Job Description:

Start date: September 2025
Location: Airbus Defence Space Chippenham
Duration: 4 years
University: Portsmouth University
Degree: BEng (Hons) Space Systems Engineering

Application closing date: We encourage you to apply early to avoid missing out on this opportunity! Please note we will close adverts as soon as we receive sufficient applications.

Benefits:

Salary: 20,200

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:

This is an opportunity for an apprenticeship in the Space Digital organisation within the Airbus Defence & Space Communications, Intelligence & Security (CIS) business line.

The Space Digital organisation is responsible for the design, implementation and ongoing development of the network infrastructure that delivers satcom-enabled services to our customers in government, maritime and enterprise sectors. Its responsibilities include management and operation of the associated MOD and government owned satellites.

The Space Directorate are involved in a wide range of activities offering opportunities for a graduate to gain experience. In particular:

• Space Engineering

• Payload Engineering

• Ground Engineering

• Spacecraft Operations

• Flight Dynamics

What you will be doing:

Based at the Chippenham and Hawthorn sites, the Spacecraft Engineering and Operations Apprentice will have the opportunity to rotate through up to 5 assignments. From the perspective of the individual, the anticipated benefits of this approach are that they will:

• Gain experience in a variety of technical areas in the Space Directorate.

• Be exposed to different types of task in a given area (e.g., analysis of spacecraft/ground

• sub-systems, report writing, anomaly investigation).

• Gain an appreciation of the range of technical activities conducted in the company;

• Develop insight into where their future interests lie.

• Work in a quality company that promotes best practice and supports their professional development.

The assignments that will actually be offered depend on the projects that are in progress at the time (and potentially the specific qualifications of the individual). The following are representative examples:

• UHF sub-system analysis and future operation.

• Telemetry analysis and software development using AI.

• Routine spacecraft operations assessment and improvement.

• Spacecraft recovery procedure writing and validation.

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 BCC or above, or equivalent, to include a relevant subject.

OR

• BTEC Extended Diploma at DMM

OR

• T Level at Merit or above

​OR

• IB: 28-29

​AND

• Minimum GCSE Grade 4/C English Language and Maths or Equivalent subject to validation.

Successful candidates will be able to demonstrate the following:

• Submit your CV stating your grades and if they are predicted or achieved 

• Submit a Cover Letter stating your motivations

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: Eligibility to gain UK SC Security Clearance OR You will be subject to a BPSS check (including a criminal record check). 

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

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 apprentices&64;airbus.com​. Any information disclosed will be treated in the strictest confidence.

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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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&64;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.