Propulsion Manufacturing Technician Apprenticeship (Level 2)

Prestwick Aerosystems; Stevenage; On-site; GBP 16,000 - 20,000; Full time

Job summary

AIRBUS Defence and Space Limited invites applications for a Propulsion Manufacturing Technician Apprentice in Stevenage. This 3-year Craft Apprenticeship combines mechanical and electrical training and hands-on work in satellite propulsion production.

Year 1–2 cover Level 2 Engineering Operative ST0537 with on‑the‑job training; Year 3 completes on‑site refinement of hand skills while you join a skilled team. Starting salary £18,000, 37 hours, 25 days holiday plus benefits.

Qualifications

• Funding Eligibility: applicants must be aged 16–21 and cannot hold a Level 2 or higher qualification.
• GCSE Maths and English (grade 3 or equivalent) desirable.
• No prior engineering experience required; on‑the‑job training provided.

Responsibilities

• Study towards Level 2 Engineering Operative ST0537 on mechanical/electrical pathways.
• Assist in mechanical assembly, electrical harness work, and component installation.
• Follow drawings and use basic tools to support satellite propulsion production.

Skills

Strong communication

Reliability

Teamwork

Education

GCSE maths and English

Job description

Job Description: Start date: September 2027 Location: Stevenage Duration: 3 years Application: We love your interest in joining Airbus! There is no limit on the number of positions you can apply for, however, please be aware that you can only progress in the selection process for one position at a time. We recommend reviewing all available opportunities and applying to those that best match your experience and aspirations. Closing date for applications: 30th January 2027 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!

About Us:

Airbus is Europe’s number one Defence and Space enterprise, so what better way to start your Craft Apprenticeship than with an industry leader. Being a Propulsion Manufacturing Technician Craft Apprentice at Airbus means you will get to develop both Mechanical and Electrical skills within our programme. You will be immersed in a stimulating Manufacturing environment. This apprenticeship offers a unique opportunity to launch your career in the fascinating world of space propulsion. As a Propulsion Manufacturing Technician Apprentice, you'll be part of a team that builds cutting-edge propulsion systems for satellites and spacecraft. You'll gain hands-on experience in a supportive and innovative environment, contributing to projects that push the boundaries of technology. This programme is perfect for those with a passion for both mechanical and electrical precision, a knack for problem-solving, and a keen interest in seeing their work take flight. Join us in shaping the future of space exploration!

What you will be doing

Year 1:

You will study towards a Level 2 Engineering Operative ST0537 on the mechanical/electrical pathways, gaining both academic knowledge and practical experience.

Year 2:

During the Apprenticeship you will have a unique opportunity to experience our Propulsion Production area 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 Propulsion systems using the latest approved processes and advanced production techniques for Satellite manufacture.

Your key activities & responsibilities will be:

• Mechanical Assembly Use of various different adhesives and bonding methods
• Use of hand measuring tools to meet tight tolerances
• Installation of various components to satellite structures
• Installation of various connector brackets
• Bonding of Heater Mats, Thermocouples and Thermostats to various surfaces
• Following process and tolerances to drawings on 3DX Orbital Welding
• Use our state-of-the-art Orbital Welding Machines to weld together Propulsion Systems into sub-assemblies before welding the sub-assemblies together on the full Satellite Structure.
• Learn how to bend, shape and cut both Titanium and Stainless-Steel pipework to form the Propulsion System.
• Electrical Learn various Electrical Techniques such as Crimping, Splicing, Soldering and Forming of Harnesses.
• Installation of Electrical Components such as Latch Valves, Pressure Transducers and Thrusters using End to End Harness Installation.
• Wire and route Harnesses for Heater Mats, Thermocouples and Thermostats

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.

Requirements

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.

Important Information

Joint-Venture: This Job Request will be allocated to the projected Joint-Venture scope towards a leading European player in space. GOVERNMENT FUNDING*: This role is delivered as a government-funded Level 2 Apprenticeship. For more information about the eligibility criteria, please check the link: Foundation apprenticeship SECURITY CLEARANCE: You will be subject to a BPSS (Baseline Personnel Security Standard) check. You may also need to gain UK SC-level Security Clearance or Export Control, depending on the role. RIGHT TO WORK IN THE UK: Candidates must have current legal authorisation to work in the United Kingdom. For more information, please check the Government Website. Our apprenticeship roles do not meet the minimum requirements set by UK Visas & Immigration to enable sponsorship of migrant workers. AI Guidance: We know you might be thinking about using AI to help you in your application - before you do, please read our guidelines on the use of AI for recruitment at Airbus http://airbus.com/en/careers/use-of-ai. Contact: Please let us know if you need us to make any adjustments to allow you to access and participate fully in the recruitment process. If you wish to discuss this further, please contact via email [e-mail]. Any information disclosed will be treated in the strictest confidence. #UK_APP 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.

Company: AIRBUS Defence and Space Limited Employment Type: Apprenticeship ------- Experience Level: Student Job Family: Support to Management By submitting your CV or application you are consenting to Airbus using and storing information about you for monitoring purposes relating to your application or future employment. This information will only be used by Airbus. 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. Airbus pioneers sustainable aerospace for a safe and united world. The Company constantly innovates to provide efficient and technologically-advanced solutions in aerospace, defence, and connected services. In commercial aircraft, Airbus offers modern and fuel-efficient airliners and associated services. Airbus is also a European leader in defence and security and one of the world's leading space businesses. In helicopters, Airbus provides the most efficient civil and military rotorcraft solutions and services worldwide. From sending your resume to participating in successful interviews, here you can access all important pieces of information to guide you in your candidate journey. Learn more