Mechanical Engineer - Undergraduate Placement 2025

Mechanical Engineer - Undergraduate Placement 2025

Salary: £20,000 (pro rata)

Location: Stevenage

Working pattern: Where possible, we will seek to accommodate a blended approach to on-site and remote working. The team operates a flexible working model allowing you to work at home where it is possible, however the nature of the job we will often require you to be onsite to access specific facilities and resources

Closing date for the role is midnight on Monday 4th November 

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.

The opportunity:

The Mechanical Engineering department develops physical solutions from concept through development and certification to production of missiles and weapon systems. The nature of complex weapons and the environments they operate in present an extensive scope of unique and interesting mechanical engineering challenges.

With hands-on work experience from all placements - interaction with hardware is highly encouraged to help further understanding of our products. This could mean use of rapid prototyping facilities, getting involved in external manufacture or participating in assembly builds and laboratory tests. You'll learn from our engineers' knowledge in complex weapons and Defence technology across all departments. During your placement, you'll get the opportunity to work in different areas of Mechanical Engineering in two 5 months placements.

You could experience placements in some of the following areas

• Mechanical Design – Be involved in all stages of design from concept development through to manufacture. This role relies on CAD tools and gives opportunity to be involved in laboratory test programs.
• Mechanical Future Concepts – Positioned at the cutting-edge of missile technology, gain experience in the early stages of the product lifecycle from concept generation to research & development (R&D) studies.
• Mechanical Analysis – Develop specialist technical solutions to aid the design process. With Finite Element Analysis (FEA) tools and laboratory testing, conduct detailed stress and thermal analysis on structures and mechanical systems.
• Actuation Systems – Working within a multi-disciplinary team on the electro-mechanical design of fin, wing and seeker actuation systems. The role is broadly similar to the Mechanical Design placement with the added possibility of working in a cross-discipline, international team.
• Materials and Processes – Advise design teams in the principles of materials science, and evaluate their ideas against material compatibility; this offers the chance to get involved in top-tier research of novel materials as well as practical lab based assessments.

What we're looking for from you:

• Studying towards an Engineering Degree (incl. General, Mechanical, Production/Manufacturing, Aeronautical/Aerospace), Materials Science or Technology Degree discipline.

Our company:

MBDA is a leading defence organisation that is proud to support our Armed Forces in protecting our nations. We collaborate with governments to achieve a shared goal of 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.