Space Systems Engineering Degree Apprenticeship 2027
Airbus · South East · PO3 5PU
About the role
Space Systems Engineering Degree Apprenticeship 🚀 | Airbus Defence and Space
Are you ready to launch your career into orbit? 🌌
Join Airbus Defence and Space as a Degree Apprentice and become a key player in designing, building, and testing satellites! This is your chance to work on cutting-edge technology that impacts the world, from monitoring climate change 🌍 to keeping us connected 📡.
What you'll be doing:
You'll dive into the exciting world of systems engineering, hardware design, coding, and more. Get hands-on experience in clean-rooms, laboratories, and design offices, working alongside industry experts. You'll contribute to projects that make a real difference, from building the "brains" of satellites to supporting maritime communications. 🛰️
What you'll study:
You'll earn a BEng (Hons) in Space Systems Engineering from Portsmouth University, studying on a day-release basis. You'll join a supportive cohort of early careers professionals. 🎓
What you'll learn (and do!):
- Understand satellite architecture 🧠
- Collaborate with multi-functional teams on exciting projects 🤝
- Assist with simulations and data analysis for missions 📊
- Work on satellites in UK's largest space industry clean rooms ✨
- Support testing of hardware in environmental facilities 🛠️
- Help assemble and test world-leading electronic components 🔌
- Understand mission design and customer requirements 🎯
- Participate in R&D to drive innovation 💡
- Draft technical documentation and reports 📝
- Receive structured on-the-job training and mentorship 🧑🏫
This is a 4-year programme, structured to give you a well-rounded experience, with opportunities to specialise and secure a permanent role with us upon completion. You'll also be part of an amazing apprenticeship cohort, with opportunities for team building and extra-curricular activities like Outward Bound! 🎉
What you'll need:
- A minimum of 104 UCAS points from 2 or 3 A-levels (BCC or above, including Maths, Physics, or Electronics) OR a BTEC Extended Diploma (DMM or above) OR a T Level (Merit or above).
- GCSE Grade C/4 or above in Maths and English Language (or equivalent Functional Skills).
- A genuine passion for space and engineering! 🌠
Boost your application:
Tell us in your cover letter why you're excited about Airbus and this apprenticeship. What motivates you and how do you see yourself growing with us? Share any projects, hobbies, or academic work that shows your practical experience and skills.
Important Info:
- Application Closing Date: 26 October 2026 (but we recommend applying early as the advert may close once sufficient applications are received!).
- Salary: £23,000 per year.
- Hours: 37 hours per week, with half days on Fridays (subject to completing full hours prior).
- Benefits: 25 days holiday + bank holidays, pension, success share, plus many more flexible benefits! 🎁
- Security Clearance: You'll undergo BPSS checks and potentially SC-level clearance.
- 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.
Ready to take off? Apply now! 🚀
Key responsibilities
- Learn and understand satellite architecture
- Collaborate with multi-functional teams to deliver projects
- Assist with system modelling, simulations, and data analysis
- Work on satellites in clean rooms
- Support environmental tests (vibration, shock, thermal, EMC)