2026 Academy Engineer Apprentice - Level 6 Higher Level Apprenticeship - Mechatronic Engineering

Thales UK; Belfast; On-site; GBP 12,000 - 17,000; Full time

Job summary

A technology company is seeking a Mechatronic Engineering Apprentice in Belfast. This 4-year program combines university study with practical experience, culminating in a Level 6 BEng degree. Responsibilities include engineering design projects and teamwork. Candidates should have strong STEM qualifications and be prepared to undergo security clearance to work in the UK.

Benefits

201 hours annual leave

Company Pension

Health Care Cash Plan

Life Insurance

Performance-related pay uplifts

80 Hours Volunteering

Qualifications

• Strong technical knowledge in mechatronic engineering.
• A minimum of 112 UCAS points or equivalent qualifications.
• Willingness to work in engineering environments and undergo security clearances.

Responsibilities

• Support team to deliver engineering solutions on time and budget.
• Generate innovative design concepts using CREO.
• Create detailed and assembly drawings of systems.

Skills

STEM Subject understanding

Mechanical Engineering

Problem-solving

Design skills

Digital Electronics

Education

112 UCAS points (A Level BBC)

BTEC Extended Diploma (DMM)

GCSE Mathematics Grade C or above

GCSE English Language Grade C or above

Job description

2026 Academy Engineer Apprentice - Level 6 Higher Level Apprenticeship - Mechatronic Engineering

Our Mechatronics apprenticeship will let you explore different types of engineering before you make an informed decision to specialise in Hardware (Mechanical or Electrical), Software or Systems Engineering. Mechatronic Engineering unites the principles of mechanics, electronics and software. It combines mechanical engineering, problem solving and design skills with expertise in digital electronics and computing systems to produce advanced products and systems through automation and the use of robotics. You will be studying towards a Level 6 Higher Level Apprenticeship, finishing with a BEng Mechatronic Engineering degree, with our partners at the Ulster University in their Belfast campus. This is a 4 year fast track programme. In the 1st year, you will attend university lectures and tutorials over 4 days per week, remotely complete Thales engineering project work and spend 1 day a week onsite developing your engineering knowledge. From 2nd year onwards, you will be in university 1 day a week and 4 days working in engineering, embedding your university learning in a real-life engineering environment.

Responsibilities

• Our exciting Apprentice Engineer roles will develop your mechatronic engineering skills to become a confident, positive and flexible engineer with well-honed technical knowledge. You will support the team to deliver solutions to deadline and budget.
• Creation of innovative design concepts for missile sub-systems and vehicle integration solutions using CREO.
• Generation of detailed drawings for the manufacture of high precision-machined components.
• Generation of assembly drawings of electro/optical/mechanical systems and sub-systems.
• Interaction with stress, aerodynamics, manufacturing, procurement and supply base to ensure optimised, robust, cost effective designs.
• Participate in and contribute to company continuous improvement projects.

Skills and Qualifications

• 112 UCAS points (A Level BBC) including Grade B in a STEM Subject (Maths, Further Maths, Physics, Chemistry, DT, Engineering, Electronics, Double Award Science/Applied Science).
• Or equivalent BTEC Extended Diploma (DMM) to include a merit in Engineering Principles and Calculus to Solve Engineering Problems.
• Combination of smaller BTEC Diploma plus A levels or other acceptable Level 3 qualifications as per the Ulster University BEng Mechatronic Engineering degree entry requirements.
• GCSE Mathematics ideally at Grade A, albeit Grade C considered depending on specific level 3 qualifications as per Ulster University BEng Mechatronic Engineering degree entry requirements.
• GCSE English Language Grade C or above or pass in L2 Literacy.

Further Information

ApprenticeshipNI eligibility conditions apply. Please note, assessment centres for shortlisted candidates will be held between February - May 2026. Induction week for all Graduates and Apprentices will take place from Monday 7 September - Friday 11 September 2026. Closing date: Our applications will close at 11.59pm on Thursday 12 February 2026, this is the only time we will be accepting applications this year. Please note, we will be in contact by the end of February 2026 with details of next steps. Please note that roles may close earlier than the advertised deadline if we receive a high number of applications. We encourage you to apply as soon as possible to avoid missing out on this opportunity. For further information about our Future Talent recruitment process, including hints and tips, or to connect with a member of the Future Talent Team, a Graduate, or an Apprentice, please visit Thales Future Talent - Connectr. Due to the nature of the work that we do at Thales, all of our roles are subject to security restrictions. All successful candidates must possess the permanent right to work in the UK and will be required to go through Government security clearance at BPSS Level and to obtain full Security Clearance (SC) in line with the United Kingdom Security Vetting (UKSV) requirements below, prior to starting with us. This role requires Security Clearance (SC). It would be advantageous if currently held, however, if not currently held, it is a requirement that the successful applicant undergo, achieve, and maintain SC Clearance prior to commencing employment. Please visit the UKSV website for further guidance. To be eligible for full SC, you generally need to have resided in the UK for the last 5 years. As part of the vetting process you will be asked to provide evidence of your identity, eligibility to work in the UK, time spent abroad over the last 5 years, as well as employment and / or educational history. For further details of the evidence required to apply for security clearance please follow this link - https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/united-kingdom-security-vetting-clearance-levels/national-security-vetting-clearance-levels.

Thales is an equal opportunities employer and diversity and inclusion are integral to the success of Thales.

Benefits 201 hours annual leave (plus a company day and bank holidays) Company Pension Health Care Cash Plan Life Insurance Discount Portal Performance-related pay uplifts 80 Hours Volunteering (first two years)