Operational Analysis - Graduate Programme 2027
// Role Summary
Join MBDA's Graduate Operational Analysis Programme to apply scientific problem-solving methods and tools to support critical decision-making in the defence sector. This 2-year programme offers hands-on experience in a dynamic team environment.
// Key Responsibilities
- Support decision-making using scientific analytical methods.
- Gain experience in a team of ~20 analysts with diverse backgrounds.
- Work on a variety of projects, including future weapon systems and export campaigns.
- Utilize qualitative and quantitative methods, mathematical modelling, and simulation.
- Benefit from a 2-year programme with annual salary reviews and bonuses.
- Excellent career progression, development, and site facilities.
// Role Specification
Graduate Operational Analysis Programme 2027
Operational Analysis (OA) is a scientific approach to problem solving. Through applying analytical methods and tools, we can support and improve decision-making within the business.
The Opportunity
The MBDA Operational Analysis (OA) Team is comprised of approximately twenty people from a variety of educational backgrounds, including Maths, Physics, Engineering, Economics, and Military History. Through qualitative and quantitative methods, the team supports a wide range of work across the business.
The team supports a diverse set of activities, working for both internal MBDA customers and external defence-related contracts. The OA Team is involved with:
- Understanding and communicating the nature of the future battlespace and operational context for future weapon systems.
- Assessment of weapons system options in war-fighting scenarios.
- Developing the Concept of Operation for future weapons.
- Generating evidence to support high-level choices, both for UK future systems and potential export campaigns.
- Support with identification and definition of potential future weapon system concepts, based on anticipated customer requirements and promising future technologies.
- Developing and using mathematical modelling and simulation tools.
- Providing analysis to demonstrate the value of current products to potential customers.
- Concept and technology considerations for future products.
Within the OA Team, you will be supporting a number of different activities throughout your programme, undertaking research and running analyses.
What we can offer you:
- 2 year Programme: Starting September 2027
- Annual Salary Review
- Company bonus: Up to £2,500 (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
- Excellent career progression and development opportunities
- 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.
Working Pattern and Security
Dynamic (Hybrid) Working: 3 days per week on-site hybrid working pattern. There may be times we ask you to work up to 5 days per week on site subject to work 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 2nd November 2026 but may close earlier depending on application volumes.