Key Takeaways
- Earn £23,000 per year on a 4-year Space Systems Engineering Degree Apprenticeship.
- Study towards a BEng (Hons) Space Systems Engineering at the University of Portsmouth.
- Gain hands-on experience in designing, building, and testing satellites at Airbus Defence & Space in Portsmouth.
- Applications close on 26 October 2026; early submission is recommended.
About the Role
This is a 4-year, full-time Degree Apprenticeship in Space Systems Engineering, starting on 31st August 2027 at Airbus Defence & Space in Portsmouth.
About Airbus Defence and Space
Airbus Defence and Space is Europe's largest space company and a major player in the UK's space sector. The Portsmouth site designs, builds, and tests satellites that monitor climate change, provide global connectivity, and support secure communications. You will be working on the 'brains' of the satellite – the payload.
What You Will Be Doing
As a Level 6 Space Systems Apprentice, you will develop skills in systems engineering, hardware design, and coding through various internal placements.
Year 1 & 2:
- 80% on-site work across business lines.
- 20% day-release study at the University of Portsmouth for a BEng (Hons) in Space Systems Engineering.
Year 3:
- Specialise towards a permanent role.
- 80% on-site development.
- 20% day-release study.
Year 4:
- Complete Degree.
- Complete End Point Assessment.
- Secure a permanent role within the business.
Key Activities Include:
- Understanding satellite architecture.
- Collaborating with multi-functional teams.
- Assisting with system modelling, simulations, and data analysis.
- Working on flight hardware in clean rooms.
- Supporting environmental tests (vibration, shock, thermal, EMC).
- Assisting manufacturing teams with assembly and testing.
- Understanding mission design.
- Participating in research and development.
- Drafting technical documentation.
- Working closely with mentors.
Requirements
Academic:
- Minimum of 104 UCAS points from 2 or 3 A-levels (BCC or above), including Maths, Further Maths, Statistics, Physics, or Electronics.
- OR BTEC Extended Diploma at DMM or above.
- OR T Level at Merit or above.
- GCSE Grade C/4 or above in Maths and English Language (or Functional Skills).
Other:
- A strong interest in space & engineering.
- Submit your CV stating your grades (predicted or achieved).
- Submit a Cover Letter highlighting your passion and suitability.
Benefits
- Salary: £23,000 per year
- 37 hours per week with half-day Fridays (subject to completing full hours).
- 25 days holiday plus bank holidays.
- Pension.
- Success share.
- Flexible benefits.
Important Information
- Grades: Offers are conditional on achieving required grades before the start date if predicted.
- Security Clearance: Subject to BPSS check, and potentially UK SC-level Security Clearance or Export Control.
- Right to Work: Must have current legal authorisation to work in the UK for the full duration.
- Levy Funding: Must be eligible for levy funding.
- Visa Sponsorship: Not available for this role.
How to Apply
Applications close on 26 October 2026. Early submission is recommended.
Contact: apprentices@airbus.com for adjustments or further information.