Propulsion Engineer - Undergraduate Placement 2027
// Role Summary
Embark on a challenging 1-year undergraduate placement in missile propulsion engineering at MBDA, contributing to cutting-edge defence technology and gaining invaluable real-world experience.
// Key Responsibilities
- Gain hands-on experience in designing and evaluating advanced missile propulsion systems.
- Work on innovative projects impacting the UK's defence capability.
- Develop skills in modelling and analysing propulsion performance using bespoke and commercial tools.
- Benefit from mentorship by experienced experts in a collaborative team environment.
- Opportunity to secure a graduate role and receive a company bonus and paid overtime.
// Role Specification
Propulsion Engineer - Undergraduate Placement 2027
Step into one of the most dynamic and technically challenging areas of aerospace engineering: missile propulsion. As an Undergraduate Propulsion Engineer at MBDA, you'll play a part in shaping the next generation of defence technology, working on projects that are innovative, impactful and at the very forefront of engineering.
This is a 1-year placement, starting September 2027, designed to allow 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.
The Opportunity:
Becoming an undergraduate propulsion engineer offers you the opportunity to develop the skills and expertise needed to design and evaluate the propulsion systems that power MBDA's advanced missile systems, including solid rockets, ramjets, and gas turbines. The Propulsion Department is central to MBDA's mission, supporting projects across the full product lifecycle from early concept through to in-service support.
Working closely with leading UK and international propulsion suppliers, you'll contribute to a wide portfolio of projects that underpin the UK's defence capability. Our Propulsion Department is a collaborative team of engineers, scientists and specialists who are passionate about pushing the boundaries of what propulsion systems can achieve. You'll be mentored by experienced experts, learning cutting-edge modelling techniques and gaining hands-on exposure to real-world engineering challenges.
During your time with the Propulsion team, you'll be involved in understanding areas such as:
- Application and development of bespoke and commercial modelling tools to evaluate propulsion performance.
- Key drivers in future propellant research, and failure modes of propellants.
What we can offer you:
- 1 year placement: Starting September 2027
- 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.
Dynamic working:
4 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.