2026 Academy Engineer Apprentice – Level 6 Higher Level Apprenticeship – Mechatronic Engineering
Join to apply for the 2026 Academy Engineer Apprentice – Level 6 Higher Level Apprenticeship – Mechatronic Engineering role at Portal Londrinatur.
Thales architect solutions that are relied upon to deliver operational advantage at every decisive moment throughout the mission. Defence and armed forces customers rely on us to deliver the full range of defensive systems for land, sea, and air. From early warning to threat neutralisation, our platforms cover all levels from very short‑range systems to extended protection across the entire battle‑space, including Airspace Mobility Solutions, Vehicles and Tactical Systems, Missile Defence, Optronics, and Radar. Together we offer fantastic opportunities for committed employees to learn and develop their career with us.
Location: Belfast
Start Date: 07 September 2026
Salary: £24,000 per annum
Employee type: Permanent
Working Schedule: Monday – Thursday 08:00–16:45, Friday 08:00–12:00 (flexible working available)
What The Role Has To Offer
* Earn while you learn
* Job specific training experience
* Recognised qualifications
* Permanent role from day one
* Tuition fees for university or approved training providers are fully covered
Responsibilities
Our Mechatronics apprenticeship will let you explore different types of engineering before you make an informed decision to specialise in Hardware (Mechanical or Electrical), Software or Systems Engineering. Mechatronic Engineering unites the principles of mechanics, electronics and software, combining mechanical engineering, problem solving and design skills with expertise in digital electronics and computing systems to produce advanced products and systems through automation and the use of robotics.
* Creation of innovative design concepts for missile sub‑systems and vehicle integration solutions using CREO
* Generation of detailed drawings for the manufacture of high precision‑machined components
* Generation of assembly drawings of electro/optical/mechanical systems and sub‑systems
* Interaction with stress, aerodynamics, manufacturing, procurement and supply base to ensure optimised, robust, cost‑effective designs
* Participate in and contribute to company continuous improvement projects
* Experience of working in a multi‑disciplined agile environment
* Organisational skills with well‑rounded communication and relationship building abilities
Apprenticeship Programme
You will be studying towards a Level 6 Higher Level Apprenticeship, finishing with a BEng Mechatronic Engineering degree, with our partners at the Ulster University in their Belfast campus. This is a 4‑year fast‑track programme. In the 1st year you will attend university lectures and tutorials over 4 days per week, remotely complete Thales engineering project work and spend 1 day a week onsite developing your engineering knowledge. From the 2nd year onwards, you will be in university 1 day a week and 4 days working in engineering, embedding your university learning in a real‑life engineering environment.
Requirements
* 112 UCAS points (A Level BBB) including Grade B in a STEM Subject (Maths, Further Maths, Physics, Chemistry, DT, Engineering, Electronics, Double Award Science/Applied Science). Or equivalent BTEC Extended Diploma (DMM) including a merit in Engineering Principles and Calculus to solve engineering problems. Combination of smaller BTEC Diploma plus A levels or other acceptable Level 3 qualifications as per the Ulster University BEng Mechatronic Engineering degree entry requirements.
* GCSE Mathematics ideally at Grade A, or Grade C+ depending on specific Level 3 qualifications as per the Ulster University BEng Mechatronic Engineering degree entry requirements. GCSE English Language Grade C or above or Pass in Level 2 Essential Skills Literacy.
Please note: due to funding obligations (i) applicants who already hold a relevant degree will not be eligible for this programme (ii) this opportunity is available in Belfast and open to all Northern Ireland residents. Right to Work in the UK for the duration of the programme is necessary.
Benefits
* 201 hours annual leave (plus a company day and bank holidays)
* Company Pension
* Health Care Cash Plan
* Life Insurance
* Discount Portal
* Performance‑related pay uplifts
* 80 Hours Volunteering (first two years)
Recruitment Process
Assessment centres for shortlisted candidates will be held between February – May 2026. Induction week for all Graduates and Apprentices will take place from Monday 7 September – Friday 11 September 2026.
Security Clearance
All successful candidates must possess the permanent right to work in the UK and will be required to go through Government security clearance at BPSS Level and obtain full Security Clearance (SC) in line with the United Kingdom Security Vetting (UKSV) requirements prior to starting with us. If not currently held, SC clearance is a requirement that must be achieved and maintained before commencing employment.
Equal Opportunities
Thales is an equal opportunities employer and diversity and inclusion are integral to the success of Thales.
Apply Now
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