Propulsion Manufacturing Technician L2 Apprenticeship

Overview

Propulsion Manufacturing Technician L2 Apprenticeship at Airbus Defence and Space.

Start date:

September 2026.

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, you can only progress in the selection process for one position at a time. We recommend reviewing all opportunities and applying to those that best match your experience and aspirations.

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 and other flexible benefits.

As a Propulsion Manufacturing Technician Craft Apprentice at Airbus, you will develop mechanical and electrical skills within the programme. You will be immersed in a stimulating manufacturing environment and will be part of a team that builds propulsion systems for satellites and spacecraft. The apprenticeship provides hands-on experience in a supportive and innovative environment, ideal for those with an interest in mechanical and electrical precision, problem-solving, and seeing their work take flight.

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:
You will experience the Propulsion Production area to gain a comprehensive understanding of satellite manufacture, working in small teams or one-to-one to manufacture propulsion systems using the latest approved processes and techniques.

Your key activities and responsibilities include:

• Mechanical Assembly: use of adhesives and bonding methods; use of hand measuring tools to meet tight tolerances; installation of components to satellite structures; installation of connector brackets; bonding heater mats, thermocouples and thermostats to surfaces; following process and tolerances to drawings on 3DX.
• Orbital Welding: operate orbital welding machines to weld propulsion system sub-assemblies; bend, shape and cut titanium and stainless-steel pipework.
• Electrical: learn crimping, splicing, soldering and form harnesses; install electrical components such as latch valves, pressure transducers and thrusters; wire and route harnesses for heater mats, thermocouples and thermostats.

Year 3:
You will be fully on-site, refining your hand skills against the business skills matrix.

• No strict entry requirements for college, though a Grade 3 in Maths and English is desirable.
• Demonstrate good communication, time-keeping, work ethic and a can-do attitude; able to work in a team or individually and follow technical instructions.
• No prior propulsion experience required; training will be provided.

We want to get to know you, not just your grades or school background. In your cover letter, describe:

• Why Airbus? What excites you about our work, innovation, global impact, or other aspects?
• Why a hands-on apprenticeship? Why do you want to learn by doing?
• Hands-on experience or hobbies demonstrating practical skills (e.g., DIY projects, building/fixing things, tinkering and tech projects, building models, baking/cooking, etc.).

Show Us What You've Built: if you have hands-on projects, attach photos, documents or a short video. This is optional but helpful to illustrate your practical skills.

GOVERNMENT FUNDING:
This job is offered as a government funded Apprenticeship, subject to eligibility for Apprenticeship Levy Funding. To qualify, applicants must meet criteria such as not already holding a qualification at the same or higher level in the same subject area and eligibility under current funding rules. All eligible applicants are welcome to apply.

SECURITY CLEARANCE:
You will be subject to a BPSS check. UK SC-level security clearance or export control may be required depending on the role.

RIGHT TO WORK IN THE UK:
Candidates must have current legal authorisation to work in the United Kingdom. Our apprenticeship roles do not meet the minimum requirements for sponsorship of migrant workers.

AI Guidance:
Please read our guidelines on the use of AI for recruitment at Airbus before using AI tools:

Contact:
If you need adjustments to participate fully in the recruitment process, please contact  Any information disclosed will be treated confidentially.

Company: AIRBUS Defence and Space Limited

Employment Type:

Apprenticeship

Experience Level: Student

Job Family:
Support to Management

Equal Opportunity:
Airbus is committed to equal opportunities and a diverse workforce. We welcome applications from all backgrounds and will not request any monetary payment in the recruitment process.