Hardware Engineering Apprentice

Thales Group; Crawley; On-site; GBP 18,000 - 24,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading technology firm is seeking a Hardware Apprentice to develop engineering skills while working towards a BEng degree in Electro-mechanical Engineering. Responsibilities include designing and testing engineering solutions, creating system architectures, and collaborating on projects. The ideal candidate will possess strong communication and problem-solving skills, with a foundation in math and engineering principles. Generous benefits package offered alongside a supportive learning environment.

Benefits

201 hours annual leave

Company Pension

Health Care

Cash Plan

Life Insurance

Discount Portal

80 Hours Volunteering a year

Qualifications

• GCSE: 5 GCSEs including English and Maths (grade 9‑4 / A‑C).
• A Level: Maths plus 2 other subjects (grade BBB or equivalent).
• Problem-solving skills essential for engineering tasks.

Responsibilities

• Design and implement engineering solutions according to Thales procedures.
• Create functional and physical system architectures.
• Produce mechanical and electrical designs using CAD.

Skills

Communication skills

Attention to detail

Organisation skills

Problem solving skills

Presentation skills

Analytical skills

Team working

Education

5 GCSEs including English and Maths (grade 9‑4 / A‑C)

A Level: Maths plus 2 other subjects (grade BBB or equivalent)

T Level: Engineering (grade Merit or above)

BTEC: Extend Diploma in an engineering discipline (grade MMM)

Job description

Overview

This exciting Hardware Apprentice role will develop your skills by the designing and implementation of the engineering solutions in accordance with programme and product requirements. Typical tasks will range from requirements management via the design and development cycle, to test, integration and validation of complex products and systems.

Responsibilities

• Design, implement and test engineering solutions in accordance with Thales procedures
• Attend project reviews
• Create functional and physical system architectures
• Prepare engineering specifications, interface control documents, and test documentation
• Deliver tasks on time and to the required quality
• Work as a team‑player asking for guidance and direction where necessary
• Develop knowledge and skills within the engineering discipline
• Effectively communicate engineering issues related to own tasks and communicate technical information with others at all levels through technical reports and the use of digital tools
• Follow a methodical approach to engineering problem solving
• Establish and report engineering design briefs
• Produce mechanical and electrical designs, drawings and sketches using CAD and manual systems
• Model real‑world mechanical systems efficiently
• Select the design solution for a given electro‑mechanical engineering application and environment using data to inform decisions
• Integrate electrical and mechanical engineering systems, considering new and emerging technologies
• Use appropriate equipment to develop and execute test plans to support electro‑mechanical product validation and approval
• Design functional electronic systems and circuits from component level
• Write and document structured programming code for electro‑mechanical systems
• Fabricate engineering components and assemblies using specialist manufacturing methods and hand‑fitting techniques
• Assemble, wire, program and test electrical equipment, motors and control systems
• Plan, manage and lead engineering projects
• Perform risk management for engineering activities
• Comply with statutory and organisational safety requirements

Training

Through our degree apprenticeship you'll be making the most of your talents, getting to understand engineering from the ground up; and doing so with the help of one of the biggest and best names in the industry. As a Hardware Engineering Apprentice, you will be studying towards a BEng in Electro‑mechanical Engineering at the University of Nottingham. Delivered over 5 years via a blended learning model, your study will combine on‑campus taught lectures with online and work‑based learning. You can typically expect to study on campus for 4‑weeks per academic year, delivered in 1‑week blocks. At the end of the programme, and following the End Point Assessment you will have achieved a fully funded accredited BEng in Electro‑mechanical Engineering, as well as a Level 6 Electro‑mechanical Degree Apprenticeship qualification.

Required Qualifications

• GCSE: 5 GCSEs including English and Maths (grade 9‑4 / A‑C)
• A Level: Maths plus 2 other subjects (grade BBB or equivalent)
• T Level: Engineering (grade Merit or above)
• BTEC: Extend Diploma in an engineering discipline (grade MMM)
• Communication skills
• Attention to detail
• Organisation skills
• Problem solving skills
• Presentation skillsAnalytical skills
• Team working
• Will qualify with a BEng in Electro‑mechanical Engineering and be a permanent Hardware Engineer within the Thales business

Company & Benefits

Together, we create the ingenious technological systems and innovations that impact and improve people's lives every single day. Even if you haven't heard the name Thales before, you've definitely benefited from our inventiveness. We reinvest 20% of our sales in Research & Development in the UK. We support businesses, organisations, and governments in addressing tomorrow's major challenges by developing advanced Defence, Security, Cybersecurity, Digital Identity, and Aerospace solutions in the most sustainable, responsible, and ethical manner.

Benefits:

• 201 hours annual leave (plus a company day and bank holidays)
• Company Pension
• Health Care
• Cash Plan
• Life Insurance
• Discount Portal
• 80 Hours Volunteering a year (first two years)