At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead the design and integration of complex electronic systems from concept to production.
- Company: Join MBDA, a leading defence organisation supporting our Armed Forces.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, bonus potential, flexible working, and enhanced parental leave.
- Other info: Dynamic hybrid working environment with excellent career growth opportunities.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in defence technology while collaborating with diverse teams.
- Qualifications: Degree in Electronic Engineering or related field; strong system design experience required.
The predicted salary is between 45000 - 60000 £ per year.
We are seeking a highly capable Electronic Systems Engineer to lead and support the system-level design, equipment breakdown, and interconnection of complex electronic systems.
Salary: Circa £52,500 - £57,000 depending on experience
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.
What we can offer you:
- Company bonus: Up to £2,500 (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
- Flexi Leave: Up to 15 additional days
- Flexible working: We welcome applicants who are looking for flexible working arrangements
- Enhanced parental leave: offers up to 26 weeks for maternity, adoption and shared parental leave - enhancements are available for paternity leave, neonatal leave and fertility testing and treatments
- 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:
We’re looking for a systems-focused electronics engineer who thrives on turning complex functional requirements into fully integrated hardware solutions, from early concept through to production and deployment. In this role, you’ll take ownership of system-level electronic design, defining architectures, flowing down requirements, and breaking down equipment and subsystems into clearly defined functions, interfaces, and responsibilities. You’ll shape how everything connects, managing interconnects between subsystems and external equipment, and producing high-quality system schematics, wiring diagrams, and interface control documentation that form the backbone of robust, reliable designs. Collaboration is at the heart of this position. You’ll work closely with mechanical, firmware, software, and manufacturing teams to ensure seamless system integration, guiding designs through validation, acceptance testing, and into operational use. From hands-on system integration and root cause analysis to ensuring compliance with safety, EMC, and regulatory standards, you’ll play a key role in delivering dependable electronic equipment solutions.
What we’re looking for from you:
- Bachelor's degree (or higher) in Electronic Engineering, Electrical Engineering, or a related discipline
- Strong experience in system-level electronic design and integration
- Proven ability to define equipment architectures, interconnects, and interfaces
- Solid understanding of analogue and digital electronics
- Ability to read and produce system schematics, wiring diagrams, block diagrams, and technical documentation
- Excellent problem-solving, communication, and documentation skills
- Experience with systems design tools (e.g. DOORS, Rhapsody, MATLAB Simulink)
Desirable but not essential skills:
- Experience with power distribution and grounding strategies
- Knowledge of communication protocols (CAN, Ethernet, HDLC, SPI, I²C, UART)
- Familiarity with EMC/EMI mitigation at system level
- Experience in regulated industries (automotive, aerospace, rail, medical, defence)
- Experience with SPICE simulator software
Our company:
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.
Electronic Systems Engineer employer: MBDA
MBDA is an excellent employer, offering a dynamic work environment in Bristol where innovation thrives. Employees benefit from a collaborative culture that encourages professional growth and development, alongside opportunities to work on cutting-edge technology programmes. With a focus on high-performance software solutions, MBDA provides a rewarding experience for those looking to make a meaningful impact in the field of systems engineering.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Electronic Systems Engineer
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to current employees at MBDA on LinkedIn and ask about their experiences. A friendly chat can give you insider info and might even lead to a referral!
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for the interview by brushing up on your technical skills. Make sure you can discuss your experience with system-level design and integration confidently. We want to see how you tackle complex problems!
✨Tip Number 3
Show off your collaboration skills! Be ready to share examples of how you've worked with cross-functional teams in the past. We love candidates who can communicate effectively with mechanical, firmware, and software teams.
✨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 genuinely interested in joining our team at MBDA.
We think you need these skills to ace Electronic Systems Engineer
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV:Make sure your CV is tailored to the Electronic Systems Engineer role. Highlight your experience in system-level design and integration, and don’t forget to mention any relevant tools you’ve used like DOORS or MATLAB Simulink.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter:Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to explain why you’re passionate about this role and how your skills align with our needs. Be specific about your experience with electronic systems and collaboration with other teams.
Showcase Your Problem-Solving Skills:In your application, give examples of how you've tackled complex problems in past projects. We love candidates who can demonstrate their analytical thinking and creativity in overcoming challenges.
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to apply directly through our website. It’s the best way to ensure your application gets into the right hands and shows us you’re serious about joining our team!
How to prepare for a job interview at MBDA
✨Know Your Electronics Inside Out
Make sure you brush up on your knowledge of analogue and digital electronics. Be prepared to discuss your experience with system-level electronic design and integration, as well as any specific projects you've worked on that showcase your skills in defining equipment architectures and interconnects.
✨Showcase Your Problem-Solving Skills
During the interview, be ready to share examples of how you've tackled complex problems in previous roles. Highlight your ability to conduct root cause analysis and ensure compliance with safety and regulatory standards, as these are crucial for the role.
✨Familiarise Yourself with Tools and Protocols
Get comfortable with systems design tools like DOORS, Rhapsody, and MATLAB Simulink. If you have experience with communication protocols such as CAN or Ethernet, make sure to mention it, as this will demonstrate your technical proficiency.
✨Emphasise Collaboration and Communication
Since collaboration is key in this role, think of examples where you've successfully worked with cross-functional teams. Be prepared to discuss how you’ve guided designs through validation and acceptance testing, ensuring seamless integration with mechanical, firmware, and software teams.
