At a Glance
- Tasks: Join the propulsion team to design and evaluate cutting-edge missile systems.
- Company: MBDA, a leading defence organisation committed to innovation and collaboration.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, flexible working, healthcare cash plan, and generous annual leave.
- Other info: Dynamic environment with mentorship from experienced experts and excellent career growth opportunities.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in aerospace engineering while shaping the future of defence technology.
- Qualifications: Current undergraduate in Aerospace, Mechanical Engineering, or related fields.
The predicted salary is between 24460 - 24460 £ per year.
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.
Salary: £24,460
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.
What we can offer you:
- 1 year placement: Starting September 2027, that 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
- 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.
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 are in future propellant research, and failure modes of propellants and how this affects the length of service of the rocket motor.
- Internal ballistic modelling of solid rocket motors and assessing rocket exhaust plume characteristics using CFD techniques.
- Assessment of missiles at different stages of their lifecycle (concept, development, in-service).
- Exploration of multi-disciplinary design challenges, including integration, plume, thermal, structural and system considerations.
- Understanding the role of propulsion when integrating missiles onto land, naval and air platforms.
By joining MBDA's propulsion team, you'll be part of a supportive environment where innovation thrives, collaboration is key, and your work directly contributes to the future of defence technology.
What we're looking for from you: Current undergraduate working towards a degree in Aerospace/Aeronautical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, General Engineering, Maths, Physics, Chemistry, Materials Sciences or other related subject.
Our company: Peace is not a given, Freedom is not a given, Sovereignty is not a given. MBDA is a leading defence organisation. We are proud of the role we play in supporting the Armed Forces who protect our nations. We partner with governments to work together towards a common goal, defending our freedom. We are proud of our employee‑led networks, examples include: Gender Equality, Pride, Menopause Matters, Parents and Carers, Armed Forces, Ethnic Diversity, Neurodiversity, Disability and more… 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.
Propulsion Engineer - Undergraduate 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 Propulsion Engineer - Undergraduate 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 Propulsion Engineer - Undergraduate 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.
