Job Details Mechanical Engineering Level 4 Higher Apprenticeship 2026 R30421

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

Job summary

A leading defense organization is offering a Mechanical Engineering apprenticeship in Stevenage. This four-year program combines study at Cambridge Regional College with hands-on placements. Candidates should have a minimum of 5 GCSEs and a passion for engineering. This role provides structured training using industry-standard software and opportunities for professional progression.

Benefits

25 days of paid annual leave

Flexible working hours

Professional accreditation support

Qualifications

• Minimum of 5 GCSEs at grades 9-4 including English Language and Mathematics.
• Achieve 96 UCAS Tariff points through A Levels or equivalent.
• Enjoy practical application of scientific and engineering principles.

Responsibilities

• Design, make, and test missile system hardware.
• Study towards a Level 4 Engineering Manufacturing Technician Apprenticeship.
• Collaborate with multi-functional project teams.

Skills

Practical application of scientific principles

Team collaboration

Understanding of material properties

Education

5 GCSEs at grades 9-4 including English and Maths

3 x A Levels at minimum grade C including Maths

Tools

Creo Parametric

Altair HyperMesh

Ansys

Job description

Overview

The opportunity Our four year apprenticeship programme is designed to best prepare you for graduation into the Mechanical Engineering (ME) Function. ME is involved in all aspects of a product's life-cycle; from early development and research, through to in service support. Completing this apprenticeship will provide you with the skills required to design, make, and test the next generation of missile system hardware. This programme provides structured training on the use of industry standard engineering software packages such as Creo Parametric, Altair HyperMesh, and Ansys. You'll be educated in key engineering design and analysis skills such as calculation of mass properties, limits and fits and understanding of material properties and selection process. You'll gain exposure to the application of structural and dynamic analysis techniques learned during academic studies. You'll also develop the skills required to work as part of a multi-functional project team, regularly collaborating with colleagues from Electronics, Environmental engineering and Manufacturing. This is a great opportunity to explore the breadth of the Mechanical Engineering discipline and to work with innovative technologies. It could lead to personal and professional progression to people management, where you could become a technical specialist, project manager, or beyond. This is a fantastic opportunity to join an accredited Mechanical Engineering scheme that has developed some of the top tier engineering apprentices in the UK!

Programme structure

You'll study towards a Level 4 Engineering Manufacturing Technician Apprenticeship, which includes a HNC qualification in Mechanical Engineering. This course is aligned with the Institute for Apprentments and Technical Education. Throughout the 4 years, you will attend Cambridge Regional College for 1 day per week with the remaining time spent on work placements, typically lasting three to six months. MBDA will assist in achieving Professional accreditation through the IMechE, IET or RAeS. The placement rotations and experiences gained on this scheme have been tailored to provide the specific skills required to become an engineer within MBDA's Mechanical Engineering Function. Placements may include:

• Mechanical Design
• Mechanical Analysis
• Materials and Processes
• Design Definition Office
• Configuration management
• Environmental Engineering & Facilities
• Industry Policy Supply Chain and Procurement

You will be both studying and applying scientific and mathematical based principles and practices during this apprenticeship and therefore it is suited to those who enjoy the practical application of the subjects. Find more details about the course here: https://www.camre.ac.uk/course/engineering-manufacturing-technician-level-4-apprenticeship-standard/APPEMT4S

Employees receive 25 days of paid annual leave per calendar year, in addition to all statutory and public holidays. After 5, 10 and 15 years of service, an additional day of annual leave is added to your allowance at each of these milestones. You can also enjoy more time off by purchasing up to an additional five days holiday through payroll. Our Dynamic Working policies allow flexibility around the hours and location of work, including options for paid overtime and time in lieu depending on role and function.

Benefits and development

• MBDA Retirement Savings Plan: Defined Contribution plan in the Mercer Master Trust, with standard contributions and options to increase.
• Share Incentive Plan, Mortgage Advice, Season Ticket Loan, Critical Illness cover, Employee Assistance Programme, Private Medical Insurance options (including funded for certain grades), Dental Insurance, Healthcare Cash Plan, and other lifestyle and wellbeing benefits.
• Online learning platforms (Percipio, YouLearn, Career Builder, Video Gateway) and up to £150 annual financial support for own-time study.
• Learning Gateway access and management training opportunities for future leaders.
• Health and family-related benefits including enhanced parental leave provisions and other family support policies.
• Discounts, vouchers and special programs (e.g., Costco membership, technology vouchers, MyCar Scheme, holiday purchase, etc.).

Eligibility and qualifications

This role has specific qualification and subject criteria so please make sure you carefully check your eligibility against this criteria before applying otherwise your application will not be considered. If you are currently studying and predicted to meet these requirements by the start date you are welcome to apply.

• GCSEs: A minimum of 5 GCSEs at grades 9-4 to include:
• English Language
• Mathematics - level 5 and above
• Any Science or Technology subject
• After GCSEs: you must have completed one of the following and achieved 96 UCAS Tariff points:
• 3 x A levels at minimum grade C including Maths
• BTEC Level 3 Extended Diploma in Engineering at a minimum grade of MMM, including a Distinction in Further Maths module
• T-Level at Pass in an Engineering subject

Please note: We look at entry criteria based on your top three full A Levels or equivalent qualifications (BTEC/T Level). We do not include UCAS points gained from an Extended Project Qualification. Additionally, as an employer we set our own entry criteria based on the requirements of this role. This means that the criteria above may differ from the university.

Additional information

MBDA is a leading defence organisation. We are proud of the role we play in supporting the Armed Forces who protect our nations. We partner with governments to work together towards a common goal, defending our freedom. We are proud of our employee-led networks, including: Gender Equality, Pride, Menopause Matters, Parents and Carers, Armed Forces, Ethnic Diversity, Neurodiversity, Disability and more. We recognise that everyone is unique, and we encourage you to speak to us should you require any advice, support or adjustments throughout our recruitment process.

We recognise that having or adopting a child is a significant life event for our employees and as a family friendly employer we offer enhanced family leave provisions to support employees before, during and after a period of leave. Our enhanced parental leave offers up to 26 weeks for maternity, adoption and shared parental leave. Enhancements are available for paternity leave, neonatal leave and fertility testing and treatments. We also offer 2 weeks enhanced pay for paternity leave, and neonatal care leave for up to 12 weeks where a period of extended hospital care is required after birth. Employees also have access to support whilst undergoing fertility testing and treatments. The Discounts platform includes a range of features such as discounts, instant vouchers, reloadable cards, easy saver cards, cashback, mobile app and Wellbeing Centre, plus MyCar and other lifestyle benefits.