Space Systems Engineering Degree Apprenticeship 2027

Application closing date: Applications will be open until 26 October 2026. After this date, the advert will close once sufficient applications are received. Early submission is recommended. We love your interest in joining Airbus! There is no limit on the number of positions you can apply for. However, please be aware that you can only progress in the selection process for one position at a time. We recommend reviewing all available opportunities and applying to those that best match your experience and aspirations. Benefits Salary: £23,000 37 hours per week Half day Fridays!* *subject to completing full hours prior to this 25 days holiday plus bank holidays Pension Success share Plus many more flexible benefits! What you will be doing Our Level 6 Space Systems Apprenticeship Pathway: Being a degree apprentice at Airbus Defence and Space means you will get to develop skills in systems engineering, hardware design, coding skills amongst many other skills and competencies across a range of internal placements across the businesses many functions. This pathway will enable you to become a well rounded space systems engineer, working on flight hardware in clean-rooms to laboratories, design offices and engineering plateaus, whilst surrounded by technical experts, industry leaders and fellow early careers. What will you study? You will study towards an BEng (Hons) in Space Systems Engineering at Portsmouth University in a day release format. We have been collaborating with Portsmouth University on the delivery of this course for some years, and therefore you will join early careers cohorts who are already in the later years of their programmes, bringing a strong peer support network when you start. See more details of the course here. What will you do? We have an apprenticeship where you can learn to (amongst other things)… Learn and understand the architecture of an Airbus Defence and Space satellite Collaborate with multi-functional teams to deliver the latest internal projects Assist with system modelling, simulations, and data analysis for mission-critical operations Work on satellites in some of the UK's largest space industry clean rooms Support vibration, shock, thermal and EMC tests in the Environmental test facilities on site Help the manufacturing teams assemble and test world leading electronic hardware Understand mission design, responding to customers specific requirements Participate in research and development (R&D) to support innovation in defence technologies Help draft technical documentation, reports, and presentations for internal and external stakeholders Work closely with mentors while progressing through university studies and structured on-the-job training *Depending on project timescales, work load and availability, some elements described above may not be achieved over the placement rotations - but your personal development criteria and interests will be reviewed and reasonable adjustments can be made if necessary. The apprenticeship programme is 4 years, broken down into two core phases; Year 1 & 2: 80% on Site, over a planned structure of internal placements across the business lines; 20% Day Release study at Portsmouth University. Year 3: Specialise towards a permanent role; 80% on site, developing speciality competencies into "hiring department"; 20% Day Release study at Portsmouth University. Year 4: Complete Degree (20% Day Release study at Portsmouth University until conclusion); Complete the End Point Assessment (part of the apprenticeship); Securing your "permanent role" as you leave the apprenticeship and enter the business as a full time employee. We have a broad range of engineering disciplines on site, which can provide you with an equally broad range of experiences during the rotation phase. You will be part of an apprenticeship cohort during the programme. You will work closely together to succeed during your learning, projects and events at work or at college, and extra curricular events such as the Outward Bound week and Outreach activities. Requirements In order to be eligible to this apprenticeship, you must have a minimum of: 104 UCAS points made up of 2 or 3 A levels at BCC or above which must include relevant subjects such as Maths, Further Maths, Statistics, Physics and Electronics OR BTEC extended diploma at DMM or above OR T Level at Merit or above GCSE with grade C/4 or above in Maths and English Language or Functional Skills Successful candidates will be able to demonstrate the following: A strong interest in space & engineering 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 Important Information This Job Request will be allocated to the projected Joint-Venture scope towards a leading European player in space. GRADES: If you are on predicted grades, your offer will be conditional to achieving the position’s requirements before the apprenticeship sta