Propulsion Manufacturing Technician Apprenticeship (Level 2)

Airbus S.A.S.; Stevenage; On-site; GBP 16,000 - 20,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

25 days holiday plus bank holidays

Pension

Flexible benefits

Job summary

Airbus Defence & Space offers a Propulsion Manufacturing Technician Apprenticeship for a 3-year programme based in Stevenage. Trainees will split time between mechanical and electrical pathways, learning to assemble spacecraft propulsion systems using state-of-the-art techniques and orbital welding.

Across three years, apprentices gain hands-on experience in mechanical and electrical disciplines, including bonding, harness installation, and precision assembly, with on-the-job training and

Qualifications

• Applicants aged 16-21 and cannot hold a Level 2 or higher qualification in Engineering, Aerospace or related fields.
• No strict formal entry requirements, GCSE Maths and English desirable.

Responsibilities

• Mechanical Assembly using adhesives and bonding methods to tight tolerances.
• Electrical techniques: Crimping, Splicing, Soldering and Harness formation.
• Orbital Welding and assembly of propulsion sub-assemblies and spacecraft structures.
• Bend, shape and cut Titanium and Stainless-Steel pipework for Propulsion System.
• Install electrical components and harnesses across Satellite propulsion systems.

Skills

Strong communication

Reliability

Excellent work ethic

Can-do attitude

Education

GCSE Maths & English desirable

Tools

None

Job description

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., 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'd love 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 Show Us What You've Built! We love seeing what you are passionate about. If you've worked on any hands-on projects-whether it's building, baking, fixing something -we'd be thrilled to see it! Feel free to attach photos, documents, or a short video showcasing a project you're proud of. This isn't a requirement, but it's a fantastic way to give us a glimpse of your practical skills. We can't wait to see your work!
• 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.
• 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!
• 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!