Electro-Optic Seekers & Systems Engineer - Undergraduate Placement 2026

Mbda Systems; Stevenage; Hybrid; GBP 60,000 - 80,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading defence technology company in the UK is offering an Electro-Optic Seekers & Systems Engineer undergraduate placement for 2026. The role involves innovative work within a supportive team, engaging in systems design, computational modelling, and field trials of EO technologies. Candidates should be pursuing a relevant degree and have an interest in electro-optic systems. The position offers a hybrid work environment, competitive salary, and various employee benefits.

Benefits

Company bonus

Pension contributions up to 14%

Paid overtime opportunities

25 days annual leave plus extras

Subsidised meals at site facilities

Free car parking

Qualifications

• Working towards a relevant degree.
• Interest in systems design and computational modelling.

Responsibilities

• Work on EO systems projects from concept to testing.
• Engage in lab testing and field trials.
• Collaborate with multiple teams within MBDA.
• Attend team meetings and collaborate across the community.

Skills

Interest in electro-optic systems

Desire to apply knowledge and skills

Education

Degree in Physics, Engineering, Electronics, Computing or Applied Science

Job description

Overview

Electro-Optic Seekers & Systems Engineer - Undergraduate Placement 2026. Would you like to utilise your degree to push the cutting edge of sensing and imaging technology? This opportunity within the Electro-Optics Seekers and Sensors department at MBDA will allow you to innovate within a supportive team, at a company that invests in its people and supports our Armed Forces. Location: Stevenage. Salary: £23,495. Dynamic (Hybrid) Working: 2-3 days per week on-site due to workload classification. Security Clearance: British Citizen or a Dual UK national with British citizenship. After offer, BPSS checks are required by MBDA. Closing date for this role is midnight on 5 January 2026 (subject to application volumes).

What We Can Offer You

• 1 year placement: starting September 2026, applying university learning to real-world projects and technologies
• Company bonus: based on company performance and will vary year to year
• Pension: up to 14% total employer and employee contribution
• Overtime: paid overtime opportunities
• Annual Leave: 25 days plus option to purchase extra holiday
• Flexi Leave: Up to 15 additional days
• Facilities: site facilities including subsidised meals, free car parking and more

The Opportunity

Our Electro-Optic (EO) Seekers & Sensors department provides expertise and support into all projects involving EO technologies, and invests in R&D of innovative technologies shaping our products. You will experience a range of systems design, computational modelling, lab testing and field trials within a diverse team of engineers. Technologies include Infra-Red (IR) Seekers & Sensors, Optics, Computational Imaging, Lasers & Directed Energy Weapons.

Responsibilities

• Work across EO systems projects from concept through to testing and production
• Engage in systems design, computational modelling, lab testing and field trials
• Collaborate with multiple teams within MBDA to deliver EO capabilities
• Attend team meetings, events and collaborate with the technical community across MBDA and the defence industry

Where You’ll Work Within the Department

• Systems Engineering – support MBDA programmes by designing and certifying EO products
• Technologies – innovate and develop cutting-edge technologies with experts
• Modelling and Tools – generate EO models and predict performance
• Scene Generation – create synthetic IR imagery to test scenarios
• Trials – assess real EO systems through lab testing and field trials

What We’re Looking For

• Working towards a degree in Physics, Engineering, Electronics, Computing or Applied Science
• Interest in electro-optic systems and a desire to apply knowledge and skills

Our Commitment to Inclusion

MBDA recognises equity, diversity and inclusion and fosters an inclusive environment. All candidates should model MBDA’s behaviours and values. We encourage applicants to speak to us about advice, support or adjustments during the recruitment process. Follow MBDA on LinkedIn, X, Instagram and Glassdoor or visit our MBDA Careers site for more information.