Space Systems Engineering Degree Apprenticeship

Airbus Defence and Space; Portsmouth; On-site; GBP 21,000 - 25,000; Full time

Job summary

Airbus Defence and Space in Portsmouth runs a Level 6 Space Systems Apprenticeship, combining university study with on-the-job engineering across satellite hardware and systems. You will study towards a BEng (Hons) Space Systems Engineering at Portsmouth University, spending time in clean rooms, design offices and labs while being guided by mentors.

The apprenticeship lasts four years, with placements across the business and a focus on developing skills in systems engineering, hardware design,

Qualifications

• Enrolled in a BEng (Hons) Space Systems Engineering at Portsmouth University.
• Gain systems engineering and hardware design experience across placements.
• Develop coding, modelling and data analysis skills during the apprenticeship.

Responsibilities

• Learn the architecture of Airbus Defence and Space satellites.
• Collaborate with multi-functional teams on internal projects.
• Assist with system modelling, simulations and data analysis.
• Work on satellites in clean rooms and support tests on site.
• Draft technical documentation and presentations for stakeholders.

Skills

Systems engineering

Hardware design

Coding

Data analysis

Education

BEng (Hons) Space Systems Engineering

Job description

Job Description:
Start date: 31st August 2027
Location: Airbus Defence & Space Portsmouth
Duration: 4 years
University: University of Portsmouth
Degree: BEng (Hons) Space Systems Engineering

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

About us:

Ever thought about working on the largest space craft in the UK? Because That’s what we do in Portsmouth; we design, build and test satellites!

Interested in the thought that a year after this application, you could be in one of the largest clean-rooms in the space sector, integrating hardware onto a payload or helping develop some of the most technical advanced electronic equipment for space.. to then watch it launch into space later on? There are few other experiences like that!

More detail is important;

We’re part of Airbus Defence and Space - the biggest space company in Europe, and a major player in the UK's growing space sector.

What do we make? Advanced satellites that help monitor climate change, keep the world connected, and even power your favourite TV shows. (Yep, all national satellite TV in the UK? That’s us.)

Our team in Portsmouth builds the brains of the satellite - the payload. It’s where the real magic happens, and we lead the world in some of the tech we make and use!

The satellites we help build weigh up to 6 tonnes and are launched into space to beam TV, internet, and secure communications around the globe - including to military teams on the move.

Oh, and it’s not just about space. We also support maritime satellite terminals - that means keeping ships and crews connected across oceans, no matter where they are in the world. So yes, you could help connect people literally everywhere – from sea to sky.

Whether you’re into tech, space, creativity, or just want to work on something that actually matters – this could be your launchpad.

Apprentices join us from all different backgrounds, from all over the UK! So no matter where you're from, what school or college you went to, we encourage you to apply!

What you will be doing:

Our Level 6 Space Systems Apprenticeship Pathway:

Being a degree apprentice at Airbus Defence and Space means you will get to develop skills in systems engineering, hardware design, coding skills amongst many other skills and competencies across a range of internal placements across the businesses many functions. This pathway will enable you to become a well rounded space systems engineer, working on flight hardware in clean-rooms to laboratories, design offices and engineering plateaus, whilst surrounded by technical experts, industry leaders and fellow early careers.

What will you study?

You will study towards an BEng (Hons) in Space Systems Engineering at Portsmouth University in a day release format. We have been collaborating with Portsmouth University on the delivery of this course for some years, and therefore you will join early careers cohorts who are already in the later years of their programmes, bringing a strong peer support network when you start. See more details of the course here .

What will you do?

We have an apprenticeship where you can learn to (amongst other things)…

• Learn and understand the architecture of an Airbus Defence and Space satellite;
• Collaborate with multi-functional teams to deliver the latest internal projects;
• Assist with system modelling, simulations, and data analysis for mission-critical operations;
• Work on satellites in some of the UK's largest space industry clean rooms;
• Support vibration, shock, thermal and EMC tests in the Environmental test facilities on site;
• Help the manufacturing teams assemble and test world leading electronic hardware;
• Understand mission design, responding to customers specific requirements;
• Participate in research and development (R&D) to support innovation in defence technologies;
• Help draft technical documentation, reports, and presentations for internal and external stakeholders;
• Work closely with mentors while progressing through university studies and structured on-the-job training.

*Depending on project timescales, work load and availability, some elements described above may not be achieved over the placement rotations - but your personal development criteria and interests will be reviewed and reasonable adjustments can be made if necessary.

The apprenticeship programme is 4 years, broken down into two core phases;

Year 1 & 2: