Complex Warheads: Lethality Engineer - Undergraduate Placement

Overview

Complex Warheads:
Lethality Engineer - Undergraduate Placement 2026

Are you interested in modelling the lethal performance of MBDA's Complex Weapon Systems? We are seeking an undergraduate to join our niche group of engineers, enabling MBDA to provide world leading defence capabilities for our home Nations and Allies.

• Salary: £23,495
• Dynamic (Hybrid) Working: 3-4+ days on-site initially, with a blended on-site/remote arrangement as you gain experience. Full-time on-site is also possible.
• Security Clearance:
  British Citizen or a Dual UK national with British citizenship. BPSS checks after offer stage.
• Closing date:
  Midnight on 5 January 2026 (subject to application volumes).

• 1 year placement: starting September 2026, applying university learning to real-world projects
• Company bonus: based on company performance (varies year to year)
• Pension: up to 14% total employer and employee contribution
• Overtime: opportunity for paid overtime
• Annual Leave: 25 days plus option to purchase extra holiday
• Flexi Leave: up to 15 additional days
• Facilities: site facilities including subsidised meals, free car parking and more

The Complex Warheads Centre of Excellence is a coordinated team across Stevenage, Bolton and Paris. Their role is to:

• Act as the company's design authority for warheads.
• Predict the lethal performance of various missile systems.
• Provide knowledge in warheads, explosives, target detection and weapon lethality.

The Lethality team in Stevenage primarily undertakes modelling of missile terminal engagement, target detection, warhead detonation and lethal performance prediction.

Joining MBDA offers the chance to develop knowledge in missile lethality across areas not typically found in academia.

With support and mentorship, you'll apply a custom set of modelling tools to evaluate lethal performance of developing and future missile systems against targets. Our in-house tools are MATLAB-based; other tools such as CAD or finite element codes may be used.

You will be encouraged to work independently or in small teams with limited supervision on tasks spanning weeks to months, with some projects involving collaboration with other MBDA departments in Europe.

Degree qualified in an Engineering, Physics, Mathematics, Computing or Applied Science discipline to a minimum 2:2.

MBDA is a leading defence organisation. We support Armed Forces and partner with governments to defend freedom. We value employee networks and encourage adjustments during recruitment process.

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