Weapon Systems Engineer

Weapon Systems Engineer - Undergraduate Placement

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.

Salary: £20,000 (pro rata)

Closing date for this role is midnight on Monday 22nd January.

What we can offer you:

• 10 month undergraduate placement starting September 2024
• 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

Hybrid working pattern:

Where possible, we will seek to accommodate a blended approach to on-site and remote working, but this will depend on project requirements and the need for access to specific site facilities.

The opportunity

As a Weapon System Engineer in MBDA you will be part of one department in a fast growing, multi-national group that provides a variety of different engineering and specialist skills across a number of projects, ensuring our products are fit for purpose and delivered on time and to cost.

As the complexity of the battlefield increases, so too do our customers' capability needs Consequently, we have evolved to provide the necessary expertise across a large range of weapon system aspects, much wider than just the missile itself.
 

The departments on offer for this Systems Engineering 10-month Undergraduate Placement are:

Network Communications (NC)

We are offering a fantastic opportunity to undergraduates with a passion for Network Communications. Join MBDA and we will develop your Systems Engineering and Network Communications expertise, and equip you with the technical knowledge you need to support the development of our products.

The Network Communications Department is responsible for delivering secure communication systems into MBDA Weapon Systems across the whole Project Life Cycle.  We offer game-changing communication technologies that shape the key capabilities of current and future weapon systems.

As a member of our NC Department, we will develop you to deliver Systems Engineering and Network Communications expertise to the latest Complex Weapons Projects, in one or more of the following areas:

• Networked Weapons
• Platform to Missile Communications
• Battlefield Communications
• Missile-to-Missile Communications

You will join a team that nurtures a positive and collaborative culture and have the opportunity to work across a wide range of areas, from major defence programmes to internal research and development studies.   

Work will require a combination of both independent and team working, plus offer you the flexibility for hybrid working, where possible. You will also support customer meetings and visits to our other offices. 

Weapon System Algorithms and Performance (WSAP)
The Weapon System Algorithms and Performance (WSAP) department aims to optimise end-to-end mission performance through innovative development & delivery of system-wide architectures & algorithms. WSAP provides technical expertise across a variety of topics, focussed on weapon system architecture and algorithm development (including Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning techniques) to produce battle-winning systems.

As an Engineer in WSAP, you could be involved in the development of current and future major systems and sub-systems, including the following activities:

• Planning, modelling and adapting of missile routes to optimise the effectiveness of the weapon.
• Automating a weapon's mission by leveraging machine learning techniques and simplifying operator decisions.
• Developing algorithms to enable autonomous behaviours and decision-making capabilities.
• The delivery of core products such as Target Modelling, Weapon Planning, and Launcher Interfaces etc. into a variety of MBDA programmes.
• Utilising and exploiting the latest in technological advancements to provide MBDA weapon systems with the most effective, secure and intelligent product.
• Developing launcher sub-systems for tactical strike missile systems.

Weapon System Equipment (WSE)

The Weapon System Equipment team is responsible for managing groups of equipment and Weapon System sub-systems from the bidding stage, into the concept & requirements generation phase, through their development programme, and on to production & delivery and final integration onto the platform or launcher. The WSE team provides technical and project management to ensure that these products & equipment are fit for purpose and delivered on time and to cost.

As an engineer within WSE, you'll have a unique opportunity to develop skills in several areas (e.g. technical, project management, product delivery) working across a variety of different projects in MBDA to gain a wide breath of knowledge. Typical WSE activities include;

• Sub-System & Equipment Requirements generation and management.
• Technical management of equipment development, production and delivery to meet Customer milestones.
• Managing equipment and hardware development trials.
• Develop equipment policies and technical standards to improve capability.
• Regular contact with a variety of partners including external MBDA Customers and Suppliers.
• Working with a multi-disciplined team across all parts of the product lifecycle (e.g. procurement, commercial, mechanical & electrical engineers, software engineers, trials & integration teams)

Programme structure

A 10-month placement within your main home department of either WSE, NC or WSAP, where there will be great opportunities to get involved in a variety of activities. A number of other training courses and events are organised as part of the Early Careers Programme, where you will get to know other undergraduates working across different parts of the company.

What's great about joining this team?

• We make a difference – the capabilities we deliver give our armed forces an operational advantage
• We provide opportunities to work across a variety of projects
• We value the people that work with us and maximise career development opportunities for them by actively supporting them
• You will be working in a positive open-plan working environment, with 'hands-on' technical working in laboratories, aimed at aiding your learning and development

What we're looking for from you:

Currently studying for a degree in an Engineering, Physics, Mathematics or Computer Science discipline.

Our Business:

We value new perspectives, collaboration, and diversity. We are committed to growing and supporting diversity in our workforce and ensuring everyone has an equal opportunity to reach their potential.

We encourage you to speak to us should you require any advice, support or adjustments throughout our recruitment process.

Follow us on LinkedIn (MBDA), Twitter (@MBDAcareers), Instagram (lifeatMBDA_UK) and Glassdoor or visit our MBDA Careers website for more information. 

Please Note: MBDA UK Limited requires all employees to achieve the required medical and national security clearance for their role.

Applicants must have the right to work in the UK. Due to the nature of our work, we are unable to sponsor or take over sponsorship of an employment visa. Further restrictions and/or limitations relating to nationality and/or rights to work may also 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.

Due to the nature of our business, this particular vacancy requires the applicant as a minimum to be a British Citizen or a Dual UK national with British citizenship and capable of achieving the clearance levels mentioned above.