Integration & Systems Validation (ISV) Engineer – Undergraduate Placement 2025

Salary: £20,000 (pro rata)

Location: Stevenage

Working pattern:

New starters should expect to be on site 5 days a week to begin with, with the potential for remote working once settled and depending on the specific role.

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:

ISV are responsible for conducting real-world testing and integration of software, hardware and missile systems in the latest Complex Weapons capabilities. This includes planning trials, conducting test activities in on-site laboratories and with off-site companies, and reporting and analysing data. Through this role you will gauge an understanding of engineering principles across mechanical, electrical and functional domains, through the use of test equipment and lab facilities.

ISV is true engineering, where you will use your practical yet creative mind-set to assist with complex problem solving and application of logical solutions. Your ability to network will develop as you begin communicating across technical and non-technical teams/departments. Through planning tests and trials you will be able to demonstrate your adaptability, organisation, attention to detail, and effective handling of ambiguity.

Our ISV function will support you to become a fully integrated member of the team with the opportunity to assume an increasing level of responsibility.

Examples of ISV activities you could be involved with include:

• Ground Trials: demonstrating our products across various extreme environments.
• Firing Trials: end-to-end evaluation firings and customer demonstrations.
• Flight Trials: integrating and trailing our systems on fast jets and helicopters.
• Integration: demonstrating functional and electrical compatibility of hardware and software.
• In-Service Support: testing and monitoring in-service products with the customer.
• Trials Equipment: designing support tools and helping evolve prototype designs.

You will likely have opportunities to travel throughout the UK and internationally to support these activities.

We offer training and experience to learn trials and systems proving methods and tools, such as telemetry & data handling, digital twins and Model Based Systems Engineering (MBSE), in addition to training given as part of the Early Careers Programme.

What we're looking for from you:

Currently studying for a degree in an Physics, Mathematical Sciences, Engineering, Technology, Computing or a General Science discipline.

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.

Follow us on LinkedIn (MBDA), X (@MBDA_UK), Instagram (MBDA_UK) and Glassdoor or visit our MBDA Careers website for more information.