Job Details Manufacturing Engineering Level 6 Degree Apprenticeship 2026 R30411

MBDA S.A.S.; Bolton; On-site; GBP 60,000 - 80,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading defense engineering company in Bolton is offering a Manufacturing Engineering Apprentice role. This opportunity combines both practical work and academic study towards a BEng (Hons) in Mechanical Engineering. As an apprentice, you will gain hands-on experience while receiving training across various engineering teams. Strong GCSE results and a commitment to balancing university and work placements are required. The role also includes competitive benefits and support for ongoing learning.

Benefits

Paid travel expenses

Annual pay reviews

25 days annual leave plus holiday purchase

Flexible working hours and location options

Private medical insurance options

Gym memberships and discounts

Annual training support for further study

Qualifications

• Proven academic record with relevant GCSE qualifications.
• Willing to engage in both on-the-job learning and university studies.
• Strong interest in manufacturing processes and engineering.

Responsibilities

• Influence designs and determine product builds.
• Work across teams to support manufacturing processes.
• Complete rotational placements across various engineering teams.

Skills

Critical thinking

Teamwork

Problem-solving

Education

Minimum of 5 GCSEs at grades 9-4 including English Language, Maths, Science or Technology

3 A levels (minimum grade C) or BTEC Level 3 Extended Diploma in Engineering

Job description

Overview

Manufacturing Engineering Apprentice role at MBDA within the Manufacturing Centre of Excellence. Manufacturing Engineering is part of the Operations directorate and focuses on Assembly, Integration and Test of MBDA products. The role combines time on the shop floor and in the office, with opportunities to travel to MBDA sites and suppliers.

Responsibilities

• Influence designs and determine how products are built, including tooling, build instructions, cost of manufacture, industrial validations of production lines and suppliers, day-to-day support of operators, production-line architecture, and developing new manufacturing processes.
• Work across Manufacturing teams to support and improve manufacturing processes and lines.
• Complete a rotation of placements across different manufacturing engineering teams (examples: Circuit Card Assembly, Seekers and Datalinks, Inert Missile, Actuators and Control Equipment, Platform Equipment and Cables).
• Participate in the Apprentice programme, including study commitments and on-the-job learning; manage a workload that balances university studies with work placements.

Qualifications

• Minimum of 5 GCSEs at grades 9-4, including English Language, Mathematics, and any Science or Technology subject.
• Post-GCSE: either 3 A levels (minimum grade C, including Maths and Physics or a Technology/Engineering subject) with 120 UCAS tariff points, or BTEC Level 3 Extended Diploma in Engineering (minimum DDM with Distinction in Further Maths), or a T-Level (Merit or Distinction) in Engineering.

Please note: We assess entry criteria based on your top three full A Levels or equivalent qualifications. UCAS points from Extended Project Qualification are not included. Entry criteria are determined by MBDA for this role and may differ from university requirements.

Education and Apprenticeship Details

For 4.5 years as an Apprentice, you will study 1 day per week toward a BEng (Hons) Mechanical Engineering at University of the Greater Manchester, fully funded by MBDA. You will complete rotational placements during the remaining days to gain on-the-job experience while earning an academic qualification.

During your placements you may work at other MBDA sites.

Rewards and Benefits

• Paid travel expenses to and from your place of study; annual pay reviews; 25 days annual leave (plus holiday purchase) and up to 15 days flexi leave; study leave during exam periods.
• Dynamic Working policies offering flexibility around hours and location; options for paid overtime and time in lieu where applicable.
• MBDA Retirement Savings Plan (Defined Contribution) with employer and employee contributions; access to financial awareness resources and guidance.
• Share Incentive Plan (MSP) and mortgage/financial wellbeing support; season ticket loan; private medical insurance options (including funded and standard plans) and dental/healthcare cash plans.
• Employee Assistance Programme (24/7 confidential support) and enhanced family leave provisions (up to 26 weeks of enhanced maternity/adoption/shared parental leave, enhanced paternity and neonatal leave options).
• Wellbeing and lifestyle benefits including gym memberships and discounts/vouchers, MyCar salary sacrifice scheme, and holiday purchase options.
• Learning and development: access to online learning platforms (Percipio, YouLearn, Career Builder, Video Gateway); up to £150 annual training support for further study; MBDA Learning Gateway with formal course catalogue; management training for aspiring leaders.

When you are not at university, you will be on the job, training and understanding the role of a Manufacturing Engineer. Placements may be in different manufacturing engineering teams and could include opportunities at other MBDA sites. The course details and eligibility are provided by MBDA; you should carefully check the criteria before applying.