Software Engineering Degree Apprenticeship 2027

Airbus; Newport; On-site; GBP 21,000 - 25,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Half day Fridays

25 days holiday + bank holidays

Pension

Success share

Flexible benefits

Job summary

Airbus Defence and Space invites applications for a Cyber Security UK Apprenticeship. You will join the Software Engineering team to develop cryptographic devices and key management solutions, study towards a BSc Software Engineering Apprenticeship Degree at Cardiff University, and gain on‑the‑job training while earning a salary.

The four‑year program includes rotational placements, agile processes, and potential European assignments, with emphasis on embedded and Windows application development

Qualifications

• Genuine interest in software development.
• Must be highly self-motivated, articulate, with good verbal and written communications skills.
• Submit CV with grades/predicted or achieved.
• Submit Cover Letter explaining passion and fit for apprenticeship.

Responsibilities

• Master managerial and technical skills through rotational placements and focused training.
• Be assigned to a department from day one and explore placements within function, wider business, customers and suppliers.
• Develop cryptographic devices and key management systems with the Software Engineering team.
• Grow skills in embedded software and Windows application development to meet UK NCSC standards.
• Contribute across full development lifecycle for bespoke cryptographic products.

Skills

C/C++

Real-time software design

Embedded software

UML

Agile

Requirements elicitation

Education

BSc Software Engineering Apprenticeship Degree

Tools

Ectocryp

CertSecure

Job description

Application closing date: Applications will be open until 26 October 2026. After this date, the advert will close once sufficient applications are received. Early submission is recommended.

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.

Benefits

• Salary: £23,000
• 37 hours per week
• Half day Fridays!*
• 25 days holiday plus bank holidays
• Pension
• Success share
• Plus many more flexible benefits!

*subject to completing full hours prior to this

The Role

Would you like to work on advanced high grade crypto systems and key management systems to protect Governments, Military, Enterprise Organizations and essential National Infrastructure from cyber threats?

Airbus Defence & Space have exciting apprenticeships starting in our Cyber Security Division at our base in Newport, South Wales. As an apprentice you will be trained in high grade cryptographic development, you will learn about our existing Ectocryp and CertSecure suite of products. You will join a team of highly skilled team of engineers working to deliver the next generation of encryption devices. You will receive on the job training and a formal degree qualification all while being paid and accruing no course fees.

As part of this degree apprenticeship, you will be studying towards achieving a BSc Software Engineering Apprenticeship Degree which will be provided by Cardiff University.

What you will be doing

• Our UK Apprenticeship Programme provides exceptional candidates the opportunity to master managerial and technical skills.
• Over the four year period it combines rotational placements with focused training and the possibility of European assignments as well as further personal development and the chance to build your professional network.
• From day one, you will be assigned to a particular department and will be guided through the various placement opportunities that exist within your function, the wider business and even with customers and suppliers.
• This, along with training provided works to ensure you are ready and experienced enough to take the next step of your career following the programme's conclusion.
• As part of the Software Engineering team within Airbus Defence and Space Cyber Security UK you will be developing new cryptographic devices and key management systems to protect critically sensitive national and commercial information.
• You will have the opportunity to grow your skills in both embedded software development and in Windows application software development to meet the demanding standards set by the UK National Cyber Security Centre.
• You will contribute across the full development lifecycle for bespoke cryptographic products, in collaboration with systems, hardware, FPGA and verification engineers.
• The Apprentice Software Engineer will work within the Cyber Security UK Engineering team developing software for cryptographic devices and cryptographic key management systems.

Software development tasks include:

• Learning how software is designed, developed, integrated and tested in accordance with Airbus Defence & Space standards;
• Understanding Tools, methodologies and coding standards and how they are appropriately specified and applied to achieve project aims;
• Learning how design decisions are made within the context of known practices, established precedents and acquired “technical” expertise;
• Understanding the cost/benefit trade-offs of design;
• Learn techniques for software development plan estimation and how resource requirements can be allocated against plans.

You will become:

• Proficient in real-time software design and development in a resource constrained / embedded environment using C or C++;
• Familiar with pertinent design and architectural patterns;
• Object oriented analysis, design and development designed using UML;
• Proficient in requirements elicitation, traceability, work package definition and estimation;
• Partake in an Agile process to ensure Software solutions are representative of their functional and security specifications and standards.

Requirements

In order to be eligible to this apprenticeship, you must have a minimum of:

• 104-112 UCAS points made up of 3 A levels at C or above OR BTEC/ Cambridge Technical Extended Diploma: DMM OR T Level: Merit or above
• 5 GCSEs at C/4 or above, which must include English Language (or Welsh First Language) and Mathematics (or Mathematics–Numeracy)

Successful candidates will be able to demonstrate the following:

• Genuine interest in software development;
• Must be highly self-motivated, articulate, with good verbal and written communications skills;
• Submit your CV stating your grades and if they are predicted or achieved;
• Submit a Cover Letter highlighting your passion and suitability for this apprenticeship.

About the Company

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.

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