Manufacturing Test Engineering Level 6 Degree Apprenticeship 2026

MBDA S.A.S.; Hulton Lane Ends; On-site; GBP 80,000 - 100,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading defence organization in the UK is offering an apprenticeship for a Test Engineer. This unique opportunity combines academic learning towards a BEng (Hons) in Electrical and Electronic Engineering with hands-on experience across various teams in manufacturing and testing. You'll be involved in diagnosing faults, drafting instructions, and working collaboratively on innovative projects. This program is designed for those with strong GCSEs and A levels in math/science, providing a pathway to a rewarding engineering career.

Benefits

Paid travel expenses

Annual pay reviews

Healthcare Cash Plan

25 days annual leave

Study leave during exam periods

Qualifications

• Minimum of 5 GCSEs at grades 9-4 including English, Mathematics, and a Science subject.
• Completed 3 A levels or equivalent, achieving 120 UCAS Tariff points.
• BTEC Level 3 Extended Diploma in Engineering at minimum grade DDM, including Distinction in Further Maths.

Responsibilities

• Diagnosing and fault finding on non-conforming products.
• Authoring instructions and specifications.
• Drafting and publishing drawing packs.
• Analysing test and production related data.
• Introducing new innovative products into Manufacturing.
• Collaborating with other business areas on process improvements.

Skills

Diagnostic skills

Technical documentation drafting

Analytical skills

Education

5 GCSEs at grades 9-4 including English, Math, and Science

3 A levels or equivalent with 120 UCAS Tariff points

BTEC Level 3 Extended Diploma in Engineering

Job description

Benefits

• Paid travel expenses to and from your place of study
• Annual pay reviews
• Healthcare Cash Plan: provides support with everyday health related costs - including medical, dental, optical, physio and health & wellbeing.
• 25 days annual leave (plus holiday purchase) and up to 15 days flexi leave
• Study leave during exam periods

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.

Programme structure

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, 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.

In the first three years, you'll spend three months external to Test in another area of MBDA, and nine months within Test, split into three months with Operations and six months with Engineering. In the time spent within Test you will rotate through different teams and you may have the opportunity to work within the following areas:

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

The final year will be spent developing in a single placement, allowing you to gain a deeper understanding of the specific area including the ongoing projects and complex challenges within it.

Responsibilities

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. 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

Qualifications

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 including Maths and either Physics or a technology/engineering subject. Applicants must have achieved grades A to C. Grades below a C will not be considered.
• BTEC Level 3 Extended Diploma in Engineering at 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.

Additional information

Find more details about the course here: https://course/ELR008-P-UOB-SS

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!

To apply, please check your eligibility against the criteria above before applying, as applications that do not meet these requirements will not be considered.

About MBDA

MBDA is a leading defence organisation. We partner with governments to work together towards a common goal, defending our freedom.