Weapon Systems Algorithms Engineer Placement 2026

Weapon Systems Algorithms Engineer Placement 2026

Algorithms are the backbone behind technology. We use them everyday without knowing, from scrolling social media to searching for the fastest route home. In the defence industry, we use them for so much more. In the Weapons System Algorithms & Performance team (WSAP), it's our job to develop and optimise the algorithms inside of MBDA's leading technologies.

Salary: £23,495

Dynamic (Hybrid) Working: 2-3 days per week on-site or more due to workload classification

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 5TH JANUARY 2026 (SUBJECT TO APPLICATION VOLUMES)

What we can offer you

• 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

As an engineer in the Weapon Systems Design division, you will be part of a rapidly expanding area of the MBDA business, providing specialist technical support at the system level to a range of high-profile projects, including Future Combat Air System (FCAS); Future Cruise / Anti-Ship Weapon (FC/ASW); Future Air Defence System (FADS) and more.

The Weapon System Algorithms and Performance (WSAP) department specialises in the design, development and delivery of cutting-edge algorithms. We leverage AI in solving weapon system solutions, which operate across the entire weapon system to optimise the end-to-end mission performance of our products. Algorithms engineers in WSAP often work directly with MBDA project teams to ensure the delivery of critical algorithm components on time, on cost, and on quality to key programmes.

Some examples of topics you could be working on include:

• Routing algorithms for long-range strike weapons
• Operator decision aids for strike mission planning
• Threat evaluation & weapon assignment algorithms for air defence
• Multi-weapon co-operation
• Application of machine learning techniques to air-to-air combat

We make a difference – the capabilities we deliver give our armed forces an operational advantage. Within the team, we provide opportunities to work across a variety of projects and value the people that work with us. Our active support in the careers of our team members allow them to maximise their career development.

What we're looking for from you

Working towards a degree in Engineering, Physics, Mathematics or Computer Science. We are particularly interested in hearing from applicants with a strong interest in mathematics and applying mathematical techniques to engineering problems. Experience in programming for scientific/engineering applications (e.g. MATLAB, Python) would be an advantage.

Application Process

• Submit an applicationOur application form contains a few factual questions, some questions relating to the role you have applied for and a section for you to tell us all about you!
• Online assessment - Part OneNext in our process is part one of our online strengths assessment, completely tailored to our business and early careers schemes. After completing our assessment you'll receive a personalised report.
• Online assessment - Part TwoPart two of our online assessments include three video recorded tasks which are authentic work scenario based activities which you could be doing on your programme - we refer to these as job simulations.
• Assessment centreOur strength based assessment centre is a half day virtual experience! You’ll get to work on a range of tasks, meet current programme members and people from the department you have applied for. All candidates receive feedback on their performance.
• OfferWe’ll call you within a week of your assessment day to talk through your feedback and the finer details of your offer, as well as next steps.

Information

Training and Development

You’ll be able to choose between a variety of online learning platforms such as Percipio, YouLearn, Career Builder and Video Gateway. Each one is tailored to a specific type of learning. Speak to your line manager to find out more.

We encourage new learning and will provide up to £150 in financial support per year if you wish to participate in further study in your own time. You’ll have access to our Learning Gateway, which hosts the formal course catalogue and is where you can select the right training for your role and future development. The catalogue displays which courses are being delivered virtually or are classroom based. If you want to lead a team, you might be interested in our management training, designed for people of all experience levels.

Dynamic Working

The way we work is changing and your schedule will reflect that. For non-executive employees, we have a flexi-time scheme that allows you to choose, within certain parameters, when you start and finish each day and how you can use time you have accrued. If you have worked the time, you are also able to accrue and take up to 15 days of Flexi-leave per annum, in addition to the 25 days of annual leave provided and bank holidays.

Security Clearance

All employees at MBDA are required to hold UK Security or BPSS Clearance.

How to apply

To apply for this role and to find out more, please click on the apply button. Please note that applications may close before the application deadline, so apply early to avoid disappointment.