Guidance, Control and Navigation Engineer - Undergraduate Placement 2025
Salary: £20,000 (pro rata)
Location: Bristol
Working pattern:
Security is a key consideration for the role and as such, the majority of your work will be conducted on site; a positive result of which is that our office remains a social and collaborative working environment. Nevertheless, there can be opportunities for home working depending on the nature of the task.
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:
The algorithms we design in Guidance, Control and Navigation (GCN) lie at the heart of all of the highly complex MBDA missile and weapon systems. We're involved in every phase of the product's life cycle, from concept through to service.
We host 4 areas of expertise:
- Guidance - figuring out a suitable trajectory, providing an effective route to target interception and improving the probability of defeating the target
- Control - designing and tuning autopilot algorithms, for various control surfaces, to maintain stable flight dynamics and achieve the guidance demands
- Navigation - estimating the current missile state (position, velocity and attitude/orientation) using measurements from a range of on-board sensors
- Command and Control (C2) - designing weapon-system level algorithms to track and evaluate incoming threats, plan engagements, and provide additional mission context to the operator.
Receive support and mentorship to develop skills including coding and modelling, mathematics, flight dynamics and control theory, utilising tools such as MATLAB/SIMULINK daily.
Work alongside other departments to increase your knowledge on the complexities of a missile, including propulsion, aerodynamics, seekers, sensors and actuators.
Broaden your technical knowledge of the design and function of a complex weapon system. Have visibility of a wide range of work, from researching and developing futuristic technologies through to being on the design team for current high-profile projects.
Experience work within one of the many international teams in MBDA, with the GCN function in Paris and Rome! This doesn't always equate to travel but you may be offered the option where the opportunity arises.
Get involved with:
- Integrated navigation, such as 'Terrain Reference Navigation', 'GPS integration', and ‘Image Based Navigation'
- Autopilot and control system design and analysis, including dual-mode control, thrust vector control, etc.
- Algorithms for mid-course guidance, terminal guidance, target tracking and selectivity
- Data fusion to combine data from multiple sensors. For example, radars, seekers, IMUs, etc.
- Implementing AI techniques including neural networks and deep learning to improve traditional GCN algorithms and solve new challenges
- Designing autonomous decision-making systems for use in complex collective missions.
What we're looking for from you:
- Currently studying towards a degree in a Physics, Mathematical Sciences, Engineering or Computing 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.
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