Weapon Systems Algorithms Engineer - Undergraduate Placement 2027
// Role Summary
Join MBDA as an Undergraduate Algorithms Engineer and contribute to the digital nervous system of weapon systems, impacting emerging and future technologies. This 1-year placement offers hands-on experience in a dynamic defence environment.
// Key Responsibilities
- Develop and optimize algorithms for weapon systems across MBDA.
- Gain exposure to algorithm development, system architecture, and performance modelling.
- Utilize leading technologies like deep reinforcement learning.
- Contribute to high-profile projects such as FCAS, STRATUS, and DragonFire.
- Opportunity to secure a graduate role for high performers.
- Receive a competitive placement salary and company benefits.
// Role Specification
Weapon Systems Algorithms Engineer - Undergraduate Placement 2027
As an Algorithm Engineer, you will build the code that forms the digital nervous system of a product. In the Weapons System Algorithms & Performance team (WSAP), your solutions and ideas will impact emerging and future technologies. It's our job to develop and optimise the algorithms inside weapon systems across the whole of MBDA.
This 1-year placement, starting September 2027, allows 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.
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), STRATUS and DragonFire. The Weapon System Algorithms and Performance (WSAP) department specialises in a broad range of areas: developing cutting-edge algorithms, mathematically evaluating the performance of products, and working with the future business teams to bring technical excellence to our future concepts. We leverage the use of leading technologies and tools such as deep reinforcement learning and test-driven algorithm development to provide optimised weapon system solutions across the whole of the MBDA product line.
Over your time in the department, you'll have visibility on not only algorithm development but weapon system architecture, performance modelling, and early stage concepting. Starting as an Algorithms Engineer in WSAP, you will work directly with MBDA project teams to ensure the delivery of critical algorithm components on time, on cost, and on quality to key programmes.
What we can offer you:
- 1 year placement: Starting September 2027
- Company bonus: Based on company performance
- Pension: Maximum total 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: Option to claim cash back on everyday healthcare expenses
Dynamic working:
2-3 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.