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    1. Home
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    4. Warheads and Propulsion Placement 2023
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    This is an outstanding opportunity to join a niche group of scientists and engineers with specialised expertise. Warheads and Propulsion are not taught in undergraduate academia and so joining the team presents an opportunity for you to acquire knowledge in numerous aspects of missile propulsion and Warhead development that you would not acquire anywhere else!

    The Complex Warheads Centre of Excellence is situated in Bolton. Its role is to:

    • Act as the company's design authority for Warheads throughout the product lifecycle, starting at concept design, through manufacture and into in-service support.
    • Provide expertise to the company and stakeholders for Warhead design, energetic materials and modelling simulation
    • Carry out research and development activities for future Warhead technologies

    The Propulsion team is situated in Bristol. Their role is to:

    • Act as the company's specialist authority for propulsion systems
    • Work with and manage suppliers, to deliver propulsion systems for MBDA's missiles
    • Provide expertise for energetic materials used within propulsion systems
    • Influence research and development activities for future propulsion technologies
    • Support projects from pre-concept definition through to in-service support

    What's the Opportunity?

    This undergraduate role will involve working across both the Propulsion and the Warheads functions based in Bristol and Bolton respectively.

    During your time with the Propulsion team, and with support and mentorship from the team's engineers, you'll be involved in understanding what the key drivers are in future propellant research, supporting pre-concept missile performance activities applying future potential propulsion technologies and understanding the failure modes of propellants and how this affects the length of service of the rocket motor. Your time could also be spent carrying out internal ballistic modelling of solid rocket motors and assessing rocket exhaust plume characteristics using CFD techniques.

    Your time within the Warheads team will involve working closely with highly skilled scientists and engineers across the whole of the Warhead product lifecycle. You will learn about methods for manufacture and test of energetic materials and how to analyse results, safety through life, the effects of ageing, modelling and simulation of energetic materials and how to use knowledge of material characteristics to determine appropriate materials for Warhead design.

    Joining us will build your knowledge and enable you to apply an understanding of energetic materials within Propulsion and Warhead systems.

    You may be encouraged to work independently, with limited supervision, or part of a small to medium team, as required.

    Some projects may include collaboration with other MBDA departments across the UK and Europe, and with external suppliers.  This role may require you to travel.

    Entry Criteria

    • Working towards a degree (minimum 2.2) in a relevant engineering or science subject area such as Chemistry, Applied Chemistry, Chemical Engineering, Materials Science
    • A passion to learn new skills and then apply to overcome science and engineering problems.
    • The ability to communicate ideas clearly, including technical information, both verbally and in writing.

    Why Choose Us?

    MBDA is an award winning company; committed to providing an inclusive working environment where our employees can be themselves and everyone has equal opportunity to reach their full potential. We value difference and know that a diverse community makes for greater innovation and brings a breadth of skills, experience and perspectives.

    We're here to help and want to ensure you have a positive experience throughout our recruitment process. We recognise that everyone is unique and we encourage you to speak to us should you require any advice, support or adjustments.

    MBDA is a proud member of Working Families – the UK's work-life balance organisation. We welcome applicants who are looking for flexible working arrangements. 

    We understand that flexibility benefits our people, our teams and our business; wherever possible we will seek to accommodate a blended approach to on-site and remote working.

    Follow us on LinkedIn (MBDA), Twitter (@MBDAcareers), Instagram (lifeatMBDA_UK) and Glassdoor or visit our MBDA Careers website for more information.

    Please Note: MBDA UK requires all employees to achieve the appropriate clearance relevant to the role.