Satellites Assemble – Integrate and Test Craft Apprentice

Job Description:

Start date: 31st August 2027

Location: Stevenage

Duration: 3 years

College: North Herts College (Stevenage)

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 Satellites AIT Craft Apprentice at Airbus means you will get to develop both Mechanical and Electrical skills at Satellite level to Assemble, Integrate and Test hardware to deliver world class products to the launch pad.

This apprenticeship offers a unique opportunity to launch your career in the fascinating world of Satellite Assembly, Integration and Test. As a Satellites AIT Craft Apprentice, you'll be part of a team and 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 electrical pathway, gaining both academic knowledge and practical experience.

Year 2: During the Apprenticeship you will have a unique opportunity to experience our Satellites AIT 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 Satellites 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

Electrical

• Perform electrical assembly, integration and modification of electrical systems (harness routing, electrical connection, soldering, crimping).
• Perform basic electrical tests (continuity, bonding, insulation, DC high voltage).
• Perform first level quality inspection. 
• You will handle raw materials, tools, standard parts and components, documentation (technical instruction, work order, test procedure, job card, etc). 

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.

BOOST YOUR APPLICATION

We want to get to know you! Not just your grades or school background so, tell us on your cover letter:

• Why Airbus?
  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!

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 theGovernment 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 Airbushttp://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 [email protected]​. ​ ​Any information disclosed will be treated in the strictest confidence.

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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

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Experience Level:

Student

Job Family:

Support to Management <JF-FA-ES>

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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 [email protected].

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.