Job Description:

Start date: 31st August 2027

Location: Airbus Defence & Space Portsmouth 

Duration: 4 years

University: University of Portsmouth

Degree: BEng (Hons) Space Systems Engineering 

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

*subject to completing full hours prior to this

About us: 

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!

Interested in the thought that a year after this application, you could be in one of the largest clean-rooms in the space sector, integrating hardware onto a payload or helping develop some of the most technical advanced electronic equipment for space.. to then watch it launch into space later on? There are few other experiences like that!

More detail is important;

We’re part of Airbus Defence and Space – the biggest space company in Europe, and a major player in the UK’s growing space sector.

What do we make? Advanced satellites that help monitor climate change, keep the world connected, and even power your favourite TV shows. (Yep, all national satellite TV in the UK? That’s us.)

Our team in Portsmouth builds the “brains” of the satellite – the payload. It’s where the real magic happens, and we lead the world in some of the tech we make and use!

The satellites we help build weigh up to 6 tonnes and are launched into space to beam TV, internet, and secure communications around the globe – including to military teams on the move.

Oh, and it’s not just about space. We also support maritime satellite terminals – that means keeping ships and crews connected across oceans, no matter where they are in the world. So yes, you could help connect people literally everywhere – from sea to sky.

Whether you’re into tech, space, creativity, or just want to work on something that actually matters – this could be your launchpad.

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!

Click here for more details. 

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 

AND

• 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.

BOOST YOUR APPLICATION:

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. 

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 start date.

SECURITY CLEARANCE: 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.

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. For more information, please check the Government Website.

LEVY FUNDING: Successful candidates must be eligible for the levy funding. 

Our apprenticeship roles do not meet the minimum requirements set by UK Visas & Immigration to enable sponsorship of migrant workers.

AI Guidance: We know you might be thinking about using AI to help you in your application - before you do, please read our guidelines on the use of AI for recruitment at Airbus Use of AI Guidance.

Contact:

Please let us know if you need us to make any adjustments to allow you to access and participate fully in the recruitment process. If you wish to discuss this further please contact via email [email protected]​. Any information disclosed will be treated in the strictest confidence.

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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.

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