Computer Vision and Artificial Intelligence Engineer - Summer Placement 2027

As a Computer Vision and Artificial Intelligence Engineer within the Image Processing UK department, you will play a critical role in the development of MBDA products and technologies. You will be an important member of a department that produces world-beating algorithms that use imaging sensors to provide situational awareness, and guide weapons to their target with maximum precision. We have a detailed understanding of the interaction between missile subsystems and have a direct influence on meaningful design decisions.

Salary: £24,460 (pro-rata)

Dynamic working: 4/5 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. 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.

This role is scheduled to close for applications at midnight on Monday 4th January 2027 but may close earlier depending on application volumes.

What we can offer you:

• 10 week placement: Starting June 2027, that allows you to apply your university learning to real-world projects and technologies

• Perform well on your placement and you could secure a graduate role before your final year 

• Pension: Maximum total (employer and employee) contribution of up to 14%

• Overtime: Opportunity for paid overtime

• Annual Leave: 5 days

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

The opportunity:

As a summer placement within Image Processing UK, you will be a key team member at an exciting time of growth and opportunity, and have the chance to make a difference from day one. Every day you will work in a friendly and motivated team to research and solve problems in an exciting and cutting-edge field.

You'll own and guide your own research project, and have exposure to many different projects, in different areas within the department. This means that the learning opportunities are huge, and by the end of the placement you will have a broad-range of hugely applicable experience. You will have the opportunity to shape your own work, and future departmental research directions.

Your day-to-day work will involve:

• Utilising Image Processing, Computer Vision, Artificial Intelligence (AI), and Computational Imaging techniques, to conduct research studies into cutting-edge technological innovations for future products. Examples of applications you might work on include classification, detection, tracking, and pose estimation.

• Developing algorithms as part of a wider product programme; working in collaboration with expert engineers and other graduates and undergraduates from a broad range of fields, and gaining an in-depth knowledge of the weapon’s design and functionality.

Within these tasks, you will have the opportunity to develop skills with the following tools and platforms:

• Matlab and Simulink

• Python

• Deep Learning libraries (e.g. Pytorch, scikit-learn, ONNX)

• C/C++

• Hardware development boards (e.g. NVIDIA Jetson products)

Alongside involvement with departmental activities, you will be part of a wider cohort of summer placements and graduates on the Early Careers Programme; benefits from this include receiving ongoing support in the development of your professional career as well as opportunities for involvement in charity and STEM outreach schemes.

Image Processing UK is an innovative, cohesive department where the contributions of each individual have real value. As part of our team you will benefit from an excellent working culture built on individual empowerment and mutual support.

Security is a key consideration for the business and as such, the majority of your work will be conducted on site; a positive result of which is that our office remains a social and collaborative working environment. Nevertheless, there can be opportunities for home working depending on the nature of the task.

What we're looking for from you:

Current undergraduate working towards a degree in computer science, mathematics, engineering or a related STEM field.

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, examples include: Gender Equality, Pride, Menopause Matters, Parents and Carers, Armed Forces, Ethnic Diversity, Neurodiversity, Disability 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.

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