Algorithm Design Engineer - Navigation

Algorithm Design Engineer - Navigation

Date: 2026-10-08

Location

Bristol, GB

postcode: BS1 5

Employer

MBDA

Closing Date for Applications

2027-01-08T11:00:30.093

Job Description

Our Algorithm Design Engineers work on fast-moving projects to develop and evaluate Navigation Algorithms, involved in researching, developing, testing and evaluating algorithms as part of wider systems solutions at MBDA.

Salary and Benefits

• Salary: Up to 55,000, depending on experience


• Dynamic (hybrid) working: 5 days per week on-site due to workload 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. All successful candidates will need to undergo HMG Basic Personnel Security Standard checks (BPSS), managed by the MBDA Personnel Security Team.


• Company bonus: Up to 2,500 (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


• Flexi Leave: Up to 15 additional days


• Flexible working: We welcome applicants seeking flexible working arrangements


• Enhanced parental leave: Offers up to 26 weeks for maternity, adoption and shared parental leave; enhancements are available for paternity leave, neonatal leave and fertility testing and treatments


• Facilities: Fantastic site facilities including subsidised meals, free car parking and more

The Opportunity

The Navigation Algorithm Design Engineer will be part of a dynamic team within the Guidance, Control and Navigation (GCN) department. You will have the opportunity to work across various contract and research activities that impact multiple areas of deliveries within MBDA. Navigation algorithms are central to the design and development of MBDA's complex guided weapon systems products. This role will enable you to understand how GCN supports weapon system products and gain insight into related disciplines with high levels of interaction.

Algorithms are developed at many stages of the lifecycle, including:

• Research studies, both externally and internally funded, to investigate algorithms for future developments


• Algorithms to support initial missile feasibility and concept studies


• Algorithms in support of assessment and development programmes


• Algorithms to support upgrades for in-service products

What We're Looking For

• Ideally PhD qualified with relevant industrial experience or a Degree with strong mathematical content (e.g., Aerospace Engineering, Control Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Mathematics, Physics)


• Previous demonstrable programming, real-time implementation, validation & verification, and navigation experience


• Strong programming skills including MATLAB


• Relevant experience with state-of-the-art navigation algorithms, Navigation Algorithm design, comparative evaluation and testing is a significant advantage

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, including: Gender Equality, Pride, Menopause Matters, Parents and Carers, Armed Forces, Ethnic Diversity, Neurodiversity, and more. We recognize that everyone is unique, and we encourage you to speak to us if 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.

Summary

• Location: Bristol


• Type: Full time

#s1-Gen

Our Algorithm Design Engineers work on fast-moving projects to develop and evaluate Navigation Algorithms, involved in researching, developing, testing and evaluating algorithms as part of wider systems solutions at MBDA.Salary: Up to 55,000, depending on experienceDynamic (hybrid) working: 5 days per week on-site due to workload classificationSecurity Clearance: British Citizen or a Dual UK national with British citizenshipRestrictions 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.What we can offer you:Company bonus: Up to 2,500 (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 overtimeFlexi Leave: Up to 15 additional daysFlexible working: We welcome applicants
who are looking for flexible working arrangementsEnhanced parental leave: offers up to 26 weeks for maternity, adoption and shared parental leave -enhancements are available for paternity leave, neonatal leave and fertility testing and treatmentsFacilities: Fantastic site facilities including subsidised meals, free car parking and much more...The opportunity:The Navigation Algorithm Design Engineer will be part of a dynamic team within the Guidance, Control and Navigation (GCN) department, where you will get the opportunity to work across a range of contract and research activities that impact multiple areas of deliveries within MBDA. Navigation algorithms are central to the design and development of MBDA's complex guided weapon systems products. This role will help you understand how GCN supports our weapon system products and gain insight into a number of related disciplines with whom we have a high level of interactionsAlgorithms are developed at many stages of the lifecycle,
including:Research studies, both externally and internally funded, to investigate algorithms for future developmentsAlgorithms to support initial missile feasibility and concept studiesAlgorithms in support of assessment and development programmesAlgorithms to support upgrades for in-service products.What we're looking for from you:Ideally PhD qualified and with relevant industrial experience or Degree with a strong mathematical content e.g. Aerospace Engineering, Control Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Mathematics, PhysicsPrevious demonstrable programming, real-time implementation, validation & verification and navigation experienceStrong programming skills are required including MATLABRelevant experience with the state-of-the-arts navigation algorithms, Navigation Algorithm design, comparative evaluation and testing is a strong advantageOur company: Peace is not a given, Freedom is not a given, Sovereignty is not a givenMBDA 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 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.Follow us on LinkedIn (MBDA), X (@MBDA_UK), Instagram (MBDA_UK) and Glassdoor or visit our MBDA Careers website for more information.SummaryLocation: BristolType: Full time