Engineering Design Apprentice - 2026

Atlas Copco; Burgess Hill; On-site; GBP 60,000 - 80,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading vacuum solutions provider is offering a four-year engineering design apprenticeship in Burgess Hill. The successful candidate will enjoy hands-on experience with a focus on developing and testing vacuum systems, while earning a competitive salary. This role requires at least 5 GCSEs and 3 A Levels, alongside a passion for engineering and science. The company provides extensive training and career development opportunities, making it an ideal choice for individuals eager to kick-start their engineering career.

Benefits

Competitive salary

Annual bonus

Health cash plan

Robust career development plan

25 days holiday plus bank holidays

Qualifications

• Minimum of 5 GCSEs including English, Science, and Maths.
• Minimum of 3 A Levels, BTEC equivalent or other relevant qualifications.
• Interest in science and engineering principles.

Responsibilities

• Develop and test designs for vacuum pumping systems.
• Create detailed mechanical drawings and models.
• Learn and apply engineering design skills on the job.

Skills

Problem solving

Good communication

Proactive and conscientious

Education

Minimum of 5 GCSEs at Grade 4 or above

A minimum of 3 A Levels at Grade C or above

Tools

Microsoft applications (Word, Excel, Outlook)

Job description

Empowering people and enabling solutions for a more sustainable future

Are you practical, inquisitive and hands‑on with a real curiosity about engineering?Do you want to work, earn and learn at the same time?

We’re looking for someone who wants to kick‑start their career as an apprentice whilst learning about the fascinating world of vacuum innovation technology.

What will you do?

As an apprentice, you’ll play a key role in developing and testing cutting‑edge designs and technologies for vacuum pumping systems. You’ll get hands‑on experience producing detailed mechanical drawings and models at both part and assembly level, following industry standards and company procedures. Plus, you’ll master digital tools like CAD to create precise 3D models of mechanical components.

This four‑year apprenticeship is an exciting development opportunity where you will spend approximately 20% of your time learning and studying to gain a Level 3 Engineering Design Technician qualification. The rest of the time you’ll be fully immersed and learning ‘on the job’ in our cutting‑edge vacuum innovation team and putting the theory you have learnt in an academic environment into practice. You’ll be given all the support and training you need to equip you with world‑class skills to be a successful engineering design apprentice.

Location

You will be based at our Vacuum Technique Business global headquarters in Burgess Hill, Sussex, a short journey from the vibrant and diverse seaside city of Brighton and Hove.

To succeed, you will need

• A minimum of 5 GCSEs at Grade 4 or above including English, Science and Maths.
• A minimum of 3 A Levels at Grade C or above, or BTEC equivalent, or other equivalent qualifications in relevant subjects.
• A clear interest in science and engineering principles.
• Good communication skills, with the ability to work effectively as part of a specialist team.
• Problem solving skills and the ability to analyse information and apply knowledge to make suggestions.
• The ability to carry out tasks correctly and efficiently with minimal assistance to a high quality.
• Good working knowledge of Microsoft applications (Word, Excel, Outlook).
• The ability to clearly and precisely record data, conditions and test variables.
• Proactive and conscientious, with a strong commitment to academic/college studies.

In return, we offer you

• A competitive salary, annual bonus, health cash plan, competitive pension, ride‑to‑work scheme, 25 days holiday plus bank holidays.
• A robust career development plan, including online learning modules and on the job technical training.
• Early Careers Community forum and a global network.
• Mentoring programme.
• Health and wellbeing initiatives.
• Continuous support and coaching.

If you want to work in a truly global business and have a desire to make a difference through influencing others, we’d love to hear from you!

About Edwards

Edwards is a leading developer and manufacturer of sophisticated vacuum products, exhaust management systems and related value‑added services. Edwards solutions are integral to manufacturing processes for semiconductors, flat panel displays, LEDs and solar cells. They are also used within an increasingly diverse range of industrial processes including power, glass and other coating applications; steel and other metallurgy; pharmaceutical and chemical; and for scientific instruments in a wide range of R&D applications.

Edwards has over 4,000 employees worldwide engaged in the design, manufacture and support of high technology vacuum and exhaust management equipment. Edwards has state‑of‑the‑art manufacturing facilities in Europe, Asia and North America.

Uniting curious minds

Behind every innovative solution, there are people working together to transform the future. With careers sparked by initiative and lifelong learning, we unite curious minds, and you could be one of them.