Propulsion Engineer - Undergraduate Placement 2027

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.

The opportunity:

Step into one of the most dynamic and technically challenging areas of aerospace engineering – missile propulsion. As an Undergraduate Propulsion Engineer at MBDA, you'll play a part in shaping the next generation of defence technology, working on projects that are innovative, impactful and at the very forefront of engineering.

Becoming an undergraduate propulsion engineer offers you the opportunity to develop the skills and expertise needed to design and evaluate the propulsion systems that power MBDA's advanced missile systems, including solid rockets, ramjets, and gas turbines. The Propulsion Department is central to MBDA's mission, supporting projects across the full product lifecycle – from early concept through to in-service support. Working closely with leading UK and international propulsion suppliers, you'll contribute to a wide portfolio of projects that underpin the UK's defence capability.  

Our Propulsion Department is a collaborative team of engineers, scientists and specialists who are passionate about pushing the boundaries of what propulsion systems can achieve. You'll be mentored by experienced experts, learning cutting-edge modelling techniques and gaining hands-on exposure to real-world engineering challenges.

During your time with the Propulsion team, you'll be involved in understanding areas such as:

• Application and development of bespoke and commercial modelling tools to evaluate propulsion performance.
• Key drivers are in future propellant research, and failure modes of propellants and how this affects the length of service of the rocket motor.
• Internal ballistic modelling of solid rocket motors and assessing rocket exhaust plume characteristics using CFD techniques.
• Assessment of missiles at different stages of their lifecycle (concept, development, in-service).
• Exploration of multi-disciplinary design challenges, including integration, plume, thermal, structural and system considerations.
• Understanding the role of propulsion when integrating missiles onto land, naval and air platforms.

By joining MBDA's propulsion team, you'll be part of a supportive environment where innovation thrives, collaboration is key, and your work directly contributes to the future of defence technology.

What we're looking for from you:

• Current undergraduate working towards a degree in Aerospace/Aeronautical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, General Engineering, Maths, Physics, Chemistry, Materials Sciences or other related subject.

What we can offer you

• 1 year placement: starting September 2027, that allows you to apply your university learning to real-world projects and technologies 
• Perform well on your placement and you could secure a graduate role before your final year
• 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…
• 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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