At a Glance
- Tasks: Join us to design and evaluate cutting-edge missile propulsion systems.
- Company: MBDA, a leading defence organisation shaping the future of technology.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, joining bonus, flexible leave, and excellent career progression.
- Other info: Collaborative environment with mentorship and opportunities for placements outside MBDA.
- Why this job: Be part of innovative projects that directly impact national defence capabilities.
- Qualifications: Degree in Aerospace, Mechanical Engineering, or related fields with a minimum 2:2.
The predicted salary is between 31500 - 31500 £ per year.
Job Description
Propulsion Engineer - Graduate Programme 2026
Step into one of the most dynamic and technically challenging areas of aerospace engineering – missile propulsion. As a Graduate 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: £31,500 plus a £3000 joining bonus
Dynamic (Hybrid) 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.
CLOSING DATE FOR THIS ROLE IS MIDNIGHT ON 3RD NOVEMBER 2025
What we can offer you
2 year Programme: starting September 2026
Salary reviews throughout the programme
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
Annual Leave: 25 days plus option to purchase extra holiday
Flexi Leave: Up to 15 additional days
Excellent career progression and development opportunities
Facilities: Fantastic site facilities including subsidised meals, free car parking and much more…
The opportunity
Becoming a graduate 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.The graduate programme is structured around four 6-month placements, giving you breadth and depth across propulsion engineering. These placements cover areas such as:
Application and development of bespoke and commercial modelling tools to evaluate propulsion performance.
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.
You'll also have the opportunity to spend one placement outside of MBDA Propulsion – with past graduates working with organisations such as Rolls Royce, BAE Systems, DSTL, ARA, Bayern Chemie, S&C Thermofluids and Roxel Motors – to broaden your experience and perspective. 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
Degree qualified in Aerospace/Aeronautical Engineering, Mechanical engineering, General engineering, Maths, Physics, Chemistry, Materials Sciences or other related subject to a minimum of 2:2.
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.
#LI-CB1Propulsion Engineer - Graduate Programme 2026 in Bristol employer: MBDA
MBDA is an exceptional employer, offering a dynamic and supportive environment for Graduate Propulsion Engineers to thrive in the cutting-edge field of missile propulsion. With a structured two-year programme that includes diverse placements, excellent career progression opportunities, and a strong emphasis on employee well-being through initiatives like flexible leave and subsidised meals, MBDA fosters a culture of innovation and collaboration. Located at a state-of-the-art facility, employees benefit from hands-on experience with real-world engineering challenges while contributing to vital defence technology.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Propulsion Engineer - Graduate Programme 2026 in Bristol
✨Join Aerospace Forums and Groups
Get involved in aerospace engineering forums and online communities, like the AIAA (American Institute of Aeronautics and Astronautics). It's a great way to meet industry peers and stay updated on job openings and trends in the field.
✨Attend Industry Conferences
Keep an eye on upcoming aerospace conferences and events where you can network with professionals and showcase your interest. Events like the Farnborough International Airshow are not just about flying machines; they're a goldmine for connections and potential job leads.
✨Spotlight Your Projects
Make sure to highlight any hands-on experience or projects on your portfolio that showcase your skills in aerospace engineering. Employers love seeing practical applications of theoretical knowledge. Show us what you've got!
✨Apply Directly on Company Websites
When you find companies you want to work for, head straight to their careers page to apply for full-time roles, like the one with MBDA for a Propulsion Engineer - Graduate Programme 2026. This often puts your application in front of the right people faster than just waiting for job boards!
We think you need these skills to ace Propulsion Engineer - Graduate Programme 2026 in Bristol
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Off Your Technical Skills:When applying for the aerospace engineering role at MBDA, make sure to highlight your technical expertise. Include specific software skills, like CAD tools or simulation software, and any relevant engineering projects you’ve worked on. This is your chance to really shine and showcase your engineering toolkit!
Don't Skip Your Projects!:Include a section in your CV dedicated to projects that demonstrate your problem-solving abilities in aerospace engineering. Whether it's a university project, an internship, or personal work, we love seeing how you’ve applied your skills in real-world scenarios. Make it clear what your role was and the impact of the project.
Show Your Passion in Your Cover Letter:At MBDA, we're not just looking for skills – we want to know why you’re passionate about aerospace engineering. Use your cover letter to express what excites you about aviation technology and your career goals. Share any relevant experiences or inspirations that have led you to apply for this full-time position.
Tailor Your CV for Aerospace:Make sure your CV is specifically tailored to aerospace engineering. Focus on your education, any certifications, and your work experience, ensuring you highlight aspects that relate directly to the role. Don’t forget to mention any internships or apprenticeships that have given you hands-on experience.
How to prepare for a job interview at MBDA
✨Brush Up on Your Technical Knowledge
Aerospace engineering is all about technical precision, so make sure you’re comfortable with key concepts like aerodynamics, propulsion, and materials science. We recommend going through any relevant coursework or projects you’ve worked on – these real-world examples can illustrate your understanding during the interview with MBDA.
✨Showcase Your Projects with Confidence
Make sure to have a portfolio ready that details any significant projects you've worked on, whether it’s a group assignment or a personal endeavour. Be prepared to discuss the challenges you faced, the tools you used, like CAD software, and what you learned from the experience, as this will show your problem-solving skills in action.
✨Prepare for Technical Interviews
Expect some technical questions or even problem-solving exercises during your interview with MBDA. Get familiar with design challenges or theoretical problems related to aerospace; this can range from calculating lift and drag forces to materials selection under stress. Practising these can help you feel more at ease when faced with tricky questions.
✨Emphasise Your Passion and Teamwork Skills
As a full-time candidate, it’s crucial to convey your passion for aerospace engineering and your ability to work in teams. Highlight any group projects or internships you've done, focusing on how you collaborated with others to achieve a goal. Companies like MBDA love seeing candidates who not only have technical skills but also fit well within their team culture.
