At a Glance
- Tasks: Join us to develop cutting-edge missile systems and tackle real-world engineering challenges.
- Company: MBDA, a leading defence organisation committed to protecting freedom.
- Benefits: Earn £23,000 plus a £3,000 joining bonus, with fully funded degree and paid travel expenses.
- Other info: Enjoy diverse placements, career growth, and opportunities for professional chartership.
- Why this job: Gain hands-on experience while studying for a BEng in Electrical Engineering at the University of Hertfordshire.
- Qualifications: 5 GCSEs at grade 4+, plus A levels or equivalent with a focus on Maths and Engineering.
The predicted salary is between 23000 - 23000 £ per year.
Salary: £23,000 plus a £3000 joining bonus
Duration: 4 years
Work location: Stevenage
Learning provider: University of Hertfordshire, Hatfield
The qualification: You'll study for an Electrical Engineer Degree Apprenticeship. Your final award will be a BEng (Hons) in Electrical and Electronic Engineering.
Due to the need to attend your MBDA site and the training provider as required for your apprenticeship, applicants need to ensure their home or rental location is appropriate, travel arrangements are manageable and travel time is minimised as required for your role.
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.
This role is scheduled to close for applications at midnight on Friday 22nd January 2027 but may close earlier depending on application volumes.
What we can offer you:
- Fully funded qualification starting September 2027
- Paid travel expenses to and from your place of study
- Annual pay reviews
- Healthcare Cash Plan: provides support with everyday health related costs – including medical, dental, optical, physio and health & wellbeing
- 25 days annual leave (plus holiday purchase) and up to 15 days flexi leave
- Study leave during exam periods
Programme structure - your work at MBDA:
The academic portion of this apprenticeship consists of predominantly face to face learning one day a week at the University, with some block teaching in each Semester as well as some virtual delivery. The remainder of your working week you'll be onsite in your home function of Seeker and Datalink Systems (S&DS).
The Seeker and Datalink Systems (S&DS) department offers an exciting opportunity to be at the centre of cutting-edge product development at MBDA. The seeker is the 'eye' of a missile. It is a complicated integrated system which uses either RF radar technology or electro optical (IR) sensors to assist with missile guidance as well as to detect, identify and track targets. The data link system is the communication link of the missile, it typically facilitates communication between the missile and the launching platform, allowing mission critical data to be exchanged.
The S&DS department also includes opportunities within RF survivability; they employ cutting edge RF techniques to enhance the probability of a missile reaching its target. From design, to development, integration and production, the S&DS department's contribution is vital to ensure we can deliver the highest quality products to our customers.
As an S&DS engineer, you'll work innovatively and collaboratively amongst teams of motivated individuals to tackle technical challenges. Your work will be integral in helping to advance the capability of radar and communications technology at MBDA. You'll have a unique opportunity to apply your degree course content to real world problems, supported by colleagues in varied and inclusive teams.
You will undertake various placements, working on different aspects of S&DS design and contributing to projects that span the full product lifecycle. Placements typically include:
- Research and development activities
- Hardware and Software Integration and Lab testing
- Simulation, Modelling and Algorithm development
- Systems design and Requirements Specifications
- Data Analysis - Applying analytical techniques to draw conclusions from results
The above placements will develop your practical, technical and communication skills within an industrial environment, raising your awareness of the economic, social, legal, ethical and sustainability considerations of the business and engineering.
You will also have the opportunity to work towards Professional Chartership with the IOP, IMA, IET, IMechE or RAeS, and we will pay 100% of the fees whilst you are on the apprenticeship scheme.
The diversity of expertise working together under one roof makes the S&DS department a unique environment for discovering, exploring and specialising in a wide variety of highly technical areas. We are therefore looking for candidates with diverse backgrounds and interests. We also work closely with many other teams, giving you exposure to other exciting areas across MBDA. With S&DS being an Anglo-Italian department, multi-national projects are common and can lead to exciting travel or secondment opportunities.
This role would be ideal for someone who enjoys:
- Problem solving
- Learning about RF (radio frequency) design fundamentals
- Applying university knowledge in a real world environment
- Developing future defence concepts
What we’re looking for from you:
This role has specific qualification and subject criteria so please make sure you carefully check your eligibility against this criteria before applying otherwise your application will not be considered. If you are currently studying and predicted to meet these requirements by the start date you are welcome to apply.
GCSEs: A minimum of 5 GCSEs at minimum grade 4. This must include:
- English Language
- Mathematics
- Any Science or Technology subject
After GCSEs: Following your GCSE's you must have completed one of the following qualification routes, equivalent to a minimum of 120 UCAS Tariff points:
- A level: Three A levels totalling 120 UCAS Tariff points, including Maths and either a Technology or Engineering subject, with no individual grade below B
- BTEC: A single Level 3 Extended Diploma in Engineering at a minimum grade of DDM, including a distinction in a Further Maths module.
The learning provider is not able to support T level qualifications for this apprenticeship. Please note: We look at entry criteria based on your top three full A Levels or equivalent qualifications (BTEC/T Level). We do not include UCAS points gained from an Extended Project Qualification. Additionally, as an employer we set our own entry criteria based on the requirements of this role. This means that the criteria above may differ from the university.
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.
Advert end date: 23 January 2027
Seeker and Datalink Systems Engineering Level 6 Degree Apprenticeship in Stevenage employer: MBDA
MBDA is an exceptional employer, offering a dynamic and inclusive work environment that prioritises employee well-being and professional growth. With competitive benefits such as a generous bonus scheme, flexible working arrangements, and enhanced parental leave, employees are supported in achieving a healthy work-life balance while contributing to meaningful projects that defend our freedom. Located in the UK, MBDA fosters a culture of collaboration and innovation, empowering its workforce through various employee-led networks and opportunities for continuous development.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Seeker and Datalink Systems Engineering Level 6 Degree Apprenticeship in Stevenage
✨Get Hands-On at Local Workshops
Don’t miss out on local engineering workshops and hackathons! They’re a brilliant way to learn something new, meet fellow aspiring engineers, and often, company reps will be scouting for fresh talent. Plus, you can mention your hands-on experiences at these events during your interviews!
✨Join Engineering Societies and Clubs
Get involved with engineering societies at your school or in your area. These communities often host talks, networking events, and even competitions, which can open doors to apprenticeship opportunities. Plus, chatting with industry professionals is never a bad idea!
✨Show Off Your Passion Online
Consider starting a blog or a social media account where you can share your engineering projects, ideas, and learnings. This not only demonstrates your passion but also your initiative. Share the link on your application to really showcase who you are!
✨Don’t Wait, Apply Early!
Apprenticeships often have early application windows, so keep an eye on MBDA’s website and get your applications in as soon as you can. The earlier you apply, the more likely you are to secure an interview and land that coveted position!
We think you need these skills to ace Seeker and Datalink Systems Engineering Level 6 Degree Apprenticeship in Stevenage
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Off Your Technical Skills:When applying for an engineering apprenticeship at MBDA, make sure to highlight any relevant technical skills and subjects you've excelled in. Include specific projects or coursework that demonstrate your understanding of engineering principles—anything from physics projects to CAD designs can really make your application stand out!
Include Your Learning Experience:Since this is an apprenticeship, we want to see how keen you are to learn. In your cover letter, talk about what you hope to gain from this opportunity at MBDA and how it aligns with your career goals. Don’t be shy—express your enthusiasm for getting hands-on experience!
Tailor Your CV for Engineering:Make sure your CV reflects your passion for engineering. List relevant coursework, skills, and any hands-on experiences like workshops or engineering clubs. Feel free to use a clear and structured layout so it's easy for the hiring team at MBDA to see your qualifications at a glance.
Keep it Visual—If Possible!:If you've worked on any engineering projects, consider including visual elements in your application—like pictures, graphs or even a small portfolio link. This isn’t mandatory, but visuals can help us appreciate your work and problem-solving skills more effectively!
How to prepare for a job interview at MBDA
✨Showcase Your Passion for Engineering
Since you're applying for an apprenticeship, it’s crucial to demonstrate your genuine enthusiasm for engineering. Be ready to talk about any projects you've done, be it in school or in your spare time, as this shows your commitment and eagerness to learn on the job at MBDA.
✨Get Hands-On with Technical Questions
Expect some technical queries related to basic engineering principles. Brush up on subjects you’ve covered in your studies, such as materials science or thermodynamics. They might throw a scenario your way to gauge how you would approach solving a problem—don't be afraid to think aloud!
✨Demonstrate Your Teamwork Skills
Apprenticeships often require working in teams, so be prepared to discuss how you've worked with others in school or during any group projects. Share specific examples that reflect your ability to collaborate and communicate effectively, as this is highly valued in engineering roles at MBDA.
✨Ask About Learning Opportunities
Make sure to prepare some questions about the apprenticeship itself, like how training will be structured or the types of projects you'll tackle. Showing curiosity about your growth will impress the interviewers at MBDA, demonstrating that you're ready to dive into the learning experience.
