Weapon Systems Algorithms Engineer - Undergraduate Placement 2025
Salary: £20,000 (pro rata)
Location: Bristol
Working pattern: We trust our people to agree, within their teams, where and when they can be most effective. Our Dynamic Working policy allows individuals flexibility around the hours they work and where they work. Typically for this role you will work 2-3 days per week on-site.
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 for this role is midnight on Monday 4th November
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); 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, 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
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:
Currently studying for an undergraduate degree in Engineering, Physics, Mathematics or Computer Science.
Experience in programming for scientific/engineering applications (e.g. MATLAB, Python) would be an advantage, but we still encourage any applicants with an interest in learning on the job to apply as well!
Our company:
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.
What we can offer you:
10 month undergraduate placement starting September 2025
Fantastic site facilities, including subsidised meals and free car parking
A placement that allows you to apply your university learning to real-world engineering projects and technologies
Flexible working
We respect new perspectives and experiences, and we value our collaborative ways of working. We are committed to growing and supporting diversity in our workforce and ensuring everyone has an equal opportunity to reach their potential. MBDA is proud of our employee-led networks including Gender Equality, Pride, Neurodiversity, Ethnic Diversity, Menopause Matters, Parents and Carers and Armed Forces.
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.
Follow us on LinkedIn (MBDA), X (@MBDA_UK), Instagram (MBDA_UK) and Glassdoor or visit our MBDA Careers website for more information.
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