Panels Manufacturing Technician Apprenticeship (Level 2)

Airbus S.A.S.; Stevenage; On-site; GBP 15,000 - 21,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

25 days holiday + bank holidays

Pension

Flexi days

Job summary

Airbus Defence & Space in Stevenage offers a Craft Apprenticeship in Panels Manufacturing, letting you develop essential mechanical skills while contributing to satellite panel production in a highly specialized factory setting.

You will progress through Year 1–3 with mentorship and hands‑on experience in assembly, bonding and treatments, guided by experts. Starting salary £18,000 for 37 hours/week, plus flexible benefits and pension.

Qualifications

• Aged 16–21 with no higher qualification in Engineering, Aerospace or related fields.
• No prior experience required—on‑the‑job training provided.
• Strong communication, reliability and a can‑do attitude are important.

Responsibilities

• Panel assembly to tight tolerances and installation of panel features.
• Final assembly including Ty-bases, MLI studs, connectors and laser tooling.
• Mirror bonding using silicone adhesive and precision cutting of mirrors.
• Surface finish measurements and aerospace‑grade painting/treatments.

Skills

Strong communication

Reliability

Work ethic

Can-do attitude

Teamwork

Education

GCSE Maths

GCSE English

Job description

Being a Panels Manufacturing Technician Craft Apprentice at Airbus means you will get to develop Mechanical skills within our programme. You will be immersed in a stimulating Manufacturing environment. As a Panels Manufacturing Technician Craft Apprentice, you'll gain hands‑on experience in a highly specialized and stimulating manufacturing environment. You'll develop essential mechanical skills while working on large, complex Satellite Panels that are then built into a Satellite Structure. This is your chance to contribute to missions that will explore our solar system, protect our planet, and provide vital communication services. This role is for someone who wants to turn their passion for practical skills into a career that is literally out of this world! You will be immersed in a supportive team of experts who will mentor you as you build components that will endure the harsh realities of space.

Year 1: You will study towards a Level 2 Engineering Operative ST0537 on the materials and processing pathway, gaining both academic knowledge and practical experience.

Year 2: During the Apprenticeship you will have a unique opportunity to experience different Production Areas of the business which will provide you with a comprehensive understanding of how a Satellite is manufactured at Airbus Defence & Space. This includes working in small teams or on a one‑to‑one basis to manufacture Spacecraft Panels, Mirror Bonding and Treatments using the latest approved processes and advanced production techniques for Satellite manufacture.

During the 2nd year of the apprenticeship, you will attend a week of Team Building Activities and Exercises at one of the Outward‑Bound UK Sites. Split up into teams consisting of Apprentices of all levels from various Airbus Defence and Space sites, you will work as a team to complete daily activities such as Rock Climbing, Hiking, Abseiling, Canoeing and more.

Year 3: You will be fully on‑site, fine tuning your hand skills against the business skills matrix.

Your key activities & responsibilities

• Panel Assembly
  • Use of various different adhesives
  • Use of hand measuring tools to meet tight tolerances
  • Installation of various panel features (potting inserts, riveting, edge taping)
  • Following process and tolerances to drawings on 3DX
• Final Assembly
  • Installation of panel features including Ty‑bases, MLI (multi‑layer insulated blankets) studs, connector brackets & cleats and brackets using laser technology
  • Heat pipe installation to extremely tight tolerances as low as 0.15mm
• Mirror bonding
  • Use of silicone adhesive to install SSM (second surface mirrors) to various types of panels and spacecraft features.
  • Cutting mirrors with diamond tip pens to extreme accuracy
• Treatments
  • Surface finish measurements such as friction and paint thickness
  • Application of surface finishes including aerospace approved primers and paints
  • Grit blasting
  • Conversion coatings and protective finishes
  • Masking of hardware in preparation for spraying

Why Airbus?

What is it about Airbus that makes you excited to start a career with us? Is it our aircraft, innovation, global impact, or something else? Let us know what interests you about our work and why we stand out to you.

• Why a hands‑on apprenticeship?
• Why do you want to learn by doing? We’re excited to hear what draws you to practical, skills‑based learning.
• Show your hands‑on experience.
• In your CV or cover letter, include any hands‑on activities or hobbies where you’ve used practical skills. These could be things like:
  • DIY projects
  • Building and fixing things
  • Doing make‑up or beauty work
  • Tinkering and Tech Projects
  • Building models
  • Baking or cooking
  • Others

Funding eligibility

• Funding eligibility: Applicants must be aged 16‑21 and cannot hold a Level 2 or higher qualification (e.g., NVQ, BTEC, HND, or Degree) in Engineering, Aerospace, or related technical fields. For more information, please consult Foundation Apprenticeships Criteria.
• Education: No strict formal entry requirements, though a Grade 3 (or equivalent) in GCSE Maths and English is desirable.
• Skills & attributes: Strong communication, reliability, excellent work ethic, a can‑do attitude, and the ability to follow technical instructions and work well independently or in a team.
• No prior experience required—full on‑the‑job training will be provided.
• This job requires an awareness of any potential compliance risks and a commitment to act with integrity, as the foundation for the Company’s success, reputation and sustainable growth.
• Airbus is Europe’s number one Defence and Space enterprise, so what better way to start your Craft Apprenticeship than with an industry leader.
• Airbus is committed to achieving workforce diversity and creating an inclusive working environment. We welcome all applications irrespective of social and cultural background, age, gender, disability, sexual orientation or religious belief.
• Airbus is, and always has been, committed to equal opportunities for all. As such, we will never ask for any type of monetary exchange in the frame of a recruitment process. Any impersonation of Airbus to do so should be reported to [e-mail].
• At Airbus, we support you to work, connect and collaborate more easily and flexibly. Wherever possible, we foster flexible working arrangements to stimulate innovative thinking.
• Salary: A competitive starting salary of £18,000 37 hours per week // Up to 2 Flexi Days per month // 25 days holiday plus bank holidays // Pension // Plus many more flexible benefits!