Systems Engineer Review

In charge of verification and validation of missile systems. Frequently testing new software updates to ensure smooth working and that they adhere to the engineering requirements. Also connecting the systems engineers to the software engineers so that future updates to the system are relevant. Because of secrecy, you cannot mention specific details but the work is fast paced and challenging with the working environment constantly changing. Also liaising with stakeholders and international customers for the product.

I have developed systems engineering required skills. Such as using requirement manager modules and enhanced my Microsoft office skills, especially is excel and PowerPoint which are used to analyse and present data. In terms of soft skills, I have exponentially increased in confidence in the workplace due to a welcoming atmosphere. My communication and management skills have grown, even when talking to employees much older or higher rank than me. Have also developed further problem solving skills in relation to actual engineering work.

I am given a lot more responsibility than I had previously expected. At firth this was a steep learning curve, but the knowledge you gain at the beginning really is invaluable for the future. In our project team, I am assigned my own tasks which I have to complete. This is just like any other employee and I may need more assistance but this is only way you can learn on the job. I am also not given the most boring jobs that no one wants to do, I am given meaningful work.

MBDA are amazing at giving their Early Careers Program (ECP) employees the support they need. I have a dedicated line manager which I have weekly meetings with to discuss my progress and work and I have a technical coordinator and a buddy. These are the people that I can go to if I have any burning questions that I need answering. You are able to choose your own hours for work which is very flexible and you can decide whether to work at home or in person

The MBDA company culture is really welcoming to new employees. they provide a thorough induction process so you know how all the complicated systems work. They also put all the new starters in a group chat so we could socialise outside of work hours. All early careers employees also are allowed to take time off work to complete STEM ambassador volunteering which is highly encouraged by the company. There are also multiple sports and leisure societies which anyone can get involved in.

I am very much enjoying my placement. My team is very friendly and always happy to help if you have any problems. My manager gives me enough work to keep me busy but not too much that I am swamped and stressed all the time. These factors are all contributing to the great time I am having. All the other graduates/undergraduates are also very sociable and it is easy to find a group of friends within work to socialise with.

Yes

for the application process and especially the interview, I would research the company's values and try and relate them to experiences you have had. MBDA takes these values very seriously as it is important work that we do here. They want to see an honest character that is dedicated but it also very communicative and friendly. To prepare for day one, I would make sure that you are ready to learn as a lot of information comes at you quite fast. But don't worry, you don't need to remember all of it!