MBDA
Highlights
EARLY_CAREER_FRIENDLY

Early career friendly

FLEXIBILITY

Flexibility

WORK_LIFE_BALANCE

Work-life balance

MBDA

What we do matters. Because defence matters.

As a leading company in the defence industry, we deliver essential military capabilities for each branch of the Armed Forces - with specific expertise in missiles and missile systems.

The work we do directly contributes to the defence and freedoms of our nations, and provides those serving us on the front lines with the tools they need to keep us safe.

Collaboration is essential to our success at MBDA, as we develop solutions to unique and complex challenges, with real-world consequences. Joining us means working with talented colleagues across teams, functions, UK sites, and even internationally with our other national companies. You may even be working with other companies on joint projects led by the Ministry of Defence.

We are proud of the environments, benefits and workplace culture we have built to ensure everyone feels welcome at MBDA, and we are always improving what we offer by listening to our colleagues.

We always need passionate people to expand and diversify our dedicated teams across the business. Whether you're a seasoned engineer, a career-changer, or just leaving education, we have a range of roles ready and primed for the right individual. 

8.4

/10

8.4

/10

This score reflects how open and clear a company is about its working environment. The higher the score, the more insight they've shared into their ways of working.

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What MBDA offers their employees
Chart dial

Flexibility

Hybrid working (with some weekly office time)

A little flexibility in start and finish times

1 office day / week

2 office days / week

3 office days / week

4 office days / week

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Alternative working patterns

Open to part-time employees

Open to job sharing

Open to compressed hours

Open to part time work for some roles

Supportive People, Policies and Practices

The most common feedback we hear from our people once they join us at MBDA, is that they have the freedom to learn, adapt and grow in their role.

Our people support each other to become their best every day; whether through formal training from our in-house Learning & Development team, via one of our mentoring or coaching programmes, or simply by listening to each other and doing whatever it takes to help.

Our values drive our behaviours and strategic decisions across the MBDA group. These are:

  • Passion
  • Team Spirit
  • Commitment
  • Integrity
  • Innovation

All of the above is backed up by our comprehensive HR policies and workplace benefits. From Dynamic Working commitments written in to every employee's contract, to enhanced pay for parental leave; and from professional membership funding, to extra-curricular activity funding and discounts.

MBDA constantly listens and works with its people to ensure we offer a workplace environment that is safe, inclusive and empowering for all.

Approach to inclusion

Together, we contribute to a workplace that’s inclusive for all

We believe that when people feel a genuine sense of belonging, they do their best work and are able to grow with confidence. At MBDA, you are encouraged to bring your full self to work - your unique combination of background, perspectives and personal stories. 

This is why we don't just talk about inclusion as an important topic; we shape an environment where you can make meaningful contributions, authentic connections and receive recognition for your valued input. 

Whether your joining us in engineering, technology, business support or leadership, you'll find a space to share your ideas, be heard, and thrive. 

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Making sure everyone feels included from day one

We have a number of support initiatives to help with your on-boarding, in addition to the immersive inductions provided to all new starters. 

  • Code First Girls - since 2024 we have worked with CFG to sponsor women as they learn to code through our partner organisation, with jobs offered at MBDA upon graduation.
  • We launched our Workplace Adjustments Passport in 2021 so everyone can, if they wish, share information about a disability, physical or mental health condition, or neurodiversity. The Passport aims to remove or reduce barriers and challenges at work and support everyone to achieve their full potential.
  • Our mentoring programmes provide chances for employees to speak and learn from someone outside their management structure. In September 2023 we launched our Women in Defence Mentoring Scheme. 
  • Our Military Transition Scheme provides 8-12 weeks of work experience for military personnel immediately after leaving the Armed Forces, with possibilities of long-term employment after.

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Employee-Led Networks
In addition to interest groups, societies and sports clubs, we have a range of EDI-focussed networks run by employee volunteers. These are ever growing groups dedicated to the education and support of their members and allies, and often work with HR and business leaders to help shape new projects, benefits and policies at MBDA.

Current networks include:

  • GEN-EQ (Gender Equality)
  • MOSAIC (Ethnic Diversity)
  • PRIDE (LGBTQ+)
  • Neurodiversity
  • Menopause Matters
  • Parents & Carers Community
  • Armed Forces Community
  • Disability Network

Any employee is welcomed, and encouraged to join any number of these networks to help both themselves and they people around them.

Find out more about EDI and our networks here.


Flexible working at MBDA

Dynamic Working

At MBDA UK, our dynamic working policies are written in to the terms and conditions of your employment contract, covering both where and when you work.

No two people have the same expectations at work and home, so our policies provide the flexibility to make sure you have the freedom and trust to work with your teams in ways that meet the needs of the business, and your own. 

Not all our roles allow home-working due to the physical or security-related aspects of the role. Wherever possible though, hybrid working is accomodated by agreement with your line manager. 

Depending on your level in the business, you could have options of paid overtime or dynamic leave too.

Specific arrangements do vary by role level and business area, so please discuss with your recruiter when applying. 

Awards & Achievements

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The Sunday Times' Best Places to Work

2024
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Investors in People (Wellbeing) - Platinum

2024
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Investors in People - Gold

2024
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Top 15 Great British Employer of Veterans

2025
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5% Club Platinum

2025
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Disability Confidence Committed

2023
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Glassdoor Best Places to Work

2022

Working at MBDA

Hybrid – 2-3 days at home (some exceptions)

A little flex time – high flexibility for most roles

Company employees:

6000

Gender diversity (m:f):

73:27

Hiring in countries

United Kingdom

Office Locations

MBDA's live feed

Employee benefits

Please note that some benefits may differ by length of service, seniority or role.

Enhanced maternity leave – up to 26 weeks
Shared parental leave – up to 26 weeks
Adoption leave – up to 26 weeks
Neo-natal leave – up to 12 weeks
Cycle to work scheme
Open to part-time employees
Open to job sharing
Open to compressed hours
25 days annual leave + bank holidays
Open to part time work for some roles
Buddy scheme – buddies when onboarding
Technology Loan – salary sacrifice options available
In house training – In house L&D team
Enhanced sick pay – increases with length of service
Mental health first aiders
Family health insurance – salary sacrifice options
Health insurance – salary sacrifice options
Dental coverage – salary sacrifice options
Gym membership – Discounted gym on site in Stevenage, or discounts for local gyms across UK
Compassionate leave
Coffee discounts – discounted on site cafes and canteens
Travel loan – season ticket loans for public transport
Restaurant discounts – discount/cashback employee platform
Buy or sell annual leave – buy up to 5 extra days
Optional unpaid leave
Time off in-lieu
Company shutdown periods – Christmas closures and bank holidays
Enhanced paternity leave – available after 26 weeks service
On-site gym
Faith rooms
Bike parking – secure parking at all sites
In office catering
On-site wellness room – reflection rooms available to employees
Annual bonus – all employee bonuses paid in Feb/March
Referral bonus – up to £3,000 for a successful referral
Salary sacrifice
Enhanced pension match/contribution
Share options
Annual pay rises – performance (+ inflation) increases each year
Electric Car Salary Sacrifice – MyCarScheme - including electric vehicles
Personal development budgets – up to £150 towards non-work training courses
Employee assistance programme
Mentoring – available to all employees. Includes women in leadership options
Volunteer days – up to 2 days a year for team-based volunteering
Employee discounts
Learning platform – access to multiple learning resources
Electric vehicle charging unit loan – electric charging points at all UK sites
Teambuilding days
Professional subscriptions – full membership funding available
L&D budget
Language lessons
MBDA's careers
Test Development Engineer
Stevenage | United Kingdom
Integration and Systems Validation Team Lead
Stevenage | Bristol | United Kingdom
Software Project Lead
Stevenage | United Kingdom
Manufacturing Project Manager
Bolton | United Kingdom
Procurement and Supply Chain Sector Lead
Stevenage | Bolton | United Kingdom
Future Products Principal Systems Engineer
Bristol | Stevenage | United Kingdom
Simulation Engineer
Stevenage | United Kingdom
GenAI Data Scientist
Bristol | Bolton | Stevenage | United Kingdom
Anechoic Chamber Manager
Bristol | United Kingdom
Continuous Improvement Engineer
Bolton | United Kingdom
System of Systems Engineer - Land Ceptor Export
Bristol | Stevenage | United Kingdom
Antenna Designer
Stevenage | United Kingdom
Electrical/Electronic Equipment Manager
Bristol | Stevenage | United Kingdom
Product Assurance Engineer
Bristol | Stevenage | United Kingdom
Reliability Engineer
Stevenage | Bristol | Bolton | United Kingdom
Business Support Officer - Software
Bristol | United Kingdom
Principal Materials Engineer
Stevenage | United Kingdom
Principle Warhead Engineer
Bolton | United Kingdom
Solution Integration Engineer
Stevenage | Bristol | Bolton | United Kingdom
Electromagnetic Compatibility Project Engineer
Stevenage | Bristol | United Kingdom
Software Engineer
Bolton | United Kingdom
Senior Occupational Health Advisor / Team Leader FTC
Stevenage | Bristol | United Kingdom
Software Project Leader
Stevenage | United Kingdom
Principal Test Engineer - NPI
Bolton | Stevenage | United Kingdom
Principal PCB-A Engineer
Bolton | United Kingdom
Component Manager - Obsolescence
Stevenage | Bolton | United Kingdom
Senior - Component Engineer
Stevenage | Bolton | United Kingdom
Electronics Component Principal Engineer
Stevenage | Bolton | United Kingdom
Component Engineer
Stevenage | Bolton | United Kingdom
Missile Test and Testability Expert
Stevenage | Bolton | United Kingdom
Principal Systems Engineer
Bristol | Bolton | Stevenage | United Kingdom
Project Controllers
Stevenage | Bristol | United Kingdom
Systems Design Engineer
Bristol | United Kingdom
Validation and Verification Engineer
Bristol | United Kingdom
MBDA Military Transition Scheme (8 or 12 Weeks)
Stevenage | Henlow | Bristol | Bolton | United Kingdom
Process Assurance Engineer - Software Quality
Bristol | Stevenage | United Kingdom
Manufacturing Engineer
Henlow | United Kingdom
Manufacturing Project Controller
Bolton | United Kingdom
Commercial Contracts Manager
Stevenage | Bristol | United Kingdom
Junior Legal Adviser
Stevenage | United Kingdom
Sub-System Design Engineer
Bristol | United Kingdom
Software Project Lead
Bolton | United Kingdom
Principal Cost Engineer
Bolton | Stevenage | United Kingdom
Functional Integration Lead Engineer
Stevenage | United Kingdom
RF Systems Engineer
Bristol | Stevenage | United Kingdom
Systems Engineer – Seeker Modelling & Simulation
Stevenage | Bristol | United Kingdom
System Functional Design Engineer
Stevenage | Bristol | Bolton | United Kingdom
Electromagnetic Warfare Systems Engineer
Stevenage | Bristol | Bolton | United Kingdom
PCB Layout Engineer
Stevenage | Bolton | United Kingdom
RF Communications DSP Engineer
Bristol | Stevenage | United Kingdom
Functional UK V&V Lead
Bristol | United Kingdom
RF Systems Lead Engineer
Bristol | Stevenage | United Kingdom
Senior Software Engineer
Bristol | United Kingdom
Senior Software Engineer
Bristol | United Kingdom
Simulation and Modelling Engineer
Bristol | United Kingdom
Principal Product Assurance Engineer
Stevenage | Bristol | United Kingdom
Sea Ceptor Systems Verification Engineer
Bristol | Stevenage | United Kingdom
Senior Engineering Project Manager
Bolton | Stevenage | United Kingdom
Functional Integration Engineers
Bristol | United Kingdom
Senior Commercial Officer
Stevenage | Bristol | United Kingdom
Algorithms Engineer
Stevenage | Bristol | United Kingdom
Goods Inwards Inspector
Henlow | United Kingdom
Missile Test Architect
Stevenage | United Kingdom
Embedded Digital Design Engineer
Stevenage | United Kingdom
CAMM Systems Design Engineer
Stevenage | United Kingdom
Software Architect
Stevenage | Bristol | United Kingdom
ADA Embedded Software Engineer
Stevenage | United Kingdom
Software Embedded Engineer
Stevenage | United Kingdom
Systems Engineer
Stevenage | Bristol | United Kingdom
High Speed Digital and Hardware Design Lead
Stevenage | Bristol | United Kingdom
Supplier Development Manager
Stevenage | Bolton | United Kingdom
Configuration Manager
Stevenage | United Kingdom
Power Electronics Laboratory Technician
Stevenage | United Kingdom
Obsolescence Engineer
Stevenage | Bolton | United Kingdom
Ex-Forces Talent Community
Stevenage | Bristol | Bolton | United Kingdom
Safety, Health & Environmental Officer
Bristol | Bolton | Stevenage | United Kingdom
Equipment Requirement Authority – Weapon System Equipment
Bristol | Bolton | Stevenage | United Kingdom
Lead Electronic Engineer/Architect (Missile Architect)
Stevenage | Bristol | United Kingdom
Antenna Design Engineer
Stevenage | United Kingdom
Simulation Project Lead
Stevenage | Bristol | United Kingdom
Armed Forces Spouses / Partners
Stevenage | Bristol | Bolton | United Kingdom
Test Equipment Architect
Stevenage | United Kingdom
Women in Engineering Community
Stevenage | Bristol | Bolton | United Kingdom
ILS Manager
Bristol | Bolton | Stevenage | United Kingdom