Simulation and Modelling Engineer - Undergraduate Placement 2026

• 1 year placement: starting September 2026, that allows you to apply your university learning to real-world projects and technologies
• Company bonus: 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
• Facilities: fantastic site facilities including subsidised meals, free car parking and much more...

The opportunity

System modelling is a vital tool used to ensure MBDA provides reliable and cost effective weapon systems to our customers!

We build a variety of dynamic system performance models, embedded systems and real time models for MBDA products. Our models are developed and used extensively throughout the product lifecycle, from concept through to in service support. When used internally our performance models allow our system designers to estimate performance, which they can use to guide the product design. For our customer, performance models provide a method of verifying system performance whilst reducing reliance on prohibitively expensive testing and trials. Our real time models contribute to training environments for pilots and provide a variety of engineering testing capabilities. Once the product is in service, the customer continues to use our models to understand system capability and assist with operator training.

Models of modern weapon system are made up of a large number of automated subsystems integrated together to provide the overall capability. This provides unique challenges when: developing accurate system - or system of system level - models that are both large in scale and highly sophisticated with many interdependencies; or when developing lower fidelity models designed to run at real time whilst maintaining an accurate representation of the weapon system. As a model developer this means you'll often encounter new and exciting problems which will require you to apply your intuition and innovation to solve.

You'll learn how to build simulation software in programming languages/environments such as:

• Mathworks (MATLAB, Simulink and Stateflow)
• Fortran
• C/C++

Our teams implement Agile working practices and dynamic working across multiple projects to meet demand, aided by the use of collaborative tools. We also work closely with other departments and companies to integrate subsystem models and design data. From these interactions you'll gain a broad understanding of each subsystem that makes up the weapon and how the system architecture makes these subsystems work together to provide an overall capability.

This role is best suited to those interested in mathematical modelling and programming, are passionate about solving complex problems within highly technical teams and enjoy working in a supportive environment.

Currently studying towards a degree in an Engineering discipline (incl. General, Mechanical, Manufacturing / Production, Aeronautical/Aerospace, Software), or Mathematics, Physics, Computing or Natural Science field., Applying all our energy and focus to every task, recognising our role in providing mission critical capabilities

At MBDA we value the contributions that our employees make every day towards our purpose. That's why we have lots of benefits in place to ensure that working at MBDA is rewarding in every sense.

We are always working to improve our offering, and rewards may differ depending on your role, so please make sure to ask our recruiters for more info when applying.

Annual Bonus

25 Days Annual Leave (plus holiday purchase)

Dynamic Working

Enhanced Parental Leave

Pension Scheme

Extracurricular Learning Budget

Employee Assistance Programme

Free Financial Advice

Share Incentive Plan

Subsidised Gym Membership

Cycle to Work Scheme

Discounts and Vouchers

Health and Dental Insurance

Costco Membership

Modelling modern weapon systems comes with many unique challenges. As a model developer, you will be working with highly sophisticated models, built up of multiple interdependent subsystems, to provide an accurate representation of the weapon system being used in real-world engagements. This means you'll often encounter new and exciting problems requiring your intuition and innovation to solve. Salary: £23,495 Dynamic (Hybrid) Working: The majority of your time you'll be working onsite in an office environment with a team of people around you to support you with your work. 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., 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., A world leader in missiles and missile systems. Our multi-national organisation is made up of around 13,000 employees working across the UK, France, Italy, Germany, Spain and the US, and is the first truly integrated European defence company. As the European champion in our sector, our vision is to continue to grow our presence as a global player. Our mission is to achieve this by establishing ourselves as an industry leader; promoting co-operation and delivering technical and operational excellence to our customer. Through our combined expertise, we design and deliver innovative missiles and missile systems that help protect our future. We feel proud of the role we play in supporting the armed forces who protect our nations. We partner with our governments to work together towards a common goal defending our freedom., Stevenage: Our UK head office is located in Stevenage, Hertfordshire. With Stevenage train station just a few minutes walk away, and our site just a few minutes drive from the A1(M), our people come to work from towns in every direction.MBDA Stevenage has a campus-like community feel to it, with all the facilities you need on site including ample parking, a coffee shop, and a large cafeteria serving nutritious, seasonal meals every day. We also have an on-site (subsidised) gym, and a range of sports and social clubs to join. Bolton: Bolton is home to our state-of-the-art manufacturing site. Here you will find skilled Fitters, Engineers, Procurement specialists and many more dedicated teams helping us deliver our products in time and to the highest standards. Located just a short drive from Bolton, Wigan, Horwich and Chorley, the site is an easy commute for many, and has a subsidised restaurant on site, using fresh, seasonal ingredients to produce nutritional and delicious dishes., "At MBDA you always have to bear in mind that we are all a part of a very important process that defends our freedoms." - Balpreet, Supportability Engineer, Customer Support and Services. We share a unique responsibility that brings purpose to everything we do. We feel proud of the role we play in supporting the armed forces who protect our nations. We partner with our governments to work together towards a common goal defending our freedom. We believe in our values, code of ethics and have conviction in what we do. It's with a shared sense of purpose that we trust, value and respect the contribution that all of our colleagues bring every day.