Manufacturing Engineering Degree Apprenticeship 2025

Manufacturing Engineering Level 6 Degree Apprenticeship 2025

Salary: £18,000 plus a £3000 joining bonus.

Work Location: MBDA Bolton

Learning Provider Location: University of Bolton

Security clearance:

British Citizen or a Dual UK national with British citizenship.

Restrictions and/or limitations relating to nationality and/or rights to work may apply. As a minimum and after offer stage, all successful candidates will need to undergo HMG Basic Personnel Security Standard checks (BPSS), which are managed by the MBDA Personnel Security Team.

Closing date for this role is midnight on Friday 24th January

The opportunity:

At MBDA, we inspire team innovation to tackle some of our biggest challenges. This means you'll learn from the brightest minds, who are always there to encourage and support you.

Our collaborative approach and culture of sharing knowledge will be key to your development. We trust each other to thrive and support one another to learn, meaning when you join us, you'll bring a different perspective to how we see the future!

Manufacturing Engineering is part of the Operations directorate based at our Manufacturing Centre of Excellence. Manufacturing consists of Assembly, Integration and Test of all our products for the company. The products we make are delivered directly to the customer/end user and therefore manufacturing are imperative to the delivery aspects of MBDA's business.

Manufacturing Engineers work closely with a range of teams to influence designs and are responsible for how we build our products including:

• Any tooling required to build our products.
• Instructions on how to build our products.
• The cost of manufacture of our products.
• The industrial validations of our production lines and our suppliers.
• Day-to-day support of our operators building our products.
• The architecture of the production lines.
• Developing new manufacturing processes.

Every single day for a Manufacturing Engineer is different, combining a mix of time spent on the shop floor and office-based working. There are also opportunities to travel to other MBDA sites and countries, plus visiting suppliers.

In Manufacturing, you are not only able to see, but also be part of the realisation of our products.

Programme structure:

Whilst working, you'll study 1 day a week towards a BEng (Hons) Mechanical Engineering at University of Bolton, which will be fully funded by MBDA. You'll do rotational placements for the remainder of the week, allowing you to earn an academic and nationally recognised qualification, whilst gaining on-the-job learning experience within a professional and friendly workplace.

During your apprenticeship you will spend 4 days on the job, training and understanding the role of a Manufacturing Engineer. Your placements will be in different manufacturing engineering teams, with potential opportunities to do placements at other MBDA sites.

Example of placements:

• Circuit Card Assembly
• Seekers and Datalinks
• Inert Missile
• Actuators and Control Equipment
• Platform Equipment and Cables

Throughout your programme you'll be completing assignments and sitting exams for your university studies. There will also be incredible opportunities to bring your technical knowledge to schools and colleges as a STEM ambassador - making handling your diary the key requirement for balancing your workload.

This is a fantastic opportunity for you to join an apprenticeship scheme that has developed winners of some of the most prestigious apprenticeship awards in the UK!

What we're looking for from you:

1. 5 GCSEs including Maths & English Language & Science/Technology at a Grade 9 - 4
2. 120 UCAS points achieved through:

• 3 A-levels. This will include Maths PLUS a science, technology or engineering subject
• T-Level in an Engineering subject
• BTEC Level 3 Extended Diploma including a Distinction in Further Maths

This role has specific qualification and subject criteria so please make sure you carefully check your eligibility against this criteria before applying; otherwise, your application will not be considered.

Please note: We look at entry criteria based on your top three full A Levels or equivalent qualifications (BTEC/T Level). We do not include UCAS points gained from an Extended Project Qualification. Additionally, as an employer, we set our own entry criteria based on the requirements of this role. This means that the criteria above may differ from the university.

Our company:

MBDA is a leading defence organisation. We are proud of the role we play in supporting the Armed Forces who protect our nations. We partner with governments to work together towards a common goal, defending our freedom.

What we can offer you:

• Fully funded qualification starting September 2025
• Paid travel expenses to and from your place of study
• Annual pay reviews
• 25 days annual leave (plus holiday purchase) and up to 15 days flexi leave
• Study leave during exam periods

We respect new perspectives and experiences, and we value our collaborative ways of working. We are committed to growing and supporting diversity in our workforce and ensuring everyone has an equal opportunity to reach their potential. MBDA is proud of our employee-led networks including Gender Equality, Pride, Neurodiversity, Ethnic Diversity, Menopause Matters, Parents and Carers and Armed Forces.

We recognise that everyone is unique, and we encourage you to speak to us should you require any advice, support or adjustments throughout our recruitment process.

Follow us on LinkedIn (MBDA), X (@MBDA_UK), Instagram (MBDA_UK) and Glassdoor or visit our MBDA Careers website for more information.