Job Details Manufacturing Test Engineering Level 6 Degree Apprenticeship 2026 R30378

MBDA S.A.S.; Bolton; On-site; GBP 20,000 - 30,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading defence organization in Bolton is looking for a Degree Apprentice in Manufacturing Test Engineering. This role involves working in diverse engineering placements, focusing on diagnosing and solving product issues, and collaborating with various teams. Candidates should have a minimum of 5 GCSEs and 120 UCAS points from A-levels or equivalent qualifications. A comprehensive benefits package and support for studying towards a BEng (Hons) degree at the University of Greater Manchester are included.

Benefits

Paid travel expenses

Annual pay reviews

25 days annual leave

Study leave during exams

Flexible working hours

Retirement savings plan

Financial wellbeing support

Private medical insurance options

Qualifications

• Completion of A levels or equivalent qualifications.
• Good communication and teamwork skills.

Responsibilities

• Diagnosing and fault finding on non-conforming products.
• Authoring technical instructions and specifications.
• Drafting and publishing drawing packs.

Skills

Diagnosing and fault finding

Technical documentation

Analysing data

Process improvements

Education

5 GCSEs at grades 9-4

120 UCAS Tariff points

Job description

Overview

The opportunity Manufacturing Test Engineering is part of the Operations Directorate in MBDA. We have engineers deployed across three of our UK sites supporting the manufacturing, testing and programming of the whole build cycle, from circuit cards through to missiles and the platforms they're integrated onto. To do this, we work with varied technologies including electronics, mechatronics, optics and RF. As you progress through your Degree Apprenticeship you will be working within Manufacturing Test Engineering, covering different stages of the manufacturing process through placements. In each placement you'll find yourself among a team of encouraging engineers who have varied experiences and expertise, working together to support a set of equipment. Test Engineers work closely with several collaborative functions such as Product Design, Test Equipment Design, Manufacturing Engineering and Quality Assurance to support our key customer, Manufacturing Operations. Daily activities for a Test Engineer vary from hands on experience with the product on the shop floor and in the lab, to working in the office on technical documentation and drawings. Examples of regular activities include:

• Diagnosing and fault finding on non-conforming products or equipment
• Authoring instructions and/or specifications
• Drafting and publishing drawing packs
• Analysing test and production related data
• Introducing new innovative products and equipment into Manufacturing
• Process improvements
• Collaborative work with other areas of the business

Every employee across our vast range of teams and skillsets brings something unique to the business, so we make sure to provide an environment that allows everyone to be themselves, work in ways that suit them in line with their role, and be rewarded for their efforts!

Benefits and Working Arrangements

• 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 with flexibility around hours and where you work; may include paid overtime and time in lieu depending on role
• MBDA Retirement Savings Plan (Defined Contribution) with employer and employee contributions
• Financial wellbeing and learning support (webinars, learning platforms, up to £150 per year for further study)
• Share Incentive Plan, Mortgage Advice, Season Ticket Loan, and Private Medical Insurance options
• Dental Insurance, Healthcare Cash Plan, and other health and wellbeing benefits

Qualifications

• A minimum of 5 GCSEs at grades 9-4, including English Language, Mathematics, and any Science or Technology subject
• After GCSEs: completion of one of the following with at least 120 UCAS Tariff points: 3 x A levels at minimum grade C (including Maths and either Physics or a technology/engineering subject); or BTEC Level 3 Extended Diploma at minimum grade DDM including a Distinction in Further Maths; or T-Level at Merit or Distinction in an Engineering subject
• We look at entry criteria based on your top three full A Levels or equivalent qualifications (BTEC/T Level). UCAS points from Extended Project Qualification are not included. Criteria may differ from university requirements

Education and Placements

For the 4.5 years whilst you are an Apprentice, you\'ll study 1 day a week towards a BEng (Hons) in Electrical and Electronic Engineering at University of Greater Manchester, fully funded by MBDA. You will do rotational placements for the remainder of the week, allowing you to earn an academic and nationally recognised qualification while gaining on-the-job learning. In the first three years you will spend three months external to Test in another area of MBDA, and nine months within Test (three months with Operations and six months with Engineering). The final year will be spent developing in a single placement to gain deeper understanding of the specific area and ongoing projects. Find more details about the course here: https://www.bolton.ac.uk/course/ELR008-P-UOB-SS

Additional Information

MBDA is a leading defence organisation. We partner with governments to defend freedom and support the Armed Forces. We offer family-friendly policies and a range of employee networks and support services. For example, enhanced parental leave provisions and other family support benefits are available.