2026 Academy Engineer Apprentice - Level 5 Higher Level Apprenticeship - Mechatronic Engineering
Thales people 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 and Missile Defence, Optronics, and Radar. Together we offer fantastic opportunities for committed employees to learn and develop their career with us. At Thales UK, we research, develop, and supply technology and services that impact the lives of millions of people each day to make life better, and keep us safer. We innovate across the major industries of Aerospace, Defence, Security and Space.
Your health and well-being matter to us and that’s why we offer you the flexibility to do what’s important to you; whether that’s part-time hours, job sharing, home working, or the ability to flex your start and finish times. Where possible, we support a working pattern that suits your lifestyle and helps you reach your ambitions.
Start Date: 07 September 2026
Salary: £24,000 per annum
Employee type: Permanent
Location: Belfast
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
Mechatronic Engineering unites the principles of mechanics, electronics and software. It combines 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.
Skills
The Apprentice Engineer roles will develop your mechatronic engineering skills to become a confident, positive and flexible engineer with well‑honed technical knowledge. You will support the team to deliver solutions to deadline and budget. Example activities include:
* 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
Apprentice Programme
You will be studying towards a Level 5 Higher Level Apprenticeship, Foundation Engineering Degree (FdEng) in Mechatronics with our partners at the South Eastern Regional College in Bangor. During the 3‑year programme you will follow an initial rotation plan and then specialise in a particular engineering function. You will be given 1 day per week to attend college lessons, lectures and tutorials. For the other 4 days you will be working in engineering departments, embedding your college learning in a real‑life engineering environment. On successful completion of the Higher‑Level Apprenticeship, there will be scope to progress onto the BEng in Mechatronic Engineering at Ulster University.
Requirements
We are looking for enthusiastic individuals who are motivated, committed and keen to learn. You will be a self‑starter, able to demonstrate time management skills, work on your own, use your initiative and have a genuine interest in Engineering and Thales. Successful candidates will show self‑discipline and an aspiration to achieve a degree qualification.
Entry Requirements
* 56 UCAS tariff points including: A Level (A2): Typical grade profile CC (to include 1 from Mathematics, Further Mathematics, Physics, Chemistry, Design & Technology, Engineering, Electronics or Double Award Science/Applied Science). Or, BTEC Level 3 Extended Diploma in Engineering with overall award profile MPP or Diploma in Engineering with overall award profile MM
* 5 GCSEs at grade C or above including English and Maths
Please note: due to funding obligations applicants who already hold a relevant degree will not be eligible for this programme. This opportunity is available in Belfast and open to all Northern Ireland residents.
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)
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.
Closing date: Our applications will close at 11.59 pm on Thursday 12 February 2026. This is the only time we will be accepting applications this year. We will be in contact by the end of February 2026 with details of next steps. Please note, we encourage you to apply as soon as possible to avoid missing out on this opportunity.
Due to the nature of the work that we do at Thales, all of our roles are subject to security restrictions. 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 to obtain full Security Clearance (SC) in line with the United Kingdom Security Vetting (UKSV) requirements prior to starting with us. This role requires Security Clearance (SC). It would be advantageous if currently held; if not, the successful applicant must undergo, achieve and maintain SC Clearance before commencing employment.
Thales is an equal opportunities employer and diversity and inclusion are integral to our success.
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