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- Tasks: Tackle exciting mechanical engineering challenges on missiles and weapon systems.
- Company: Join MBDA, a leading defence organisation committed to protecting freedom.
- Benefits: Enjoy a competitive salary, bonus, pension contributions, and flexible leave options.
- Why this job: Gain hands-on experience and make a real impact in defence technology.
- Qualifications: Pursuing a degree in Mechanical or Aeronautical Engineering.
- Other info: Dynamic hybrid working environment with excellent career growth opportunities.
The predicted salary is between 23495 - 29395 £ per year.
Overview
The Mechanical Engineering department develops physical solutions from concept through development and certification to production on 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.
Salary: £23,495
Dynamic (Hybrid) Working: 3 to 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.
CLOSING DATE FOR THIS ROLE IS MIDNIGHT ON 5TH JANUARY 2026
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
The Mechanical Engineering department develops physical solutions from concept through development and certification to production on 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 engineer\\\’s 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
Working towards a degree in Mechanical Engineering, Aeronautical Engineering or a comparable 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.
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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Mechanical 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 Mechanical 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 placement with MBDA. Personal connections can make a huge difference!
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for the interview by brushing up on your technical knowledge. Make sure you can discuss your university projects and how they relate to the role. We want to see your passion for mechanical engineering shine through!
✨Tip Number 3
Showcase your hands-on experience! If you've worked on any relevant projects, be ready to talk about them. Whether it's CAD design or lab testing, we love to hear about your practical skills and how they apply to our work.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen. Plus, it shows you’re serious about joining our team at MBDA. Let’s get you started on this exciting journey!
We think you need these skills to ace Mechanical Engineer - Undergraduate Placement 2026
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV reflects the skills and experiences that are relevant to the Mechanical Engineer role. Highlight any projects or coursework that align with missile technology or mechanical design, as this will show us you're a great fit!
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to explain why you're passionate about mechanical engineering and how your university learning can contribute to our projects. Keep it engaging and personal – we want to get to know you!
Showcase Your Technical Skills: Don’t forget to mention any technical skills you have, especially those related to CAD tools, FEA, or materials science. We love seeing candidates who are hands-on and ready to tackle real-world challenges in our field.
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to apply directly through our careers website. It’s the best way to ensure your application gets into our system smoothly. Plus, you’ll find all the details you need about the role and our company culture there!
How to prepare for a job interview at MBDA UK Ltd
✨Know Your Stuff
Make sure you brush up on your mechanical engineering fundamentals. Understand key concepts related to missile technology and weapon systems, as well as any specific tools or software mentioned in the job description, like CAD or FEA.
✨Show Your Passion
Demonstrate your enthusiasm for the field! Talk about projects you've worked on, whether in university or personal projects, that relate to mechanical design or analysis. This will show them you're not just looking for a placement, but that you're genuinely interested in contributing to their work.
✨Ask Smart Questions
Prepare thoughtful questions about the role and the company. Inquire about the types of projects you'll be involved in or how they approach innovation in missile technology. This shows you're engaged and thinking critically about your potential role.
✨Be Yourself
While it's important to be professional, don't forget to let your personality shine through. They want to see if you'll fit into their team culture, so be genuine and approachable. Share your experiences and what makes you unique!
