Propulsion Engineer - Undergraduate Placement 2025

About the job

Propulsion Engineer - Undergraduate Placement 2025

Salary: £20,000 (pro rata)

Location: Bristol

Where possible, we will seek to accommodate a blended approach to on-site and remote working, but this will depend on project requirements and the need for access to specific site facilities.

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. 

Closing date for this role is midnight on Monday 4th November

The opportunity:

This placement offers an excellent opportunity to kick-start your propulsion career. Work in one of the most exciting areas of the aerospace industry, alongside a team of outstanding propulsion engineers and specialists at the forefront of missile propulsion.

You will be able to draw on knowledge and experience from specialist propulsion engineers and scientists. The Propulsion Department at MBDA works on the entire MBDA UK portfolio of products, and with propulsion system suppliers, from concept phase through to in-service support. As a key player in the UK defence industry, we are able to provide outstanding opportunities across a wide range of applications.

Receive mentorship and support from our team of propulsion engineers to learn to use propulsion performance modelling techniques; designing the missiles of the future. Undertake a placement seeking to expose you to some of the following areas:

• Application and development and use of our bespoke tools alongside commercial software to evaluate the performance of propulsion system options
• Evaluation of a range of missiles, in all the different stages of their development (concept, assessment, development, in-service)
• Propulsion performance, integration, plume, thermal, structural and system aspects of missile and propulsion design and how these foster a multi-disciplinary design approach
• Propulsion impact when integrating onto land, naval and air platforms
• Working with leading UK and international propulsion system suppliers
• The project selected for you will utilise much of the knowledge gained during your university course and apply this to an industry specific problem.
• Gain a feel for MBDA and the type of work that we undertake.

What we're looking for from you:

• Currently studying a Degree in Aerospace engineering, Aeronautical engineering, Mechanical engineering, General engineering, Maths, Physics, Chemistry, Materials Sciences or other related subject.
• A passion for propulsion, flight performance and the underlying sciences.
• The ability to clearly communicate and present ideas including preparing technical presentations and reports.

Our company:

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.

 What we can offer you:

• 10 month undergraduate placement starting September 2025
• Fantastic site facilities, including subsidised meals and free car parking
• A placement that allows you to apply your university learning to real-world engineering projects and technologies
• Flexible working

We respect new perspectives and experiences, and we value our collaborative ways of working. We are committed to growing and supporting diversity in our workforce and ensuring everyone has an equal opportunity to reach their potential.  MBDA is proud of our employee-led networks including Gender Equality, Pride, Neurodiversity, Ethnic Diversity, Menopause Matters, Parents and Carers and Armed Forces.

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.

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