Space Software Engineering Degree Apprenticeship

Digital And Technology Solutions Professional Apprenticeship

Start date: September 2026

Location: Airbus Defence & Space Portsmouth

Duration: 4 years

University: Southampton Solent University

Degree: Digital and Technology Solutions Professional

Application: We love your interest in joining Airbus! There is no limit on the number of positions you can apply for. However, please be aware that you can only progress in the selection process for one position at a time. We recommend reviewing all available opportunities and applying to those that best match your experience and aspirations.

Benefits: Salary: £23,000

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 (Portsmouth & Stevenage), 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:

Design and develop software products for the vehicle functions and data management (networks, avionics and open platforms) matching the required safety, quality and performance levels according to Airbus systems engineering processes and the needs of our customers.

Within this apprenticeship, we'll provide training and the latest tools for you to experience the complete cycle 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;
• Contribute to development of embedded software solutions with a close link with hardware components (low level communication layer, register control, FPGA, …).

Requirements:

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

• 96 UCAS points made up of A levels which must include Computer Science (nice to have other STEM based subjects)
• OR 96 UCAS points made up of a T level and A Level qualifications in Science and Engineering related subjects, and other L3 qualifications (such as BTEC, City & Guilds or Cambridge Technicals) in science and engineering subject to validation
• GCSE Maths and English Language at 4/C or above or equivalent subject to validation.

Successful candidates will be able to demonstrate the following:

• Submit your CV stating your grades and if they are predicted or achieved;
• Submit a Cover Letter highlighting your passion and suitability for this apprenticeship;
• 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;
• An understanding of Object Oriented Principles;
• Good problem solving skills;
• Experience in programming languages, such as C#, Cpp, Java or Python;
• An interest in programming and technology;
• Knowledge of software architecture and design patterns.

Boost your application: We want to get to know you —not just your grades or school background so, tell us on your cover letter:

• Why Airbus and this apprenticeship? What is it about Airbus that makes you excited to start a career with us? What is it about our company, our values, or the future of aerospace that excites you? We want to hear about what motivates you to pursue this unique path and how you see yourself growing with us.
• What skills and experience do you bring? Think about projects, hobbies, or academic subjects that have given you practical experience. This could include personal projects, academic work and extracurricular activities.

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).

Right to Work in the UK: Candidates must have current legal authorisation to work in the United Kingdom for the full duration of the programme. For more information, please check the Government Website.

Levy Funding: Successful candidates must be eligible for the levy funding.

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

AI Guidance: We know you might be thinking about using AI to help you in your application - before you do, please read our guidelines on the use of AI for recruitment at Airbus Use of AI Guidance.

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.

Company: Airbus Defence and Space Limited

Employment Type: Apprenticeship

Experience Level: Entry Level

Job Family: Support to Management <JF-FA-ES>

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.