Job Details Mechanical Engineering Level 6 Degree Apprenticeship 2026 R30441

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

Job summary

A leading defense organization in Stevenage is offering a Mechanical Degree Apprenticeship. This role includes rotational placements across various engineering fields such as Mechanical Engineering and Customer Support. Candidates must have 5 GCSEs including English and Maths, plus 120 UCAS points from relevant A levels or equivalent qualifications. This apprenticeship offers opportunities for hands-on experience and a BEng degree at the University of Hertfordshire.

Benefits

25 days of paid annual leave

Flexible working hours

Healthcare benefits

Discounts and savings schemes

Qualifications

• Minimum of 5 GCSEs including English, Maths, and a Science or Technology subject.
• 120 UCAS Tariff points from A levels or equivalent in Engineering subjects.
• Experience in Mechanical Engineering and ability to use design tools.

Responsibilities

• Complete rotational placements in various engineering fields.
• Work with experienced engineers on real projects.
• Study for a BEng (Hons) Mechanical Engineering degree.

Skills

Customer Support Services

Mechanical Design

Environmental Engineering

Mechanical Analysis

Education

5 GCSEs at grades 9-4 including English Language, Mathematics, and a Science or Technology subject

120 UCAS Tariff points from A levels including Maths and Physics or Technology/Engineering subject

BTEC Level 3 Extended Diploma in Engineering with Distinction in Further Maths

Tools

Creo Parametric

Altair

HyperMesh

Ansys

Job description

Overview

The opportunity offers three streams within the Mechanical Degree Apprenticeship. During the recruitment process we will assess which role you are best suited for.

Streams

• Customer Support Services (CSS)
• Environmental Engineering
• Mechanical Engineering

Customer Support Services (CSS)

CSS has overall responsibility for the definition, development and delivery of support and service packages for all MBDA products, with the aim of continually meeting the most demanding of our customers\' requirements. This includes:

• Developing and implementing affordable and innovative support solutions covering the entire range of prime equipment as well as the support equipment, training, documentation, test benches and simulators required. This is under the control of the ILS Manager who is supported by a range of skills including supportability analysts, logistics modellers, technical authors and trainers.
• Maintaining through life the product support policy for the MBDA product portfolio, up to and including disposal/de-militarisation.
• Providing all required support services to our customers for our in-service products, including ensuring that availability levels are maintained, technical assistance is provided as required, and modifications and mid-life updates are managed and implemented. This is under the control of the Product Support Manager, who is supported by a range of skills including Field Service Engineers, trainers, fleet planners, asset managers and support engineers.

On this apprenticeship you'll complete rotational placements in:

• Supportability Engineering
• In-Service Teams
• Support Services
• Mechanical / Electronic Engineering
• Human Factors
• Training and Field Support Engineering
• Technical Publications

Environmental Engineering

Environmental Engineering & Facilities (EE&F) provide MBDA with the ability to simulate real world mechanical and climatic environments (through vibration, shock, temperature, etc.). Our Environmental Engineers provide expertise throughout the product lifecycle and generate evidence to demonstrate that our products are safe, suitable for service and meet our customer's expectations. Apprentices work with experienced professionals and world leading technical specialists to test our products and ensure they can withstand environments for where they will be used.

• Mechanical and Climatic Test
• Structural test
• Facility maintenance
• Trials & Data Analysis
• Mechanical & Climatic Project

Placements allow exposure from theory and design to analysis and application, while working in bespoke facilities and applying university learning to real projects. You will gain hands-on experience with advanced test hardware and equipment. This stream includes opportunities to work with state of the art technologies and supports progression to technical specialist or project management roles.

Mechanical Engineering

You will gain experience across the product lifecycle to design, make and test missile system hardware. This includes computer aided concept design, simulation and modelling, hands-on testing, manufacture and assembly. The apprenticeship develops from engineering principles to more complex projects in an autonomous environment. Typical placements include:

• Mechanical Design
• Mechanical Future Concepts
• Actuation Systems
• Mechanical Analysis
• Materials and Processes
• Environmental Engineering

You will learn to use industry standard design tools (e.g., Creo Parametric) and simulation and modelling packages (e.g., Altair, HyperMesh, Ansys). The apprenticeship aims to provide a broad foundation for future roles as a technical specialist, project manager or beyond. You will study for a BEng (Hons) Mechanical Engineering degree at the University of Hertfordshire, one day a week, with remaining time spent in placements. The course combines virtual and face-to-face delivery and includes the option for external placements or an industry-sponsored project in year four. MBDA supports achieving professional qualifications through IMechE, IET or RAeS.

Course and entry details: you will follow the Manufacturing Engineer Standard. You will receive 25 days of paid annual leave per calendar year, with additional leave at milestones and potential holiday purchase options. Dynamic working policies may offer flexible hours and location, with opportunities for paid overtime and time in lieu depending on role. The package also includes a range of employee benefits (see below).

Qualifications and Eligibility

This role has specific qualification and subject criteria. Please check eligibility carefully before applying. If you are currently studying and expect to meet requirements by the start date you may apply. Entry criteria include:

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

Note: We review entry criteria based on top three full A Levels or equivalent qualifications; UCAS points from Extended Project Qualifications are not included. Criteria may differ from university requirements depending on the role.

Other information: MBDA is a leading defence organisation with employee networks and family-friendly policies, including enhanced parental leave, healthcare benefits, discounts, travel and savings schemes, and wellbeing resources. See the provided list of benefits in the original description for details.