Key Takeaways
- 1-year undergraduate placement starting September 2027.
- Earn £24,460 per year.
- Gain experience in Guidance, Control, and Navigation systems for missile technology.
- Applications close on 4th January 2027, but may close earlier.
About the Role
The algorithms designed in Guidance, Control and Navigation (GCN) are central to MBDA's complex missile and weapon systems, involved in every phase from concept to service.
What We Can Offer You
- 1-year placement: Starting September 2027, apply your university learning to real-world projects and technologies.
- Graduate role potential: Perform well and you could secure a graduate role before your final year.
- Company bonus: Based on company performance.
- Pension: Maximum total contribution of up to 14%.
- Overtime: Opportunity for paid overtime.
- Healthcare Cash Plan: Support with everyday health-related costs.
- Annual Leave: 25 days plus option to purchase extra holiday.
- Flexi Leave: Up to 15 additional days.
- Facilities: Subsidised meals, free car parking, and more.
The Opportunity
This role allows you to build skills across four specialist areas:
- Guidance: Figuring out trajectories for effective target interception.
- Control: Designing and tuning autopilot algorithms for stable flight dynamics.
- Navigation: Estimating missile state using on-board sensors.
- Command and Control: Designing weapon-system level algorithms for threat tracking and engagement planning.
You will gain technical knowledge of complex weapon systems, from futuristic technologies to current high-profile projects. You'll develop skills in coding, modelling, mathematics, flight dynamics, and control theory, using tools like MATLAB/SIMULINK.
Activities may include:
- Integrated navigation (e.g., Terrain Reference Navigation, GPS integration, Image Based Navigation).
- Autopilot and control system design and analysis.
- Algorithms for mid-course guidance, terminal guidance, target tracking, and selectivity.
- Data fusion from multiple sensors (radars, seekers, IMUs).
- Implementing AI techniques (neural networks, deep learning).
- Designing autonomous decision-making systems.
You will collaborate across engineering teams (propulsion, aerodynamics, seekers, sensors, actuators) and potentially with international teams in Paris and Rome.
What We're Looking For
- Current undergraduate studying towards a degree in Physics, Mathematical Sciences, Engineering, or a Computing discipline.
Security Clearance
- Must be a British Citizen or a Dual UK national with British citizenship.
- Restrictions and/or limitations relating to nationality and/or rights to work may apply.
- Successful candidates will need to undergo HMG Basic Personnel Security Standard checks (BPSS).
Application Deadline
This role closes at midnight on Monday 4th January 2027, but may close earlier depending on application volumes.