2026 Academy Engineer Apprentice - Level 6 Higher Level Apprenticeship – Mechatronic Engineering
Thales Belfast, Northern Ireland, United Kingdom
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. 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.
Our exciting 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
Apprenticeship Programme
You will be studying towards a Level 6 Higher Level Apprenticeship, finishing with a BEng Mechatronic Engineering degree, with our partners at 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 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 BBC) 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) to include 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, albeit Grade C + considered 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
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)
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 to obtain full Security Clearance (SC) in line with the United Kingdom Security Vetting (UKSV) requirements below, prior to starting with us.
This role requires Security Clearance (SC). It would be advantageous if currently held, however, if not currently held, it is a requirement that the successful applicant undergo, achieve, and maintain SC Clearance prior to commencing employment. To be eligible for full SC, you generally need to have resided in the UK for the last 5 years.
Closing Date
Our applications will close at 11:59pm on Thursday 12 February 2026.
Equal Opportunity Employer
Thales is an equal opportunities employer and diversity and inclusion are integral to the success of Thales.
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