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EngineeringTechnology

Space Systems Engineering Degree Apprenticeship

Airbus Defence and Space Limited · University of Portsmouth
Location
Stevenage
Salary
£23,000 per year
Duration
5 years
Hours per week
37h
Positions available
1
Level
Level 6 – Degree
Degree awarded
BEng (Hons) Space Systems Engineering
Start date
31st August 2027
Application deadline
26 October 2026
Vacancy reference
JR10428185
Minimum grades
96 UCAS points from A Levels or Level 3 qualifications in Science and Engineering; 5 GCSEs graded C/4 or above including English Language, Maths, and a Science subject

About the role

An opportunity to join the satellite integration and test team as an Electrical Engineer working on exciting missions for the European Space Agency (ESA) and National space programmes. You will gain experience of all the spacecraft subsystems and get a good overview of the Satellite Assembly Integration and Test department. Tasks include performing electrical measurements, writing and debugging scripts, investigating anomalies, developing new test solutions, preparing presentations, and 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, and initial test result analysis; as well as environmental testing and supporting spacecraft interface checks at the launch site.

Requirements

Minimum of 96 UCAS points made up of A Levels or other relevant Level 3 qualifications in a Science and Engineering field; 5 GCSEs graded C/4 or above which must include English Language, Maths, and a Science subject. High level of practical hands-on application of engineering; good knowledge of programming and scripting (C, Java, bash scripting etc.); desire to understand how something works and devise innovative solutions; positive and proactive with can do attitude; ability to produce clear and accurate documentation; ability to listen, understand and communicate information; desire to work in technical team environment; strong interest in self-development; interest in creative solutions to complex problems; ability to make decisions based on evidence; willingness to work in open and trusting environment; willing to work flexibly and support occasional shift working.

Working week

37 hours per week with half day Fridays (subject to completing full hours prior); flexible working arrangements supported; occasional shift working required; willing to support travel for test campaigns

Skills

electrical engineeringprogramming and scriptingtest solution designproblem-solvingtechnical documentationcommunicationteam collaborationanomaly investigation

Required qualifications

Essential
A Level · Science or Engineering · Grade 96 UCAS points
Essential
GCSE · English Language · Grade C/4
Essential
GCSE · Maths · Grade C/4
Essential
GCSE · Science · Grade C/4
Essential
GCSE · Any · Grade C/4
Essential
GCSE · Any · Grade C/4

Training & development

Degree apprenticeship combining practical work at Airbus Defence & Space with university study at University of Portsmouth. You will gain hands-on experience in satellite integration and test, electrical engineering, scripting, and test solution design. Includes travel opportunities to environmental test facilities and launch sites. Working with UK National and ESA missions such as earth observation spacecraft, Forum, and Vigil space weather satellite.
Additional training
You will be subject to a BPSS (Baseline Personnel Security Standard) check. You may also need to gain UK SC-level Security Clearance or Export Control depending on the role. Successful candidates must be eligible for levy funding.
Future prospects
BEng (Hons) Space Systems Engineering degree and practical experience in spacecraft electrical engineering, integration, and testing on real ESA and national space missions.

Company benefits

37 hours per week with half day Fridays (subject to completing full hours prior); 25 days holiday plus bank holidays; Pension; Success share; Flexible benefits; Travel opportunities to environmental test facilities and launch sites; Supportive and inclusive engineering community.

Things to consider

This role requires UK legal authorisation to work in the United Kingdom for the full duration of the programme. This apprenticeship does not meet the minimum requirements set by UK Visas & Immigration to enable sponsorship of migrant workers. If on predicted grades, your offer will be conditional to achieving the position's requirements before the apprenticeship start date. You must be eligible for levy funding. There is no limit on the number of positions you can apply for, but you can only progress in the selection process for one position at a time.

About Airbus Defence and Space Limited

Airbus Defence and Space is part of Airbus and specializes in satellite integration and test. The company builds, tests and launches spacecraft for the European Space Agency (ESA) and National space programmes. Notable projects include the Rosalind Franklin Mars Rover, Solar Orbiter, and Biomass spacecraft. The Satellite Integration and Test department is a community of around 20 passionate engineers focused on finding technical electrical and functional test solutions.
Website
www.airbus.com/
Contact email
apprentices@airbus.com