Key Takeaways
- Graduate programme for Manufacturing Test Engineers starting September 2027.
- Starting salary of £31,900 with a £3,000 joining bonus.
- Requires a minimum 2.2 degree in specific engineering, physics, or design disciplines.
- Applications close on 2nd November 2026, but may close earlier.
About the Role
Join the MBDA team and become a key player in ensuring our top-notch manufacturing standards! As a Test Engineer, you'll collaborate with expert engineers across the UK, working on a range of cutting-edge technologies including electronics, optics, and RF. Your hands-on approach, combined with office-based technical work, will see you play a pivotal role in maintaining MBDA's excellence. From drafting drawings to introducing new equipment, process improvements are at the heart of what you'll do, all while contributing to the successful testing and programming of complex systems.
Salary and Benefits
- Starting Salary: £31,900
- Joining Bonus: £3,000
- Company Bonus: Up to £2,500 (based on company performance)
- 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: Option to claim cash back on everyday healthcare expenses.
- Site Facilities: Subsidised meals, free car parking.
The Opportunity
Manufacturing Test engineers are deployed across three UK sites, supporting the manufacturing process from sub-systems to final product launch. You will support the testing and programming of systems, from circuit cards through to missiles, working with technologies including electronics, mechatronics, optics, and RF.
Within Manufacturing Test Engineering, you’ll work within a team of experienced engineers. You’ll have the opportunity to learn from them throughout your graduate scheme as you progress through three placements, each with a different team. Test Engineers work closely with collaborative functions such as Product Design, Test Equipment Design, Manufacturing Engineering, and Quality Assurance to support Manufacturing Operations.
As a Test Engineer, you’ll play a meaningful role in maintaining MBDA’s reputation for quality by ensuring every product meets high standards. Daily activities include:
- Diagnosing and fault finding non-conforming products or equipment
- Authoring instructions and/or specifications
- Drafting and publishing drawing packs
- Analysing test and production related data
- Introducing new products and equipment into Manufacturing
- Process improvements
What we’re looking for
- Current undergraduate studying for a degree in one of the following disciplines, minimum 2.2:
- Aerospace Engineering
- Electrical & Electronic Engineering
- General Engineering & Engineering Design
- Physics & Astronomy
- Product Design
- Production & Manufacturing Engineering
Working Arrangements
- Programme Duration: 2 years
- Start Date: September 2027
- Working Pattern: Dynamic (Hybrid). Typically 90% on-site, with the option to work from home a day every couple of weeks if the work permits.
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.
- All successful candidates will need to undergo HMG Basic Personnel Security Standard checks (BPSS) after an offer stage.
Application Deadline
This role is scheduled to close for applications at midnight on Monday 2nd November 2026, but may close earlier depending on application volumes.