Radio Communications Systems Engineer - Undergraduate Placement 2025
Salary: £20,000 (pro rata)
Location: Bristol
Working pattern:
This role typically allows a blend of on-site and at-home working to suit the needs of the role and the individual. You will have support from the whole team both virtually and in person, as well as access to our range of high-tech lab equipment. There are opportunities to collaborate with both MBDA colleagues, and suppliers across the UK and Europe.
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 Thursday 19th December
The opportunity:
You’ll be working with cutting edge Radio Frequency (RF) based missile communication systems. The Data Link Systems department is responsible for the performance of the RF communications links between our missiles and the platforms they are launched from, whether air, sea or land. Robust data links are vital to MBDA’s customers as they are a key part of ensuring mission success.
As a Radio Communications Systems Engineer in our team you’ll have the opportunity to work on a variety of products, each presenting different technical challenges. We cover the whole product life cycle, from Research and Development in communication technologies, system concepting and design through to product test and verification where our communications systems are proven to work reliably in the most demanding of environments. You’ll have the opportunity to be involved in a broad range of technical work, including:
* Requirements engineering

* System design

* Performance modelling

* Product testing

* Researching novel techniques for next generation communication systems

* Electronic warfare

* Missile survivability through stealth and electromagnetic modelling

* DSP, waveform design & message protocol using the OSI model

* Software defined radio

You’ll be part of a team of committed and collaborative individuals, where team events and socials help to build stronger relationships. Our approachable team are on hand to offer support to help you get the most out of your role – collaboration and innovation are not just buzz words here! Because of the nature of the work we do, you’ll also get to work with other departments across the wider technical community, as well as external customers and suppliers.
Some of the benefits of joining this team are:
* Excellent opportunities for personal development

* Access to a vast array of training and opportunities to learn directly from experts in the field

* Ability to apply technical knowledge to influence the direction of technologies and projects

* Experience products at different phases of the product lifecycle

* Diverse range of roles available creating varied and stimulating work

What we’re looking for from you:
* We are looking for candidates completing a STEM degree, who have a genuine interest in RF technologies, and would like to build their RF system knowledge with MBDA’s Data Link Systems team.

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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