Highlights

EARLY_CAREER_FRIENDLY

Early career friendly

84%

FLEXIBILITY

Flexibility

79%

WORK_LIFE_BALANCE

Work-life balance

78%

MBDA

Defence
Engineering
Aerospace

What we do matters. Because defence matters.

Defence
Engineering
Aerospace

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.

9.4

/10

9.4

/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

74%

Alternative working patterns

74% of MBDA employees say MBDA support alternative working patterns

Open to part-time employees

Open to job sharing

Open to compressed hours

Open to part time work for some roles

79%

Flexibility

79% of MBDA employees say they can work flexibly.

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

Supportive People, Policies and Career Pathways

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.

MBDA offers clear career pathways designed to support people at every stage of their journey. From early careers through to experienced professionals. Careers span engineering, technology, manufacturing, project management and business roles, with opportunities to build long-term, specialist careers in a collaborative environment.

Our MBDA Early Careers Programmes

● Graduate Careers at MBDA: MBDA’s graduate programmes provide structured entry routes into engineering, technical and business careers. Graduates gain hands-on experience, supported learning and exposure to real projects that contribute to complex, high-impact work. T

● Apprenticeships at MBDA: MBDA apprenticeships combine paid employment with formal learning, offering an alternative route into engineering and technical careers.

● Undergraduate placements: This 12-month placement offers hands-on experience working on real projects across business, engineering, software and manufacturing. You’ll either specialise in one area or rotate between teams to explore different parts of your function and build practical skills.

● Summer placements: Our 10-week summer placements, starting in June, are open to university students across all years of study. You’ll gain hands-on experience across business, engineering, software or manufacturing, with support to help you develop skills, apply your learning and build industry connections.

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):
Supporting gender equality at MBDA by championing progression, representation
and inclusive career opportunities for women across the business.

●     MOSAIC (Ethnic Diversity):
Promoting ethnic diversity and inclusion by creating space for connection,
education and allyship across MBDA.

●     PRIDE (LGBTQ+): Supporting
LGBTQ+ colleagues and allies to ensure MBDA is a safe, inclusive and welcoming
place to work for everyone.

●     Neurodiversity: Raising
awareness and improving support for neurodivergent colleagues, helping create
environments where different ways of thinking can thrive.

●     Menopause Matters: Providing
support, education and understanding for colleagues experiencing menopause, helping
people feel supported at work during all life stages.

●     Parents & Carers Community: Supporting parents and carers through shared experiences, advocacy
and inclusive policies that help balance work and family life.

●     Armed Forces Community:
Supporting veterans, reservists and armed forces families by recognising
transferable skills and providing community and understanding.

●     Disability Network: Championing
accessibility and inclusion for disabled colleagues, working to remove barriers
and improve workplace support.


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. 

Accreditations
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Disability Confidence Committed

2023
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Menopause Friendly Committed

2025
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Armed Forces Covenant - Employee Recognition Scheme (Gold)

2025

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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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

Spain

United Kingdom

Office Locations

Employee benefits

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

  • 25 days annual leave + bank holidays
  • Adoption leave – up to 26 weeks
  • Annual bonus – all employee bonuses paid in Feb/March
  • Annual pay rises – performance (+ inflation) increases each year
  • Bike parking – secure parking at all sites
  • Buddy scheme – buddies when onboarding
  • Buy or sell annual leave – buy up to 5 extra days
  • Coffee discounts – discounted on site cafes and canteens
  • Company shutdown periods – Christmas closures and bank holidays
  • Compassionate leave
  • Cycle to work scheme
  • Dental coverage – salary sacrifice options
  • Electric Car Salary Sacrifice – MyCarScheme - including electric vehicles
  • Electric vehicle charging unit loan – electric charging points at all UK sites
  • Employee assistance programme
  • Employee discounts
  • Enhanced maternity leave – up to 26 weeks
  • Enhanced paternity leave – available after 26 weeks service
  • Enhanced pension match/contribution
  • Enhanced sick pay – increases with length of service
  • Faith rooms
  • Family health insurance – salary sacrifice options
  • Gym membership – Discounted gym on site in Stevenage, or discounts for local gyms across UK
  • Health insurance – salary sacrifice options
  • In house training – In house L&D team
  • L&D budget
  • Language lessons
  • Learning platform – access to multiple learning resources
  • Mental health first aiders
  • Mentoring – available to all employees. Includes women in leadership options
  • Neo-natal leave – up to 12 weeks
  • On-site catering
  • On-site gym
  • On-site wellness room – reflection rooms available to employees
  • Open to compressed hours
  • Open to job sharing
  • Open to part time work for some roles
  • Open to part-time employees
  • Optional unpaid leave
  • Personal development budgets – up to £150 towards non-work training courses
  • Professional subscriptions – full membership funding available
  • Referral bonus – up to £3,000 for a successful referral
  • Restaurant discounts – discount/cashback employee platform
  • Salary sacrifice
  • Share options
  • Shared parental leave – up to 26 weeks
  • Teambuilding days
  • Technology Loan – salary sacrifice options available
  • Time off in-lieu
  • Travel loan – season ticket loans for public transport
  • Volunteer days – up to 2 days a year for team-based volunteering
  • Reservist leave – up to 3 weeks off for training (2 weeks on full pay)

MBDA's careers

Manufacturing Project Manager
Bolton | United Kingdom
Business Support Officer
Bristol | United Kingdom
Business Support Officer
Bristol | United Kingdom
Manufacturing Project Manager
Stevenage | United Kingdom
SAP Security Specialist
Stevenage | Bolton | United Kingdom
RF Technician
Stevenage | United Kingdom
Export Control Officer
Stevenage | United Kingdom
MRP Controller
Bolton | United Kingdom
Senior Procurement Officer
Stevenage | Bristol | Bolton | United Kingdom
Software Project Lead
Bristol | United Kingdom
Electrical Architect - Weapon System Equipment
Bristol | Stevenage | Bolton | United Kingdom
Ground Trials Engineer
Stevenage | United Kingdom
Technical Imagery Specialist
Stevenage | United Kingdom
Software Project Leader
Stevenage | United Kingdom
LDEW Electrical Architect
Bristol | United Kingdom
Functional Integration Engineer
Stevenage | United Kingdom
Land Ceptor Physical Systems Design & Certification Engineer
Bristol | Stevenage | Bolton | United Kingdom
Mechanical Design Engineer
Stevenage | United Kingdom
Principal Mechanical Design Engineer
Stevenage | United Kingdom
Data Management Engineer
Stevenage | Bristol | Bolton | United Kingdom
Design Support Engineer
Bolton | United Kingdom
Environmental Project Engineer
Stevenage | United Kingdom
Manufacturing Systems Architect
Bolton | United Kingdom
Process Manufacturing Engineer
Bolton | United Kingdom
OT Cyber Security Engineer
Bolton | Stevenage | United Kingdom
Systems Engineer - Navigation Sensors
Stevenage | Bristol | United Kingdom
Business Support Officer
Stevenage | United Kingdom
Electro-Optical Design Engineer
Bristol | Stevenage | United Kingdom
Supplier Quality Engineer
Bolton | Stevenage | United Kingdom
Fuel Systems Engineer
Bristol | Stevenage | United Kingdom
Functional Integration Lead - Missile
Stevenage | United Kingdom
Ground Trials Lead - Environmental Data Gathering
Stevenage | Bristol | United Kingdom
Security Officer
Bristol | United Kingdom
EMC Proving Engineer
Stevenage | Bristol | United Kingdom
Environmental Proving Engineer
Stevenage | United Kingdom
Senior Manufacturing Programme Manager
Henlow | Stevenage | United Kingdom
Electrical Fitter
Bolton | United Kingdom
Security Officer
Stevenage | Henlow | United Kingdom
Principal Manufacturing Engineer
Bolton | United Kingdom
Defence Adviser (Maritime)
Stevenage | Home Worker | United Kingdom
Contractor Compliance & CDM Advisor
Stevenage | Bristol | Bolton | Henlow | United Kingdom
Actuators Environmental Proving Engineer - EMC
Stevenage | Bristol | United Kingdom
Product Data Manager
Stevenage | United Kingdom
Quality Assurance Engineer
Stevenage | United Kingdom
Embedded Software Engineer
Stevenage | United Kingdom
Product Security Engineer
Stevenage | Bristol | Bolton | United Kingdom
Software Team Lead
Stevenage | United Kingdom
Integrated Logistics Support Manager
Stevenage | United Kingdom
Manufacturing Engineering Manager
Stevenage | United Kingdom
Software Project Leader
Bristol | United Kingdom
Live Build Technician
Henlow | United Kingdom
Engineering Team Leader
Stevenage | United Kingdom
Human Factors Engineer
Bristol | United Kingdom
Supplier Relationship Manager - Digital Procurement
Stevenage | Bolton | United Kingdom
Lead Buyer - Digital & Technology
Stevenage | Bristol | Bolton | United Kingdom
System Engineer
Bristol | Stevenage | United Kingdom
Active Directory Engineer
Stevenage | Bristol | Bolton | United Kingdom
Software Engineer
Bristol | United Kingdom
Mission Planning & Control Architect Lead
Bristol | Stevenage | United Kingdom
Principal Quality Assurance Engineer
Stevenage | United Kingdom
Laser Systems Engineer
Bristol | United Kingdom
Manufacturing Electronics Engineer
Bolton | United Kingdom
Senior Procurement Manager
Stevenage | Bristol | United Kingdom
Test Engineer - Electromagnetic Compatibility
Bristol | Stevenage | United Kingdom
Private Relay Test
Stevenage | United Kingdom
CERT Incident Responder
Stevenage | Bolton | United Kingdom
Export Infrastructure: Design and Construction Project Manager
Bolton | Stevenage | Bristol | United Kingdom
Future Products Missile Architect
Stevenage | Bristol | United Kingdom
Manufacturing Test Engineer - CCA
Bolton | United Kingdom
Mechanical Technician
Stevenage | United Kingdom
Mission Planning Systems Engineer
Bristol | United Kingdom
PCB Layout Engineer
Stevenage | Bolton | United Kingdom
DragonFire Physical Domain V&V lead
Bristol | Stevenage | Bolton | United Kingdom
System of Systems Engineer
Bristol | Stevenage | United Kingdom
Manufacturing Engineer
Bolton | Stevenage | United Kingdom
Process Manufacturing Engineer
Bolton | United Kingdom
Facilities Management Systems Coordinator
Bolton | Stevenage | Bristol | United Kingdom
Lead Thermal Engineer
Stevenage | Bristol | United Kingdom
Functional Integration Lead - Meteor
Stevenage | United Kingdom