtime, and generous

Qualifications

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

Responsibilities

• Develop and optimise algorithms for weapon systems as part of WSAP team.
• Contribute to system-level performance modelling and concept development.
• Work on engineering projects using machine learning and algorithm development.

Skills

Mathematics interest

Python

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Engineering/Physics/Mathematics or Computer Science

Tools

MATLAB

Python

Job description

Weapon Systems Algorithms Engineer - Undergraduate Placement 2027

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

Dynamic 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:

• 1 year placement: Starting September 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
• 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…
• 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 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.

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

What we’re looking for from you:

• Current undergrad 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. 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.