Manufacturing Engineering Level 6 Degree Apprenticeship 2026

MBDA UK Ltd; Bolton; On-site; GBP 18,000 - 22,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading defence organisation in Bolton is offering a Manufacturing Engineering Level 6 Degree Apprenticeship starting in September 2026. Candidates will study towards a BEng (Hons) Mechanical Engineering while gaining practical experience across various teams. The role requires GCSEs and A levels with specific grades. This apprenticeship promises a unique opportunity for aspiring engineers to develop skills in a supportive environment.

Benefits

Fully funded qualification

Paid travel expenses

25 days annual leave

Qualifications

• Must have completed 5 GCSEs at grades 9-4.
• Must achieve 120 UCAS Tariff points from A levels, BTEC or T-Level.
• Able to work well within teams and learn from experienced professionals.

Responsibilities

• Study 1 day a week towards a BEng (Hons) Mechanical Engineering degree.
• Participate in rotational placements across different engineering teams.
• Assist in developing new manufacturing processes and supporting production.

Skills

Teamwork

Problem-solving

Adaptability

Education

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

3 x A levels at minimum grade C including Maths and either Physics or a Technology/Engineering subject or equivalent

Job description

Overview

Manufacturing Engineering Level 6 Degree Apprenticeship 2026

Salary: £18,750 plus a £3,000 joining bonus

Work Location: MBDA Bolton

Learning Provider Location: University of Greater Manchester

Security clearance: British Citizen or a Dual UK national with British citizenship. Restrictions and/or limitations relating to nationality and/or rights to work may apply. As a minimum and after offer stage, all successful candidates will need to undergo HMG Basic Personnel Security Standard checks (BPSS), which are managed by the MBDA Personnel Security Team.

Closing date: MIDNIGHT ON 23 JANUARY 2026 (subject to application volumes)

What we can offer you:

• Fully funded qualification starting September 2026
• 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

The opportunity

At MBDA, we inspire team innovation to tackle some of our biggest challenges. This means you'll learn from the brightest minds, who are always there to encourage and support you.

Our collaborative approach and culture of sharing knowledge will be key to your development. We trust each other to thrive and support one another to learn, meaning when you join us, you'll bring a different perspective to how we see the future!

Manufacturing Engineering is part of the Operations directorate based at our Manufacturing Centre of Excellence. Manufacturing consists of Assembly, Integration and Test of all our products for the company. The products we make are delivered directly to the customer/end user and therefore manufacturing are imperative to the delivery aspects of MBDA's business.

Manufacturing Engineers work closely with a range of teams to influence designs and are responsible for 'how' we build our products including:

• Any tooling required to build our products.
• Instructions on how to build our products.
• The cost of manufacture of our products.
• The industrial validations of our production lines and our suppliers.
• Day-to-day support of our operators building our products.
• The architecture of the production lines.
• Developing new manufacturing processes.

Every single day for a Manufacturing Engineer is different, combining a mix of time spent on the shop floor and office-based working. There are also opportunities to travel to other MBDA sites and countries, plus visiting suppliers.

In Manufacturing, you are not only able to see, but also be part of the realisation of our products.

Programme structure

For the 4.5 years whilst you are an Apprentice, you'll study 1 day a week towards a BEng (Hons) Mechanical Engineering at University of Greater Manchester, which will be fully funded by MBDA. You'll do rotational placements for the remainder of the week, allowing you to earn an academic and nationally recognised qualification, whilst gaining on the job learning experience within a professional and friendly workplace.

When you are not at university, you will be on the job, training and understanding the role of a Manufacturing Engineer. Your placements will be in different manufacturing engineering teams, with potential opportunities to do placements at other MBDA sites.

Example of placements:

• Circuit Card Assembly
• Seekers and Datalinks
• Inert Missile
• Actuators and Control Equipment
• Platform Equipment and Cables

Throughout your programme you'll be completing assignments and sitting exams for your university studies. There will also be opportunities to bring your technical knowledge to schools and colleges as a STEM ambassador – balancing your diary will be key to managing workload.

Find more details about the course here: https://greatermanchester.ac.uk/course/beng-hons-mechanical-engineering-level-6-manufacturing-engineer-degree-apprenticeship-st0025-part-time-60-months-university-of-bolton/2026-27

This is a fantastic opportunity for you to join an apprenticeship scheme that has developed winners of some of the most prestigious apprenticeship awards in the UK!

What we're looking for from you

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. This must include:

• English Language
• Mathematics
• Any Science or Technology subject

After GCSEs:

After your GCSEs you must have completed one of the following and achieved 120 UCAS Tariff points:

• 3 x A levels at minimum grade C including Maths and either Physics or a Technology/Engineering subject
• BTEC Level 3 Extended Diploma in Engineering at a minimum grade of DDM including a Distinction in Further Maths module.
• T-Level at Merit or Distinction 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.

Our company: Peace is not a given, Freedom is not a given, Sovereignty is not a given

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, examples include: 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.

Follow us on LinkedIn (MBDA), X (@MBDA_UK), Instagram (MBDA_UK) and Glassdoor or visit our MBDA Careers website for more information.

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