Hardware in the Loop Engineer - Graduate Programme 2025

Salary: £31,000 plus a £3000 joining bonus.

Location: Stevenage

Hybrid working pattern:

Where possible, we will seek to accommodate a blended approach to on-site and remote working, with the majority of the team onsite 75% of the time.

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 Thursday 19th December

The opportunity:

The Hardware in the Loop (HWIL) department is a unique facility that integrates complex missile subsystems and simulates their dynamic flight to optimise missile performance prior to operational firing trials.

In the labs there are Electro-optic (EO), LASER and Radio Frequency (RF) devices, anechoic chambers and multiple axis hydraulic motion tables. The small, but versatile team have a mixture of technical expertise that enables them to design and develop the electronics equipment needed for the labs, design the experiments, create custom software and hardware simulations, and to analyse and deliver results to support missile development and evaluation.

In HWIL there are a vast number of opportunities to get ‘hands-on,' and as a Graduate you will be involved in testing missile hardware sub-systems (Seeker, Inertial Measurement Unit and Missile Computer), developing and integrating HWIL simulations and using the HWIL facility Infra-red, Radio-Frequency and Flight Motion Simulators.

HWIL supports and develops a broad range of skills, and is suitable for Graduates from a wide range of engineering and problem solving backgrounds.

You will have the opportunity to develop many different engineering skills including integration of complex equipment, designing bespoke equipment and problem solving to create, set up and action test procedures. You will also work on a selection of the following:

• Complex function integration.

• Developing test software, data analysis scripts and control systems (C++, MATLAB, CAD, Linux).

• Learning communication protocols (e.g. RS422, Ethernet, MODBUS, 1553).

• Electronic design and Mechanical design.

• Workshop skills (design and build of lab equipment and cables using pillar drills, hand tools, soldering etc).

• Technical report writing to support trials reviews.

HWIL are a very versatile team, at different stages of their career and each member has their own unique set of skills. The key to such a team is consistent demonstration of passion, team work, innovative ideas, commitment, and a lot of communication and support. The team are always looking to discover new solutions and there is always someone to discuss new ideas and concepts with.

What we're looking for from you:

• Degree qualified in Engineering (incl. Aeronautical/Aerospace, Electronic/Electrical and Mechanical), Physics, Mathematics, Artificial Intelligence, Computing, Control Theory, Systems discipline (minimum 2:2).

• Basic experience of Matlab/Simulink or software development.

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:

• 2 year programme starting September 2025

• Company bonus and twice yearly salary reviews

• Pension of maximum total (employer and employee) contribution of up to 14%

• 25 days annual leave (plus holiday purchase) and up to 15 days flexi leave

• Fantastic site facilities, including subsidised meals and free car parking

• Excellent career progression and development opportunities

• 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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