Space Software Engineering Degree Apprenticeship

Job Description:

Start date: September 2025

Location: Airbus Defence and Space Stevenage

Duration: 4 years 3 months 

University: Nottingham Trent University

Degree: BSc (Hons) Digital and Technology Solutions (Software Engineering)

Application closing date: We encourage you to apply early to avoid missing out on this opportunity! Please note we will close adverts as soon as we receive sufficient applications.

Benefits:

Salary: £20,200

37 hours per week // Half day Fridays!* // 25 days holiday plus bank holidays // Pension // Success share // Plus many more flexible benefits! 

*subject to completing full hours prior to this

About us: 

Airbus offers the unique opportunity that enables you to learn about, and work on, a number of Satellite programmes, as well as allowing you to test and refine your analytical and software programming skills in order to reach an industry standard. The office is a welcoming environment, in which everyone is knowledgeable and more than happy to support and assist you in any aspects needed. In addition to your direct and real involvement in developing state of the art on board software, you will have the opportunity to see many other aspects of the complete satellite development activities, including specialist clean areas, where payloads are manufactured. In addition, you can see Assembly Integration and Test areas where your contribution to a programme is validated along with those of other disciplines.  

Hosted within the Engineering organisation, the On Board Software and Data Engineering department spans two of the major UK sites, as well as involvement in satellite projects from ‘Earth Observation’, Space Exploration and Science missions, as well as cutting edge Telecommunications Payloads. We design, build and deploy a range of software solutions to enhance our stakeholder’s data and digitalize their working environment.

For this Apprenticeship you will have the opportunity to work on a number of Satellite programmes,  including our latest Telecom Satellite design -OneSat, as well as larger complex Eurostar NEOs.

What you will be doing: 

Within this apprenticeship, we’ll provide training and the latest tools for you to experience the full-stack of software development in an environment which demands a high level of agility to meet its many and varied commitments. Those theories you’ve learnt in University shall come to life in real world requirements. You’ll have opportunities to work on applications, servers, databases as well put into practice your communication skills, design patterns and your own stamp onto our products.

During this apprenticeship, the activities you may undertake will include:

• Given documentation to learn and understand the code base which you will be working on;

• Designing, developing, documenting and testing code which you have written;

• Involvement within a multi-developer team;

• Researching and utilising cutting-edge technologies;

• Pair programming  with an experienced developer;

• Experiencing the full-stack of software development opportunities as a valued team member.

Requirements:

In order to be eligible to this apprenticeship, you must have a minimum of:

• 120 UCAS points made up of 3 A levels which must include Maths, Science or IT 

OR

• BTEC IT or relevant industry experience/accreditation: Accredited Prior Experiential Learning (APEL) Accredited Prior Learning (APL)

AND

• GCSE Maths and English Language  at 4/C or above or equivalent subject to validation.

A successful candidate shall see themselves working as part of a team, collaborating and communicating with stakeholders and multi-disciplined individuals within the Space industry to help create and maintain websites, applications and databases in accordance with Agile methodology. They should also be able to demonstrate the following:

• An understanding of Object Oriented Principles;

• Good problem solving skills;

• Knowledge in C, Java and/or Python is preferred;

• An interest in programming and technology;

• Knowledge of software architecture and design patterns.

• Submit your CV stating your grades and if they are predicted or achieved; 

• Submit a Cover Letter stating your motivations

Important Information:

GRADES: If you are on predicted grades, your offer will be conditional to achieving the position’s requirements before the apprenticeship start date.

SECURITY CLEARANCE: Eligibility to gain UK SC Security Clearance OR You will be subject to a BPSS check (including a criminal record check)

Our apprenticeship roles do not meet the minimum requirements set by UK Visas & Immigration to enable sponsorship of migrant workers.

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 apprentices@airbus.com​. ​ ​Any information disclosed will be treated in the strictest confidence.

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.

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By submitting your CV or application you are consenting to Airbus using and storing information about you for monitoring purposes relating to your application or future employment. This information will only be used by Airbus.
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 emsom@airbus.com.

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.