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For Companies At a Glance
- Tasks: Support innovative military projects and develop concepts for future capabilities.
- Company: Join MBDA, a leading defence organisation committed to protecting freedom.
- Benefits: Enjoy a competitive salary, flexible working, and generous annual leave.
- Why this job: Gain real-world experience while contributing to vital defence projects.
- Qualifications: Studying towards a degree in relevant fields like Maths or Engineering.
- Other info: Receive mentorship and develop skills in a dynamic, supportive environment.
The predicted salary is between 23495 - 23495 £ per year.
Future Systems Engineer – Undergraduate Placement 2026
Future Systems develops concepts and systems that meet our Customer\’s future military capability needs.
Salary: £23,495
Dynamic Hybrid 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.
Closing date: Midnight on 5 January 2026 (subject to application volumes).
What we can offer you
- 1 year placement: starting September 2026, that allows you to apply your university learning to real-world projects and technologies
- 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…
The opportunity
Future Systems in MBDA manage programmes throughout the Concept and Assessment phases of the product lifecycle, and achieve a smooth transition into the Programme Directorate. We also create and develop opportunities to acquire contracts for advanced concept studies and research and technology activities.
As a result, as an undergraduate in Future Systems you\’ll operate as cross-functional support across the wider department. This will enable undergraduates to work on business related functions critical to current activities. The team supports a diverse set of activities, working for both internal MBDA customers and external defence related contracts. Activities can include;
- Generation and development of visualisations for the Future Systems Concepts
- Collation and maturation of concepts
- Support in the development of tools for assessment of concepts
- Supporting generation of Review material
- Attendance of multi- functional reviews
- Project management, planning skills and stakeholder management
We will provide guidance and mentorship to develop an understanding of weapon systems in operational use, gaining a broad understanding of missile systems and learning about our industry, as well as developing your problem solving and analysis skills and written and verbal communication.
What we\’re looking for from you
Currently studying towards a degree in a Maths, Physics, Astronomy, Systems or Software Engineering, Computational Studies, Operational Research, Economics, Statistics discipline.
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.
Follow us on LinkedIn (MBDA), X (@MBDA_UK), Instagram (MBDA_UK) and Glassdoor or visit our MBDA Careers website for more information.
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Future Systems Engineer - Undergraduate Placement 2026 employer: MBDA UK Ltd
Contact Detail:
MBDA UK Ltd Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Future Systems Engineer - Undergraduate Placement 2026
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to current or former employees on LinkedIn. Ask them about their experiences and any tips they might have for landing a role in Future Systems. Personal connections can make a huge difference!
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for the interview by researching MBDA's projects and values. Show us that you understand our mission and how your skills align with what we do. Tailor your answers to reflect our focus on defence and innovation.
✨Tip Number 3
Practice your problem-solving skills! We love candidates who can think on their feet. Try out some technical challenges or case studies related to systems engineering to get yourself ready for those tricky interview questions.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen by the right people. Plus, it shows us you’re genuinely interested in joining our team at MBDA.
We think you need these skills to ace Future Systems Engineer - Undergraduate Placement 2026
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV reflects the skills and experiences that align with the Future Systems Engineer role. Highlight any relevant projects or coursework that showcase your problem-solving and analytical abilities.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to explain why you're passionate about the defence industry and how your studies in Maths, Physics, or Engineering make you a great fit for the team at MBDA.
Showcase Your Teamwork Skills: Since you'll be working cross-functionally, it's important to demonstrate your ability to collaborate. Include examples of group projects or teamwork experiences that highlight your communication and project management skills.
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to apply directly through our MBDA Careers website. This ensures your application is seen by the right people and gives you the best chance to join our dynamic team!
How to prepare for a job interview at MBDA UK Ltd
✨Know Your Stuff
Make sure you brush up on the basics of systems engineering and the specific technologies relevant to the role. Familiarise yourself with MBDA's projects and how they align with future military capabilities. This will show your genuine interest and help you answer technical questions confidently.
✨Showcase Your Problem-Solving Skills
Prepare examples from your studies or previous experiences where you've tackled complex problems. Highlight your analytical thinking and how you approached these challenges. This is crucial for a role that involves supporting concept development and project management.
✨Ask Thoughtful Questions
Interviews are a two-way street! Prepare insightful questions about the Future Systems team, their current projects, and how undergraduates contribute. This not only shows your enthusiasm but also helps you gauge if the company culture aligns with your values.
✨Be Yourself
MBDA values diversity and individuality, so don’t be afraid to let your personality shine through. Share your passions and interests outside of academics, especially if they relate to defence or technology. Authenticity can make a lasting impression!
