TL;DR
Key Takeaways
- Undertake a 4-year Mechanical Engineering Graduate Apprenticeship in Edinburgh.
- Earn a starting salary of £23,500 per year, with a BEng (Hons) and BSc (Hons) degree upon completion.
- Gain hands-on experience in designing cutting-edge radar and electro-optic products.
- Requires 4 Higher Grades (BBBB), including Maths and Physics/Technology.
About the Role
This is a 4-year Mechanical Engineering Graduate Apprenticeship based in Edinburgh, supporting the design and development of radar and electro-optic products.
What You'll Do
- Support the design and development of world-leading radar and electro-optic products.
- Learn to use state-of-the-art methods, technology, and tools across the product lifecycle, including stress and thermal analysis, requirements analysis, design, implementation, test, build, and product support.
- Rotate through different projects and phases of the product lifecycle to accelerate competency development.
- Contribute directly to the development and delivery of cutting-edge Radar, Laser, and Infra-red countermeasure products.
- Receive tailored technical and soft skills training.
- Continue professional development through formal training, site visits, internal sessions, and learning from experienced engineers.
Your Working Week
- A minimum of 3 days on-the-job training.
- 1-2 days protected study to complete academic qualifications.
- Study at Heriot Watt University for a BEng (Hons) in Engineering: Design & Manufacture (Mechanical).
- Attend university classes, seminars, and labs one day a week during teaching semesters.
- Leonardo provides up to an additional 1 day per week for academic studies.
Qualifications Gained
- BEng (Hons) in Engineering: Design & Manufacture (Mechanical).
- Upon completion, attain a BSc (Hons) Engineering: Design & Manufacture (Mechanical) degree.
Entry Requirements
- Mandatory: 4 Higher Grades (or equivalent): BBBB, including Mathematics AND Physics or a Technology subject.
- Preferred: English and another STEM subject (e.g., Graphic Communication, Product Design, Craft & Design, Tech Studies, Computing, Woodwork, Metalwork).
- Standard Grades (1-3) / National 5: (A-C) in English.
- Note: SAAS funding for English apprentices moving to Scotland requires residency in Scotland before 1st August 2027.
Salary & Benefits
- Starting Salary: £23,500 per year.
- Pension: Award-winning scheme with up to 15% employer contribution.
- Leave: Generous leave with the opportunity to accrue up to 12 additional flexi-days each year.
- Wellbeing: Free access to mental health support, financial advice, and employee-led networks.
- Bonus Scheme: All employees are eligible.
- Employee Stock Ownership Plan: Opportunity to own shares in Leonardo.
- Flexible Benefits: Up to £500 annually for private healthcare, dental, family cover, tech & lifestyle discounts, gym memberships, and more.
Location & Working
- Primary Location: Edinburgh.
- Working Pattern: Full time, Hybrid.
- Encouragement to spend at least 3-4 days a week on site.
Security Clearance
- Roles are subject to security and export control restrictions.
- Successful applicants will be asked to provide evidence of identity, eligibility to work in the UK, criminal record declaration, and employment/education history verification for the previous five years.
- Additional National Security Vetting (NSV) may apply for more sensitive posts, generally requiring continuous UK residency for 5 years (SC level) or 10 years (DV level).