Join MBDA as an Operational Analysis Undergraduate in Stevenage, United Kingdom for a 1-year placement starting September 2027. This full-time role features a hybrid working arrangement of 3 days per week on-site, a salary of £24,460, and the opportunity to secure a graduate role before your final year.
Requirements
Currently studying towards a relevant analytical or defence-related degree (e.g., Maths, Physics, Systems Engineering, Computational Studies, War Studies, Operational Research, Economics, Statistics).
Analytical and problem-solving mindset with a genuine interest in defence.
Must be a British Citizen or a Dual UK national with British citizenship.
Must pass HMG Basic Personnel Security Standard checks (BPSS).
Skills & Responsibilities
Problem Solving: Apply qualitative and quantitative methods to support complex defence operations and decision-making.
Data Analysis: Run analytical models, undertake research, and use statistics to evaluate operational scenarios.
Reporting: Produce clear reports and presentations to communicate findings to internal and external stakeholders.
Collaboration: Work within multidisciplinary teams to understand operational, engineering, and strategic considerations.
Potential transition routes: Students from STEM or humanities disciplines like Mathematics, Physics, or Economics may bring strong quantitative and critical thinking skills, alongside meeting the academic and nationality requirements.
Dynamic (hybrid) working: 3 days per week on-site hybrid working pattern. There may be times we ask you to work up to 5 days per week on site subject to work classification
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.
This role is scheduled to close for applications at midnight on Monday 4th January 2027 but may close earlier depending on application volumes.
What we can offer you:
1 year placement: Starting September 2027, that allows you to apply your university learning to real-world projects and technologies
Perform well on your placement and you could secure a graduate role before your final year
Company bonus: Based on company performance and will vary year to year
Pension: Maximum total (employer and employee) contribution of up to 14%
Overtime: Opportunity for paid overtime
Annual Leave: 25 days plus option to purchase extra holiday
Flexi Leave: Up to 15 additional days
Facilities: Fantastic site facilities including subsidised meals, free car parking and much more…
Healthcare Cash Plan: The Healthcare Cash Plan benefit provides the option to claim cash back on everyday healthcare expenses such as optical,
The opportunity:
Operational Analysis (OA) is a scientific approach to problem solving by applying analytical methods and tools in order to support and improve decision-making. Through qualitative and quantitative methods, the OA team supports a diverse set of activities. This includes working for both internal MBDA customers and external contracts across defence.
The OA Team is involved with;
Collaboration with multidisciplinary teams and learning how operational, engineering and strategic considerations interact.
Applying problem solving and critical thinking to complex questions across all the domains.
Developing valuable technical skills in areas that are unique to the team e.g. data analysis, statistics, historical analysis, wargaming and scenario building.
As an Undergraduate within the OA Team, you will likely be supporting a number of different activities throughout your placement. This includes undertaking research, running analytical models, and producing reports or presentations.
What we're looking for from you:
An analytical and problem solving mind set.
A genuine interest in defence and how analytical methods can solve complex operational challenges.
Currently studying towards a relevant analytical or defence related degree including, but not limited to; Maths, Physics, Systems Engineering, Computational Studies, War Studies, Operational Research, Economics, Statistics.
Our company: Peace is not a given, Freedom is not a given, Sovereignty is not a given
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.
We are proud of our employee-led networks, examples include: Gender Equality, Pride, Menopause Matters, Parents and Carers, Armed Forces, Ethnic Diversity, Neurodiversity, Disability and more…
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.
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