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- Tasks: Design cutting-edge weapon systems and tackle real-world engineering challenges.
- Company: Join MBDA, a leading defence organisation committed to innovation and teamwork.
- Benefits: Enjoy a competitive salary, flexible working, and generous annual leave.
- Why this job: Make a difference in national security while gaining hands-on experience in engineering.
- Qualifications: Currently studying Engineering, Physics, Maths, or related fields.
- Other info: Dynamic team environment with opportunities for international travel and career growth.
The predicted salary is between 23495 - 23495 £ per year.
Salary: £23,495
Dynamic (Hybrid) Working: Where possible, we will seek to accommodate a blended approach to on-site and remote working, but this will depend on project requirements and the need for access to specific site facilities.
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 (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:
Working within one of our Systems Design functions, you will be involved in designing the latest Complex Weapons capabilities for the UK and partner nation Armed Forces in response to advanced threats in Air, Land, Maritime and Cyber domains. You'll complete a placement based on a project that could be at any stage in a range of areas, from future capabilities to in-service products. Through the placement, we'll help you understand the make-up of a missile or a weapon system; from the warhead to the seeker in the missile to the wider weapon system components.
These placements will enable you to understand the Systems Engineering 'V' model across the whole product lifecycle - including:
- Researching future technologies and novel domains;
- Developing requirements and functional architectures;
- Creating concept solutions through Agile methodologies;
- Analysing performance and conducting trade space studies;
- Conducting verification and validation through trials and lab tests.
Across the Systems Engineering domain, we offer exposure to a wide variety of different technologies, engineering methodologies, and customer needs associated with specific products or capabilities. This role is suited to those that enjoy the creativity and practicality of working with problems to arrive at logical solutions.
What's great about this role? Our Systems Design function will support you to become a fully integrated member of the team with the opportunity to assume an increasing level of responsibility. We offer varied roles with scope to choose placements based on interests and skills. Our people are adaptable and the role is varied and fast paced - Innovation is a company value that we practice the most. Systems Engineers work with people across all engineering fields and business teams, meeting suppliers and customers and engaging with international MBDA colleagues. There is also opportunity to travel both within the UK and potentially internationally.
What we're looking for from you: Currently studying towards a degree in an Engineering, Physics, Astronomy, Chemistry, Maths, Technology, Computing or General Science 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.
Systems Engineer - Undergraduate Placement 2026 in Newport employer: MBDA
Contact Detail:
MBDA Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Systems Engineer - Undergraduate Placement 2026 in Newport
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to current or former employees 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 researching MBDA's projects and values. Show us that you're not just interested in any job, but specifically in how you can contribute to our mission of supporting the Armed Forces.
✨Tip Number 3
Practice your problem-solving skills! We love candidates who can think on their feet. Try some engineering puzzles or case studies to get your brain in gear before the big day.
✨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 serious about joining our team.
We think you need these skills to ace Systems Engineer - Undergraduate Placement 2026 in Newport
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV reflects the skills and experiences that align with the Systems Engineer role. Highlight relevant projects or coursework that showcase your engineering knowledge and problem-solving abilities.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to explain why you're passionate about this placement and how your background makes you a great fit for our team. Be genuine and let your personality come through.
Showcase Your Teamwork Skills: We love collaboration at StudySmarter! In your application, mention any group projects or teamwork experiences you've had. This will show us that you can work well with others in our dynamic environment.
Apply Through Our Website: To make sure your application gets the attention it deserves, apply directly through our website. It’s the best way to ensure we see your application and consider you for the role!
How to prepare for a job interview at MBDA
✨Know Your Stuff
Make sure you brush up on your engineering fundamentals, especially in areas like Systems Engineering and Agile methodologies. Be ready to discuss how your university projects relate to real-world applications, particularly in defence technologies.
✨Show Your Passion
Demonstrate your enthusiasm for the role and the company. Talk about why you're interested in working with complex weapons systems and how you can contribute to innovative solutions. A genuine interest can set you apart from other candidates.
✨Prepare Questions
Have a few thoughtful questions ready to ask your interviewers. This shows that you're engaged and serious about the opportunity. You might ask about the types of projects you'll be involved in or how the team collaborates across different engineering fields.
✨Practice Makes Perfect
Conduct mock interviews with friends or mentors to get comfortable with common interview questions. Focus on articulating your problem-solving process and how you approach challenges, as this is key in a fast-paced environment like MBDA.
