Women in Engineering
Meet the Women Advancing the Future of Defence
What you'll do matters. Because defence matters..
At MBDA, we know that diverse teams deliver better, more innovative results, and we are committed to a workplace where everyone can reach their full potential.
Read on below and hear from women at MBDA in our videos about the careers, culture and opportunities available as part of a career with us.
A Leader in Defence & Among UK Employers
We value our women in engineering and actively encourage greater gender balance across our business and our industry.
We're a European leader in weapon system design and development, and proud of the work we do that enables our Armed Forces to protect our nations, people and freedoms.
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Top Employer: With awards from The Sunday Times Best Places to Work 2024, Glassdoor Best Places to Work 2022, and Gold or Platinum in all Investors in People categories.
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Dynamic Workforce: 6,000 individuals working together across our Stevenage, Bolton and Bristol sites, across every engineering discipline and stage of our products' lifecycles.
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Unique Products, Challenges and Technologies: Work on projects unlike those of any industry outside defence.
Pic: Colleagues from across Europe at one of our annual 'Inspiring Women' events.
Initiatives that Help Empower our People
We want everyone who joins us to feel that they belong and are able to achieve their highest potential.
We have launched a Women in Engineering Community entry point - a single point of application for women with technical industry experience looking to join MBDA that perhaps cannot find the right opportunity from our current vacancies.
Our mentoring programmes provide chances for employees to speak and learn from someone outside their management structure - including our Women in Defence Mentoring Scheme, launched in September 2023.
Code First Girls is a key partnership which has seen numerous women move into Software roles at MBDA from a wide range of other careers. Hear about just three of our Code First Girls joiners' unique stories on our blog.
Our GEN-EQ (Gender Equality) network is an employee-led group that promotes gender equality through education, awareness and communication; advocating equality, mutual respect and understanding across genders.
Hear from Women at MBDA
In this video playlist, hear direct from MBDA employees about why they love the work that they do, about the support available, and the culture and benefits that come with a career with us.
Our Culture
Inclusive Environment: Diverse thinking is encouraged at MBDA, and everyone is given a voice at the table. Employee-led communities and mentors are also available to help you build your network and exchange learning with others.
Career Growth: We encourage career development in whatever direction you want to take it, and provide all the training needed to ensure you develop the skills and confidence to achieve your goals.
Flexible and family friendly, whatever shape that takes: We’re members of Working Families and work closely with our Parents & Carers employee network to listen to employee feedback. We support formal flexible working requests to accommodate your commitments and where possible, through Dynamic Working we provide a blended approach to where, when and how we work. See our benefits below for more detail.
Flexible Working, Hybrid Working & Employee Benefits
Hybrid working and flexible working are captured at MBDA under our Dynamic Working policies. While the number of work-from-home days days may vary by business area, our employment contracts empower our teams to decide amongst themselves how they can best optimise their time and places of work. Hear from employees on our YouTube page about how Dynamic Working has benefitted them.
For part-time opportunities, make sure to search our current vacancies, or contact us about any other roles you wish to be considered for.
In addition to competetive annual salaries, MBDA employees can expect an annual payrise (inflation + performance related), an annual company bonus, pension contributions up to 14%, and the option for enhanced overtime pay (depending on role / level).
Enhanced Parental Leave offers up to 26 weeks full pay for maternity, adoption and shared parental leave. Enhancements are also available for paternity leave, neonatal leave and fertility testing and treatments
For more details, visit our Rewards and Benefits page, and see details on individual vacancies.
Employee-Led Networks
Sometimes we need a little extra support, or another place to be heard when it comes to topics that matter to us as individuals.
That's why we encourage our people to lead and collaborate with colleagues as part of our employee-led networks. Below you'll find just a snapshot of some of our most active networks you are welcome to join - either as an active member of simply an ally to the cause.
GEN-EQ - Gender Equality
GEN-EQ is an employee network that promotes gender equality through education, awareness and communication, and advocates equality, mutual respect and understanding across genders.
Mosaic - Ethnic Diversity
Mosaic is our Ethnic Diversity employee network supporting and representing colleagues from a Black, Asian and Minority Ethnic backgrounds. The network is open to all MBDA UK employees.
Pride at MBDA – Sexual Orientation & Gender Diversity
Pride at MBDA is an employee network initiated by colleagues who are passionate about creating an inclusive culture where all our employees can be themselves at work whatever their sexual orientation or gender identity.
Neurodiversity at MBDA – Diverse Minds
Our employee led Neurodiversity network is striving to raise awareness, challenge misperceptions and promote a working environment that is positive, supportive and where everyone is able to reach their full potential.
Menopause Matters
A space for any employee whether they are experiencing menopause themselves, or know a friend or family member who is, to learn more about managing menopause in the workplace and beyond.
Parents & Carers Community
The Parents & Carers employee network aims to support all employees who are parents, have caring responsibilities, or are interested in family friendly topics. It is a forum for employees to share their experiences, ask for support or advice and further develop a family friendly culture at MBDA UK.
Armed Forces Employees
The Armed Forces Community is a voluntary group that provides former service personnel with an opportunity to meet and exchange ideas, and to share with the business direct knowledge and experience from the customers of our products.
Disability Network
The Disability Network is dedicated to fostering an inclusive, supportive, and accessible workplace where all employees, can maximise their abilities to thrive in their career. Our purpose is joined together by three parts, to connect and empower individuals with disabilities, raise awareness and promote best practices for accessibility and inclusion.
Explore our Career Areas at MBDA
Click on any of the disciplines below to find out more about the work, people and opportunities in each STEM area of our business.
Partners
MBDA work with a range of external organisations to help us benchmark our commitments to equality and inclusion, as well as reach new and diverse audiences.
Stories
Menopause Matters
Monday 23 February 2026
MBDA awarded Gold Membership of The 5% Club
Monday 26 January 2026
MBDA wins Best Apprenticeship Programme at the Investors in People Awards
Monday 22 December 2025
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