Software Modelling Degree Apprenticeship 2025

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.

The opportunity:

System modelling is a vital tool used to ensure MBDA provides reliable and cost efficient weapon systems to our customers!

We build a variety of dynamic system performance models, embedded systems and real time models for MBDA products. Our models are developed and used extensively throughout the product lifecycle, from feasibility through to service support. When used internally our performance models allow our system designers to estimate performance which they can use to guide the product design. For our customer, these models provide a method of verifying system performance, whilst reducing reliance on prohibitively expensive testing and trials. Our real time models contribute to training environments for pilots and provide numerous engineering testing capabilities. Once the product is in service, the customer continues to use our models to understand the systems and assist with operator training.

Models of modern weapon systems consist of a large number of automated subsystems integrated together to provide the overall capability. This provides unique challenges when:

• Developing accurate system models that are both large in scale and highly sophisticated with many interdependencies.
• Developing lower fidelity models designed to run at real time whilst maintaining an accurate representation of the weapon system.

As a model developer this means you will often encounter new and exciting challenges which will require you to apply intuition and innovation to optimally tackle!

You will learn how to build simulation software in programming languages/environments such as:

• Mathworks (MATLAB, Simulink and Stateflow)
• Fortran
• C/C++

Our teams implement Agile working practices and dynamic working across multiple projects to meet demand, aided by the use of collaborative tools. We work closely with other departments and companies to integrate subsystem models and design data. From these interactions you'll gain a broad understanding of each subsystem that makes up the weapon, and how the system architecture integrates the subsystems to provide an overall capability.

Programme structure:

You will study towards a BSc (Hons) degree in Digital and Technology Solutions Software Engineer at University Centre Weston, which we will fully funded by MBDA over four years. Course delivery is a blend of virtual and face to face.

This apprenticeship programme contains one virtual study day a week with the university and the remainder of the working week is spent in rotational placements round the Simulation & Modelling departments. You will gain vast experience on multiple projects and develop diverse abilities to complete tasks. An exception to this structure is that at the start and end of each module, you will spend three days learning on site at university.

Placements outside the department are also encouraged for our apprentices to gain knowledge of the wider business.

What we're looking for from you:

• 5 GCSES including Maths & English Language & Science/Technology at a Grade 9 - 4
• 120 UCAS points achieved through 3 A-levels. This will include Maths (Grade B or above) PLUS another STEM subject (science, technology, engineering or maths)
• 120 UCAS points achieved through BTEC Level 3 Extended Diploma in Engineering including a Distinction in Further Maths

This role would be great for someone that enjoys using maths in their every day life! You'll be using maths to understand and solve problems - with the guidance and support of your team.

This role has specific qualification and subject criteria so please make sure you carefully check your eligibility against this criteria before applying otherwise your application will not be considered.

Please note: We look at entry criteria based on your top three full A Levels or equivalent qualifications (BTEC/T Level). We do not include UCAS points gained from an Extended Project Qualification. Additionally, as an employer we set our own entry criteria based on the requirements of this role. This means that the criteria above may differ from the university.

What we can offer you:

• Fully funded qualification starting September 2025
• Paid travel expenses to and from your place of study
• Annual pay reviews
• 25 days annual leave (plus holiday purchase) and up to 15 days flexi leave
• Study leave during exam periods

Closing date for this role is midnight on Friday 24th January.