Materials Engineer - Higher Apprenticeship

Preligens; Gloucester; On-site; GBP 60,000 - 80,000; Full time

Job summary

A global leader in aerospace technologies is seeking a passionate Materials Engineer for a Higher Apprenticeship in Gloucester. You will gain hands-on experience within a supportive environment, focusing on materials science and engineering processes. Successful candidates should have strong communication skills and a background in mathematics and science. Enjoy competitive salary and extensive training opportunities.

Benefits

Competitive salary

25 days' holiday plus bank holidays

Pension matched up to 8%

Professional development and ongoing training

Onsite amenities including parking and restaurant

Qualifications

• 5 GCSEs, grades 9–5, or A*–C (including English, Maths and Science).
• 112 UCAS points, including at least 64 points from two A levels.
• A Levels: BBC including Maths and at least one science-related subject.
• BTEC Extended Diploma: DMM in a science/technology subject.
• A keen interest in engineering from school or hobbies.

Responsibilities

• Investigations of landing gear components that have not met design requirements.
• Support the raw material and forging supply chain.
• Undertake testing to determine material characteristics.
• Compile technical reports to support engineering.
• Support production to resolve manufacturing issues.

Skills

Strong communication

Attention to detail

Problem-solving skills

Planning and organizational skills

Methodical approach

Education

5 GCSEs including English, Maths and Science

112 UCAS points including Maths

A Levels: BBC including Maths and one science-related subject

BTEC Extended Diploma: DMM in science/technology

T Level: Merit overall in engineering-specific T Level

Job description

Overview

Materials Engineer – Higher Apprenticeship
Location: Gloucester, England, United Kingdom
Contract type: Apprenticeship
Contract duration: Full-time
Published: 10.14.2025

Salary: Competitive

Closing Date: 9 January 2026

Shape the Future of Aerospace at Safran Landing Systems. You will be part of a supportive, innovative environment where learning and growth are central to the experience, gaining hands-on exposure to cutting-edge technologies and working with professionals who share a passion for expertise.

Who are Safran Landing Systems? We are a global leader in aircraft landing and braking systems, covering the entire life cycle of products from design to repair.

What you will be doing: You will be part of the Materials and Processes Laboratory team within the engineering group. The laboratory investigates landing gear components not meeting design requirements, supports the raw material and forging supply chain, conducts tests to determine material characteristics, and compiles technical reports to support engineering. Training topics include supplier visits, materials science and analytical techniques, procedural audits, mechanical testing, data generation, statistical analysis, and investigation of components returned from service. You will also support production to resolve manufacturing issues and qualify new processes. University award: BEng (Honours) Materials Technology. Course length: typically 4 years, part-time.

Responsibilities

• Investigations of landing gear components that have not met design requirements.
• Support the raw material and forging supply chain.
• Undertake testing to determine material characteristics.
• Compile technical reports to support engineering.
• Engage in training across supplier visits, materials science, analytical techniques, audits, mechanical testing, data generation, and statistical analysis.
• Investigate components returned from service using metallographic, chemical and mechanical testing equipment.
• Support production to resolve manufacturing issues and qualify new processes.

Job Requirements

What you'll need to be successful:

• 5 GCSEs, grades 9–5, or A*–C (including English, Maths and Science).
• 112 UCAS points, including at least 64 points from two A levels or equivalent qualifications; mathematics or a mathematics-based subject required to at least AS level.
• A Levels: BBC including Maths and at least one science-related subject (Physics, Chemistry, Computer Science, etc.).
• BTEC Extended Diploma: DMM in a science/technology subject, including Maths and two other relevant modules.
• T Level: Merit overall, including at least a B in the Core, from any engineering-specific T Level.
• Access to HE Diploma: At least 15 Level 3 credits at merit or above in Maths or Engineering (including Maths).
• Other combinations may include Maths plus qualifications like L3 Apprenticeships, AS levels, EPQ, or General Studies.
• An interest in engineering from school, hobbies, or other experiences.
• Positive work ethic and the ability to work both alone and with others.
• Willingness to learn and try new challenges.
• Strong communication, attention to detail, and problem-solving skills.
• Excellent planning and organizational skills.
• A methodical and thorough approach to work.

Application process

Please answer the following questions to support your application. You can submit in writing with your CV or as a video to [e-mail]. Topics include: why you are interested in Safran Landing Systems, why pursuing a degree apprenticeship in Materials Engineering aligns with your career goals, relevant experience and skills, and your willingness to avoid AI-generated content. Final decisions will not be made until after 9 January; if criteria are met you may be invited to an assessment centre in early March.

Benefits

Why Work at Safran? We offer a range of benefits designed to support you both in and out of work, including:

• Competitive salary
• 25 days' holiday + bank holidays (option to buy/sell)
• Pension (matched up to 8%) and life assurance
• Professional development, ongoing training, mentoring
• Onsite amenities: parking, restaurant, bicycle storage, showers
• Family-friendly and accessible workplace policies

Company Information

Safran is an international high-technology group operating in aviation, defense and space markets. Safran Landing Systems is the world leader in aircraft landing and braking systems. The company supports more than 35,000 aircraft and makes over 100,000 landings every day.