Space Systems Engineering Degree Apprenticeship

• Start Date: 31st August 2027
• Location: Airbus Defence & Space Stevenage
• Duration: 5 years
• University: University of Portsmouth
• Degree: BEng (Hons) Space Systems Engineering

What You Will Be Doing

As a Degree Apprentice, you will gain experience across all spacecraft subsystems, providing a comprehensive overview of the Satellite Assembly Integration and Test department. You will support both UK National and ESA missions, including the earth observation spacecraft Forum and the Vigil space weather satellite.

Your tasks will be varied and require a range of skills, including:

• Performing electrical measurements
• Writing and debugging scripts
• Investigating anomalies
• Developing new test solutions
• Preparing presentations
• Collaborating with the wider Airbus engineering community

You will aspire to lead and support activities within the Satellite Electrical Engineering department, such as:

• Spacecraft subsystem integration
• Functional and system testing
• Anomaly investigations
• Initial test result analysis
• Environmental testing
• Supporting spacecraft interface checks at the launch site

You will work in a collaborative team environment, both locally and with transnational colleagues, focused on developing innovative test solutions and driving future innovation. Airbus will support your development within the company.

Requirements

To be eligible for this apprenticeship, you must have:

• A minimum of 96 UCAS points from A Levels or other relevant Level 3 qualifications (subject to validation) in a Science and Engineering field.
• 5 GCSEs graded C/4 or above, including English Language, Maths, and a Science subject.

Successful candidates will also demonstrate:

• A high level of practical 'hands-on' application of engineering.
• Good knowledge of programming and scripting, ideally in a variety of languages (C, Java, bash scripting etc.).
• A desire to understand how things work and devise innovative solutions to test them.
• A positive and proactive 'can do' attitude and be a good team player.
• The ability to produce clear and accurate documentation and reporting.
• The ability to listen, understand, and communicate information.
• A desire to work in a technical team environment.
• A strong interest in self-development.
• An interest in finding creative solutions to complex problems.
• The ability to make decisions based on evidence.
• A desire to work in an open and trusting environment.
• Willingness to work flexibly and support occasional shift working.

Application Submission:

• Submit your CV stating your grades and if they are predicted or achieved.
• Submit a Cover Letter highlighting your passion and suitability for this apprenticeship.

Benefits

• Salary: £23,000 per year
• Hours: 37 hours per week with half days on Fridays (subject to completing full hours prior)
• Holiday: 25 days plus bank holidays
• Pension
• Success share
• Plus many more flexible benefits!

Important Information

• Grades: If you are on predicted grades, your offer will be conditional on achieving the requirements before the apprenticeship start date.
• Security Clearance: You will be subject to a BPSS (Baseline Personnel Security Standard) check and may need to gain UK SC-level Security Clearance or Export Control.
• Right to Work in the UK: Candidates must have current legal authorisation to work in the United Kingdom for the full duration of the programme.
• Levy Funding: Successful candidates must be eligible for levy funding.
• AI Guidance: Please read the guidelines on the use of AI for recruitment at Airbus before using AI for your application.

Contact

If you require any adjustments to access and participate fully in the recruitment process, please contact apprentices@airbus.com. Any information disclosed will be treated in the strictest confidence.