Propulsion Manufacturing Technician Apprentice
About the job
- Applicants must be aged 16–21 and cannot hold a Level 2 or higher qualification in Engineering, Aerospace, or related technical fields.
- There are no strict formal entry requirements.
- Applicants must have strong communication, reliability, a strong work ethic, and the ability to follow technical instructions and work independently or in a team.
- No prior experience is required; full on-the-job training will be provided.
- Applicants must have current legal authorisation to work in the United Kingdom.
- Candidates will be subject to a BPSS check and may need to gain UK SC-level security clearance or meet Export Control requirements, depending on the role.
- Develop mechanical and electrical skills through the programme in a manufacturing environment.
- Work in small teams or one-to-one to manufacture spacecraft propulsion systems using approved processes and production techniques.
- Use adhesives and bonding methods, hand measuring tools, and install components and connector brackets on satellite structures.
- Bond heater mats, thermocouples, and thermostats to surfaces.
- Follow processes and tolerances shown on 3DX drawings.
- Use orbital welding machines to weld propulsion systems into subassemblies and weld subassemblies onto the full satellite structure.
- Bend, shape, and cut titanium and stainless-steel pipework to form propulsion systems.
- Learn and use electrical techniques including crimping, splicing, soldering, and harness forming.
- Install electrical components, including latch valves, pressure transducers, and thrusters, using end-to-end harness installation.
- Wire and route harnesses for heater mats, thermocouples, and thermostats.
- Attend a week of team-building activities and exercises at an Outward-Bound UK site during the second year.
- During the third year, work fully on-site and develop hand skills against the business skills matrix.
- A Grade 3 or equivalent in GCSE Maths and English is desirable.
About the company
Airbus designs and manufactures commercial airplanes, helicopters, military aircraft, and space systems like satellites and launch services. The company builds these products by integrating advanced airframes, propulsion systems, and digital communication networks to support global travel, defense, and scientific exploration. Airbus distinguishes itself through its massive global manufacturing network and its active development of hydrogen-powered aircraft to eliminate carbon emissions. Its goal is to provide safe, connected aerospace solutions while leading the industry toward sustainable flight and environmental responsibility.
Company Size
10,001+
Company Stage
IPO
Headquarters
Blagnac, France
Founded
1970
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Simplify's Take
What believers are saying
- Q2 2026 revenue rose 28% to €20.5 billion, with EBIT up 54%.
- H1 2026 deliveries reached 351 aircraft, reversing earlier supply-chain disruptions.
- Qantas's A350-1000ULR tests and Jet Zero's SAF funding deepen Airbus's premium partnerships.
What critics are saying
- Spanish strikes froze hiring in August 2026 and slowed military and commercial production.
- June 2026 engine shortages threatened Airbus's 870-jet target and dragged first-quarter deliveries.
- Boeing's challenge to the EIB loan escalates trade scrutiny and could tighten Airbus financing.
What makes Airbus unique
- Airbus spans jets, helicopters, defense, and space across Europe, China, and America.
- The A350F targets 109 tonnes and 115 orders before certification begins.
- The €3 billion EIB package funds research through 2030 across civil, defense, and technology.
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Benefits
- Health Insurance
- Dental Insurance
- Vision Insurance
- Life Insurance
- Disability Insurance
- Paid Vacation
- Parental Leave
- 401(k) Retirement Plan
- Employee Stock Purchase Plan
- Professional Development Budget
- Flexible Work Hours