Job Description:

Start date: 31st August 2027

Location: Airbus Defence & Space Newport

Duration: 3 years

University: Cardiff Metropolitan 

Degree:  BSc (hons) Applied Software 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: 

Airbus is a global leader in aeronautics, space and related services. In 2016, it generated revenues of € 67 billion and employed a workforce of around 134,000. Airbus offers the most comprehensive range of passenger airliners from 100 to more than 600 seats. Airbus is also a European leader providing tanker, combat, transport and mission aircraft, as well as Europe's number one space enterprise and the world's second largest space business. In helicopters, Airbus provides the most efficient civil and military rotorcraft solutions worldwide. 

Our people work with passion and determination to make the world a more connected, safer and smarter place. Taking pride in our work, we draw on each other's expertise and experience to achieve excellence. Our diversity and teamwork culture propel us to accomplish the extraordinary – on the ground, in the sky and in space.

Would you like to work on advanced high grade crypto systems and key management systems to protect Governments, Military, Enterprise Organizations and essential National Infrastructure from cyber threats?  Airbus Defence & Space have exciting apprenticeships starting in our Cyber Security Division at our base in Newport, South Wales.  

As an apprentice you will be trained in high grade cryptographic development, you will learn about our existing Ectocryp and CertSecure suite of products.  You will join a team of highly skilled team of engineers working to deliver the next generation of encryption devices.  You will receive on the job training and a formal degree qualification all while being paid and accruing no course fees.    

As part of this degree apprenticeship, you will be studying towards achieving a BSc Software Engineering Apprenticeship Degree which will be provided by Cardiff University. 

What you will be doing:

Our UK Apprenticeship Programme provides exceptional candidates the opportunity to master managerial and technical skills. Over the four year period it combines rotational placements with focused training and the possibility of European assignments as well as further personal development and the chance to build your professional network.

From day one, you will be assigned to a particular department and will be guided through the various placement opportunities that exist within your function, the wider business and even with customers and suppliers. This, along with training provided works to ensure you are ready and experienced enough to take the next step of your career following the programme's conclusion.

As part of the Software Engineering team within Airbus Defence and Space Cyber Security UK you will be developing new cryptographic devices and key management systems to protect critically sensitive national and commercial information.  

You will have the opportunity to grow your skills in both embedded software development and in Windows application software development to meet the demanding standards set by the UK National Cyber Security Centre. 

You will contribute across the full development lifecycle for bespoke cryptographic products, in collaboration with systems, hardware, FPGA and verification engineers.
 

The Apprentice Software Engineer will work within the Cyber Security UK Engineering team developing software for cryptographic devices and cryptographic key management systems. Software development tasks include:

• Learning how software is designed, developed, integrated and tested in accordance with Airbus Defence & Space standards;
• Understanding Tools, methodologies and coding standards and how they are appropriately specified and applied to achieve project aims;
• Learning how design decisions are made within the context of known practices, established precedents and acquired “technical” expertise;
• Understanding the cost/benefit trade-offs of design;
• Learn techniques for software development plan estimation and how resource requirements can be allocated against plans.

You will become:

• Proficient in real-time software design and development in a resource constrained / embedded environment using C or C++;
• Familiar with pertinent design and architectural patterns;
• Object oriented analysis, design and development designed using UML;
• Proficient in requirements elicitation, traceability, work package definition and estimation;
• Partake in an Agile process to ensure Software solutions are representative of their functional and security specifications and standards.
   

Requirements:

In order to be eligible to this apprenticeship, you must have a minimum of:

• 104-112 UCAS points made up of 3 A levels at C or above

OR

• BTEC/ Cambridge Technical Extended Diploma: DMM

OR

• T Level: Merit or above

AND

• 5 GCSEs at C/4 or above, which must include English Language (or Welsh First Language) and Mathematics (or Mathematics–Numeracy)

Successful candidates will be able to demonstrate the following:

• Genuine interest in software development;
• Must be highly self-motivated, articulate, with good verbal and written communications skills;
• 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:

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.

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.

 #UK_APP

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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