Space Systems Engineering Degree Apprenticeship

Company: Airbus S.A.S.
Apply for the Space Systems Engineering Degree Apprenticeship
Location: Portsmouth
Job Description:

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?

  • 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.

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
  • BTEC extended diploma at DMM or above
  • T Level at Merit or above
  • GCSE with grade C/4 or above in Maths and English Language or Functional Skills, This job requires an awareness of any potential compliance risks and a commitment to act with integrity, as the foundation for the Company’s success, reputation and sustainable growth.

Ever thought about working on the largest space craft in the UK? Because That’s what we do in Portsmouth; we design, build and test satellites!

Apprentices join us from all different backgrounds, from all over the UK! So no matter where you’re from, what school or college you went to, we encourage you to apply!, Airbus is committed to achieving workforce diversity and creating an inclusive working environment. We welcome all applications irrespective of social and cultural background, age, gender, disability, sexual orientation or religious belief. Airbus is, and always has been, committed to equal opportunities for all. As such, we will never ask for any type of monetary exchange in the frame of a recruitment process. Any impersonation of Airbus to do so should be reported to emsom@airbus.com. At Airbus, we support you to work, connect and collaborate more easily and flexibly. Wherever possible, we foster flexible working arrangements to stimulate innovative thinking.

Salary: £23,000 37 hours per week // Half day Fridays!

  • // 25 days holiday plus bank holidays // Pension // Success share // Plus many more flexible benefits!

We want to get to know you-not just your grades or school background so, tell us on your cover letter:

  • Why Airbus and this apprenticeship? What is it about Airbus that makes you excited to start a career with us? What is it about our company, our values, or the future of aerospace that excites you? We want to hear about what motivates you to pursue this unique path and how you see yourself growing with us.
  • What skills and experience do you bring? Think about projects, hobbies, or academic subjects that have given you practical experience. This could include personal projects, academic work and extracurricular activities.

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Posted: October 9th, 2026