Mechanical Engineer - Summer Placement 2025

Mechanical Engineer - Summer Placement 2025

Salary: £20,000 pro-rata

Working pattern:

Where possible, we will seek to accommodate a blended approach to on-site and remote working. The team operates a flexible working model allowing you to work at home where it is possible, however the nature of the job will often require you to be onsite to access specific 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 Monday 4th November.

The opportunity

The Mechanical Engineering department develops physical solutions from concept through development and certification to production on missiles and weapon systems. The nature of complex weapons and the environments they operate in present an extensive scope of unique and interesting mechanical engineering challenges.

You'll get hands-on work experience from all placements - interaction with hardware is highly encouraged to help further understanding of our products. This could mean use of rapid prototyping facilities, getting involved in external manufacture or participating in assembly builds and laboratory tests. You'll learn from our engineers' knowledge in complex weapons and Defence technology across all departments. Summer placement students often work collaboratively with other closely related departments on a common project supported by a network of technical specialists. These dynamic projects are at the forefront of innovation and capture the latest trends and concepts to deliver future novel solutions within the battlespace.

You could gain experience in some of the following areas:

• Mechanical Design - Be involved in all stages of design from concept development through to manufacture. This role relies on CAD tools and gives opportunity to be involved in laboratory test programs.
• Mechanical Future Concepts - Positioned at the cutting-edge of missile technology, gain experience in the early stages of the product lifecycle from concept generation to research & development (R&D) studies.
• Mechanical Analysis - Develop specialist technical solutions to aid the design process. With Finite Element Analysis (FEA) tools and laboratory testing, conduct detailed stress and thermal analysis on structures and mechanical systems.
• Actuation Systems - Working within a multi-disciplinary team on the electro-mechanical design of fin, wing and seeker actuation systems. The role is broadly similar to the Mechanical Design placement with the added possibility of working in a cross-discipline, international team.
• Materials and Processes - Advise design teams in the principles of materials science, and evaluate their ideas against material compatibility; this offers the chance to get involved in top-tier research of novel materials as well as practical lab based assessments.

What we're looking for from you

Studying towards a Degree in an Engineering discipline (incl. General, Mechanical, Production/Manufacturing, Aeronautical/Aerospace), Materials Science or Technology Degree discipline.

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.

What we can offer you:

• 10 week summer placement starting June 2025
• Fantastic site facilities, including subsidised meals and free car parking
• A placement that allows you to apply your university learning to real-world engineering projects and technologies
• Flexible working

We respect new perspectives and experiences, and we value our collaborative ways of working. We are committed to growing and supporting diversity in our workforce and ensuring everyone has an equal opportunity to reach their potential. MBDA is proud of our employee-led networks including Gender Equality, Pride, Neurodiversity, Ethnic Diversity, Menopause Matters, Parents and Carers and Armed Forces.

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 Instagram (MBDA_UK) and Glassdoor or visit our MBDA Careers website for more information.