Propulsion Manufacturing Technician L2 Apprenticeship

Job Description:

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, 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.

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.

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 Propulsion Manufacturing Technician Craft Apprentice at Airbus means you will get to develop both Mechanical and Electrical skills within our programme.

You will be immersed in a stimulating Manufacturing environment.

This apprenticeship offers a unique opportunity to launch your career in the fascinating world of space propulsion. As a Propulsion Manufacturing Technician Apprentice, you'll be part of a team that builds cutting-edge propulsion systems for satellites and spacecraft.

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: During the Apprenticeship you will have a unique opportunity to experience our Propulsion Production area of the business which will provide you with a comprehensive understanding of how a Satellite is manufactured at Airbus Defence & Space.

Your key activities and 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
• Orbital Welding
  • Use our state-of-the-art Orbital Welding Machines to weld together Propulsion Systems into sub-assemblies before welding the sub-assemblies together on the full Satellite Structure.
  • Learn how to bend, shape and cut both Titanium and Stainless-Steel pipework to form the Propulsion System.
• Electrical
  • Learn various Electrical Techniques such as Crimping, Splicing, Soldering and Forming of Harnesses.
  • Installation of Electrical Components such as Latch Valves, Pressure Transducers and Thrusters using End to End Harness Installation.
  • Wire and route Harnesses for Heater Mats, Thermocouples and Thermostats

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

• No strict entry requirements for college although a Grade 3 in Maths and English would be desirable.
• Being able to demonstrate good communication skills, good time keeping, an excellent work ethic and a can-do attitude are most important.
• Be able to work both within a team or individually.
• Be able to follow technical instructions.
• No prior experience in propulsion is necessary; we will provide all the training you need to succeed.

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?
• Why a hands-on apprenticeship? Why do you want to learn by doing?
• Show your hands-on experience. In your CV or cover letter, include any hands-on activities or hobbies where you've used practical skills.

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!

This job is offered as a government-funded Apprenticeship, subject to eligibility for Apprenticeship Levy Funding.

SECURITY CLEARANCE: You will be subject to a BPSS (Baseline Personnel Security Standard) check.

RIGHT TO WORK IN THE UK: Candidates must have current legal authorisation to work in the United Kingdom.

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.