At a Glance
- Tasks: Join a dynamic team to design and develop cutting-edge missile aerodynamics.
- Company: MBDA, a leading defence organisation committed to supporting the Armed Forces.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, pension contributions, paid overtime, and fantastic site facilities.
- Other info: Opportunity for a graduate role post-placement and supportive employee-led networks.
- Why this job: Kick-start your aerodynamics career with mentorship from industry experts on real-world projects.
- Qualifications: Studying towards a relevant engineering or physics degree with aerodynamics modules.
The predicted salary is between 49500 - 60500 £ per year.
Work in one of the most exciting areas of the aerospace industry, alongside a team of outstanding aerodynamicists at the forefront of missile aerodynamics.
Salary: £24,460 (pro-rata)
Dynamic working: 4-5 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.
What we can offer you:
- 10 week placement: starting June 2027, that allows you to apply your university learning to real-world projects and technologies
- Pension: maximum total (employer and employee) contribution of up to 14%
- Overtime: opportunity for paid overtime
- Perform well on your placement and you could secure a graduate role before your final year
- Annual Leave: 5 days
- Facilities: Fantastic site facilities including subsidised meals, free car parking and much more…
The opportunity:
This placement offers an excellent opportunity to kick‑start your aerodynamics career. You will be able to draw on knowledge and experience from specialist aerodynamics engineers. The aerodynamics department at MBDA works on the entire MBDA UK portfolio of products, from concept phase through to in‑service support. As a key player in the UK defence industry, we are able to provide outstanding opportunities across a wide range of applications. Receive mentorship and support from our team of aerodynamicists to learn to use cutting‑edge aerodynamic techniques; designing the missiles of the future!
Undertake a placement seeking to expose you to some of the following areas:
- Design of a range of missiles, in all the different stages of their development (concept, assessment, development, in‑service)
- Application and development of our bespoke tools alongside commercial software to evaluate the performance of airframes
- Stealth, propulsion, thermal and structural aspects of missile design and how these foster a multi-disciplinary design approach
- Missile integration onto land, naval and air platforms
- Integration of solid rocket motors and air‑breathing engines into missile airframes, and assessment of their impact on missile aerodynamics and overall performance.
The project selected for you will utilise much of the knowledge gained during your university course and apply this to an industry specific problem. In the past there have been a mixture of self-contained projects delivering industry relevant conclusions to the aerodynamic team.
What we're looking for from you:
Currently studying towards a Degree in an Aerospace engineering, Aeronautical engineering, Mechanical engineering, Production/Manufacturing engineering, Mathematics or Physics discipline. Aerodynamics and propulsion based modules are most relevant to this role (such as Fluid Dynamics, Thermodynamics, Aircraft Performance, Flight Dynamics & Control etc.), please list any that you have studied on your application.
Aerodynamics Engineer - Summer Placement 2027 employer: MBDA Miissle System
MBDA is an exceptional employer, offering a dynamic work environment that fosters employee growth and development. With competitive benefits such as a company bonus, generous pension contributions, and flexible working arrangements, employees are empowered to balance their professional and personal lives while contributing to vital defence projects. The inclusive work culture, supported by various employee-led networks, ensures that every individual feels valued and has the opportunity to thrive in their career.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Aerodynamics Engineer - Summer Placement 2027
✨Dive into Aerospace Communities
Get involved in online forums and networking groups specifically for aerospace engineering. Platforms like LinkedIn have specialised groups where you can connect with industry professionals and fellow students, sharing knowledge and opportunities. Keep an eye out for aerospace conferences and meetups—you never know who might have leads on placements!
✨Showcase Your Projects
If you've worked on any projects—either academic or personal—make sure to flaunt them! Create a portfolio that showcases your best work in aerospace engineering. This can be especially useful when speaking to potential employers like MBDA Miissle System, as it provides tangible proof of your skills and creativity.
✨Leverage University Resources
Your university likely has ties with aerospace companies and can help you snag a placement. Don't forget to visit your career services office; they often have job boards, exclusive job fairs, and can even facilitate introductions to companies like MBDA Miissle System. Make the most of these resources!
✨Apply Early and Often
Aerospace placements can be highly competitive, so make sure to cast your net wide. Keep a close eye on application windows and be proactive in applying to multiple companies, including MBDA Miissle System. The earlier you apply, the better your chances—so don’t wait for the last minute!
We think you need these skills to ace Aerodynamics Engineer - Summer Placement 2027
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Off Your Technical Skills:When applying for the aerospace engineering placement at MBDA Miissle System, ensure your CV highlights relevant technical skills such as CAD software proficiency or knowledge of aerodynamics. We want to see how you've applied these skills in academic projects or any hands-on experiences you've had. Don’t leave us guessing!
Link Your Learning to Real-World Applications:In your cover letter, explain how your coursework connects to the role you're applying for. We love hearing about specific projects, like any relevant models or simulations you’ve worked on that demonstrate your understanding of aerospace concepts. It helps us see how you can contribute during your placement at MBDA Miissle System.
Be Clear About Your Passion:Expressing your enthusiasm for aerospace engineering is important! Share what drives you in your cover letter—be it a fascination with flight mechanics or a dream of working on sustainable aviation technologies. We’re looking for candidates who are eager to learn and grow during their time with us.
Polish Up Your Project Portfolio:If you have any engineering projects, research papers or even design prototypes, compile them neatly into a portfolio. When applying for a placement, showcasing your practical work can strengthen your application. It gives us a chance to see not just what you’ve studied, but what you can actually create!
How to prepare for a job interview at MBDA Miissle System
✨Brush Up on Your Technical Knowledge
Aerospace engineering is all about the nitty-gritty of aerodynamics, materials, and propulsion systems. Make sure you can discuss key concepts and maybe even some recent innovations in the industry. Expect technical questions or perhaps a case study that tests your understanding of engineering principles in real-world scenarios!
✨Bring Your Projects to the Forefront
For a placement, your practical experience matters more than you might think. Have a portfolio ready that showcases any relevant projects, projects from university, or even personal experiments. Be prepared to explain not just what you did, but how you approached challenges or worked in teams.
✨Familiarise Yourself with Industry Standards
Know the key aerospace standards and regulations, as these might pop up during your interview. Show that you’re aware of what's expected in the industry—things like safety protocols or sustainability practices. This demonstrates your commitment and understanding of the field!
✨Show Your Eagerness to Learn
As this is a placement, the hiring team at MBDA Miissle System will be looking for potential as much as for experience. Highlight your enthusiasm for learning and growing within the role, and be ready to discuss how this placement can kickstart your career in aerospace engineering.
