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Manufacturing Test Engineer - Graduate Programme 2027

Aerospace, Electrical, Electronics, Manufacturing.

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.

There's a lot about a career at MBDA you don't know...
...come and find out what you could really be a part of!

The opportunity:

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.

Manufacturing Test have engineers deployed across three of our UK sites supporting the manufacturing process throughout the whole build cycle from sub-systems to the final product for launch platforms and weapon systems. We support the testing and programming of systems, from circuit cards through to missiles; working with varied technologies including, but not limited to, electronics, mechatronics, optics and RF.

Within Manufacturing Test Engineering you'll be working within a team of Engineers who have varied experiences and expertise, who work together to support a set of equipment. You'll have the opportunity to learn from these Engineers throughout your graduate scheme as you progress through three placements, each with a different team. Test Engineers work closely with several collaborative functions such as Product Design, Test Equipment Design, Manufacturing Engineering and Quality Assurance to support our key customer, Manufacturing Operations.

As a Test Engineer you'll play a meaningful role in maintaining MBDA's reputation for quality, by working to ensure that every product leaving our manufacturing facility meets the high standards expected by the company and our customers. Daily activities for a Test Engineer vary from working hands on with the product on the shop floor and in the lab, to working in the office on technical documentation and drawings. Our regular 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 from you:

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

What we can offer you

  • 2 year Programme: starting September 2027
  • Annual Salary Review
  • Company bonus: Up to £2,500 (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
  • Excellent career progression & development opportunities
  • Facilities: Fantastic site facilities including subsidised meals, free car parking and much more.
  • Healthcare Cash Plan: The Healthcare Cash Plan benefit provides the option to claim cash back on everyday healthcare expenses such as optical, dental, health and wellbeing and more.

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.

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Job ID Number: R39040
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Add to Shortlist
Shortlisted
  • Deadline
    November 2nd, 2026
  • Starting
    September 2027
  • Hiring Multiple Candidates
    Yes
  • Salary
    £31,900 + a £3,000 joining bonus + benefits
  • Degree required
    2:2 and above
  • Location
    Stevenage (Hertfordshire) and Bolton (Manchester)
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Disciplines Accepted...
  • Aerodynamics
  • Aeronautics
  • Aerospace
  • Avionics
  • Electronic/Electrical
  • Manufacturing
  • Product Design
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