Weapons Systems Engineer Review
at MBDA
Placement (10 Months+)
Engineering
Bristol
Review Submitted: June 2025
Overall Rating
4.9 /5
The Overall Rating is the average of all the ratings given in each category. We take those individual ratings and combine them into one final score!
5/5
-
Overview of Role
5/5
-
Skills Development
5/5
-
Support and Guidance
4.5/5
-
Company Culture
5/5
-
Overall Experience
5/5
-
Future Career Prospects
Overview of Role
Please give an overview of your role and what this involves on a day-to-day basis.
I am involved in early concepting. My role has involved a lot of modelling on matlab to investigate 6th generation aircraft performance in the battlespace. I have also had the chance to develop use cases and concepts which are shown to project stakeholders. Aside from this, I have also had the chance to work in a laboratory with Software Defined Radios, looking to build a radio transmitter.
Were you given much responsibility during your placement / internship?
Yes, I was made responsible for several pieces of work which at large helped to contribute to the Future Combat Air System. One example is a model I built on MatLab which demonstrated aircraft kinematic performance. I was solely responsible for the completion of this work and once completed, I was offered the chance to present my findings to the project's Chief Engineer.
Please rate how meaningful the work you were doing was
5/5
Skills Development
Have you learnt any new skills, or developed your existing skills?
I have learnt how to use a software called GNU Radio which helps to implement functions on a software defined radio. I have improved my matlab coding skills by an enormous amount as well as my ability to use microsoft suite. I have been given many opportunities to present my work and so feel my confidence in public speaking has also increased.
How would you rate the training provided during your experience?
5/5
How would you rate your development of industry-specific skills during the experience?
5/5
How would you rate your development of personal / soft skills during the experience?
5/5
Please rate how these skills have helped you in your career development
5/5
Support and Guidance
How much support and guidance did you receive during your placement / internship?
I received a lot of support. My Head of Department was always keen to check in on me and ensure I had plenty of work and support. My Technical Coordinator was excellent at finding me new opportunities to get involved with and frequently met with me to discuss how I was doing. My manager consistently guided me through my tasks, and always worked hard to find me new and exciting tasks to get involved with.
How would you rate the support and guidance from your line manager?
5/5
How would you rate the support and guidance from the wider team?
5/5
Company Culture
What was the company culture and general atmosphere like?
MBDA has a very supportive and dedicated culture. Everyone is keen to see their projects thrive and develop, and the vast majority of people understand the importance of early career development. My colleagues were always happy to answer my questions or have catch-ups to discuss career progression and new opportunities. Everyone at MBDA is extremely hard-working whilst also striving to build a community that supports each other.
How would you rate the inclusiveness of the culture?
4/5
How would you rate the social opportunities?
5/5
How would you rate the diversity initiatives?
4/5
How would you rate the charity, sustainability and corporate social responsibility (CSR) initiatives?
5/5
Overall Experience
To what extent did you enjoy your placement / internship?
I thoroughly enjoyed my placement, and would go as far to say that there was very little I didn't like about it. I have been able to get involved with a huge variety of tasks, all of which felt very meaningful towards the development of the project. Everyone I met at MBDA was supportive and willing to help me progress and discover potential career paths. I am keen to work at MBDA again someday.
Please rate your level of enjoyment on your placement / internship
5/5
Please rate how your experience met your expectations
5/5
Future Career Prospects
Please rate the future employment prospects at MBDA
5/5
Recommendations & Advice
Would you recommend MBDA to a friend?
Yes
What advice would you give to others applying to MBDA
When interviewing to MBDA it is important that you remain authentic and be yourself. Whilst many roles at MBDA involve complex engineering principles, the company prioritises people that represent its core values of integrity, passion, commitment, innovation and team spirit, over academic intelligence to a large extent. MBDA has a very supportive and friendly culture, and values its people. This is felt across all levels of the company.
