At a Glance
- Tasks: Join our dynamic team to design innovative airborne systems and tackle real-world engineering challenges.
- Company: MBDA, a leading defence organisation committed to supporting the Armed Forces.
- Benefits: Enjoy a competitive salary, bonuses, flexible working, and excellent career progression.
- Other info: Experience diverse placements and build a network across various engineering disciplines.
- Why this job: Be part of cutting-edge projects that shape the future of defence technology.
- Qualifications: Degree in Engineering, Physics, Maths, or related field with a minimum 2:2.
The predicted salary is between 31500 - 34500 £ per year.
Systems Design is at the heart of the product lifecycle, providing an opportunity to experience every phase of development and collaborate across all engineering disciplines. From researching novel technologies and identifying customer needs, through concept development and performance assessment, to product verification in lab tests and firing trials – Systems Design underpins it all.
Salary: £31,500 plus a £3000 joining bonus.
Dynamic (Hybrid) Working: Up to 5 days per week on-site dependant on workload and/or 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 19th DECEMBER 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
- Healthcare Cash Plan: provides support with everyday health related costs – including medical, dental, optical, physio and health & wellbeing.
- Excellent career progression and development opportunities
- Facilities: Fantastic site facilities including subsidised meals, free car parking and much more…
The opportunity:
Systems Design engineers are responsible for bringing the full range of design viewpoints together - ensuring customer requirements are met by proposing innovative solutions, honing in on the detailed design, and coordinating with development teams to make best use of their expertise.
We offer exposure to a variety of engineering methodologies and processes across all domains - Land, Maritime, Air, and Cyber. Our Systems Design functions in Stevenage are Missile Systems, Airborne Systems, & Emerging Portfolio and Capability.
Depending on your home function and choice of placements, you may be involved in technology research, deriving requirements, brainstorming concept solutions, developing functional architectures, analysing system performance, conducting trade studies, or gathering verification evidence in the lab or through offsite trials - we cover the whole Systems ‘V’ Model!
Systems Design is suited to those that enjoy the creativity and practicality of working with problems to arrive at logical solutions. Our people are adaptable and the role is varied and fast paced – innovation is the company value that we practice the most.
We collaborate with people across all engineering fields and business teams, meeting suppliers and customers, and engaging with international MBDA colleagues.
Systems Designers have a high-level view over the whole product definition and lifecycle, laying the foundations for the delivery of future weapons capabilities that achieve the best result for the Customer and MBDA.
About System Design Airborne Systems (SDAS):
Within MBDA UK, System Design Airborne Systems (SDAS) is a growing team of Engineers and Technical Experts deployed across all MBDA UK’s airborne weapon projects – including ASRAAM, Meteor, Brimstone, Storm Shadow, Sea Venom and Spear 3 – and is responsible for the physical and functional integration of weapons onto existing domestic platforms (including Eurofighter Typhoon, F-35 & Wildcat), export programmes, and future platforms such as Tempest.
SDAS engineers work with a variety of internal and external stakeholders including within the UK MoD, end users, Platform Design Organisations (PDOs) and suppliers, and our roles offer an ability to experience a variety of different cultures, working practices and technologies.
You will be exposed to a variety of MBDA UK projects, products and concepts, gaining a real understanding of the technologies and platform types, and the future of platform integration. There will be a wide variety of interaction with internal MBDA stakeholders, allowing you to build up a network around the company, and also engagements with our customers building bridges and understanding the platform requirements.
You will undertake four six-month placements during the graduate scheme, with the opportunity for one placement to be in another part of the company or potentially in one of MBDA’s international offices. Alternatively, the placement could be external to MBDA with another defence supplier or with MoD.
This role is suited to those that enjoy the creativity and practicality of working with problems to arrive at logical solutions. Our teams will support you to become a fully integrated member 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. We offer training and experience to learn systems engineering methods and tools, such as Model Based Systems Engineering (MBSE), in addition to training given as part of the Early Careers Programme.
What we’re looking for from you:
- Degree qualified in an Engineering, Physics, Astronomy, Chemistry, Maths, Technology, Computing or related discipline to minimum 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.
Airborne Systems Engineer - Graduate Programme 2026 in Stevenage employer: MBDA
MBDA is an exceptional employer, offering a dynamic and supportive work environment for aspiring Airborne Systems Engineers. With a strong focus on employee development, our graduate programme provides extensive training, varied placements, and opportunities for career progression within a collaborative culture that values innovation and diversity. Located in Stevenage, employees benefit from excellent facilities, flexible working arrangements, and the chance to contribute to cutting-edge defence projects that protect our nations.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Airborne Systems Engineer - Graduate Programme 2026 in Stevenage
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to current employees on LinkedIn or at career fairs. Ask them about their experiences and any tips they might have for landing a role in Systems Design. Personal connections can make all the difference!
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for those interviews! Research common questions for Systems Design roles and practice your answers. Think about how your skills align with the job description and be ready to showcase your problem-solving abilities.
✨Tip Number 3
Show off your passion for innovation! During interviews, share examples of projects or experiences where you’ve demonstrated creativity and practical problem-solving. This is key in a fast-paced environment like MBDA.
✨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 you’re serious about joining the MBDA team!
We think you need these skills to ace Airborne Systems Engineer - Graduate Programme 2026 in Stevenage
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV:Make sure your CV reflects the skills and experiences that align with the Systems Design Engineer role. Highlight any relevant projects or coursework that showcase your engineering prowess and creativity.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter:Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to explain why you're passionate about Systems Design and how your background makes you a great fit for the team. Don’t forget to mention specific projects or technologies that excite you!
Showcase Your Problem-Solving Skills:In your application, emphasise your ability to tackle complex problems. Share examples of how you've approached challenges in your studies or projects, demonstrating your logical thinking and innovative solutions.
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to apply directly through our website for the best chance of success. It’s straightforward and ensures your application gets to the right people. Plus, you’ll find all the details you need about the role there!
How to prepare for a job interview at MBDA
✨Know Your Systems Design Basics
Before the interview, brush up on the fundamentals of systems design engineering. Understand the Systems ‘V’ Model and be ready to discuss how you can contribute to various phases of product development, from concept to verification.
✨Showcase Your Problem-Solving Skills
Prepare examples that highlight your creativity and practicality in solving engineering problems. Think about past projects or coursework where you identified customer needs and proposed innovative solutions.
✨Familiarise Yourself with MBDA Projects
Research the specific airborne weapon projects mentioned in the job description, like ASRAAM and Meteor. Being able to discuss these projects and their integration with platforms like the Eurofighter Typhoon will show your genuine interest in the role.
✨Engage with the Interviewers
During the interview, don’t hesitate to ask questions about the team dynamics and the collaborative nature of the role. This not only shows your enthusiasm but also helps you gauge if the company culture aligns with your values.
