Manufacturing Engineering Level 6 Degree Apprenticeship 2026

Mbda Systems; Bolton; On-site; GBP 18,000 - 22,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading defence organisation is seeking a Manufacturing Engineering Level 6 Degree Apprentice to join their team in Bolton. This program includes a fully funded BEng (Hons) Mechanical Engineering qualification with placements across various engineering teams. Applicants should have a strong academic background with at least 5 GCSEs and relevant A-levels or equivalent qualifications. Competitive salary and benefits, including annual leave and study leave.

Benefits

Fully funded qualification starting September 2026

Paid travel expenses

Annual pay reviews

25 days annual leave plus flexi leave

Study leave during exam periods

Qualifications

• Minimum of 5 GCSEs at grades 9-4 including English Language, Maths, and a Science or Technology subject.
• 120 UCAS Tariff points from completed qualifications.

Responsibilities

• Work closely with teams to influence designs and manage manufacturing processes.
• Ensure tooling and instructions for product assembly are accurate.
• Support the day-to-day work of operators in production.

Skills

English Language

Mathematics

Any Science or Technology subject

Education

5 GCSEs at grades 9-4

3 A levels including Maths and either Physics or a Technology/Engineering subject

BTEC Level 3 Extended Diploma in Engineering

T-Level in Engineering

Job description

Overview

Manufacturing Engineering Level 6 Degree Apprenticeship 2026.

Salary: £18,750 plus a £3,000 joining bonus
Work Location: MBDA Bolton
Learning Provider Location: University of Greater Manchester
Security clearance: British Citizen or a Dual UK national with British citizenship.
Restrictions and/or limitations relating to nationality and/or rights to work may apply. After the offer stage, successful candidates will need to undergo BPSS checks managed by MBDA Personnel Security Team.

Closing date for this role is midnight on 23 January 2026 (subject to application volumes).

What we can offer you:

• Fully funded qualification starting September 2026
• Paid travel expenses to and from your place of study
• Annual pay reviews
• 25 days annual leave (plus holiday purchase) and up to 15 days flexi leave
• Study leave during exam periods

The opportunity

At MBDA, we inspire team innovation to tackle some of our biggest challenges. You’ll learn from the brightest minds who are always there to encourage and support you. Our collaborative approach and culture of sharing knowledge will be key to your development. When you join us, you’ll bring a different perspective to how we see the future.

Manufacturing Engineering is part of the Operations directorate based at our Manufacturing Centre of Excellence. Manufacturing includes assembly, integration and test of all products for the company. The products we make are delivered directly to the customer/end user, and manufacturing is imperative to the delivery of MBDA’s business.

Manufacturing Engineers work closely with a range of teams to influence designs and are responsible for how we build our products, including:

• Any tooling required to build our products
• Instructions on how to build our products
• The cost of manufacture of our products
• The industrial validations of our production lines and suppliers
• Day-to-day support of operators building our products
• The architecture of the production lines
• Developing new manufacturing processes

Every single day for a Manufacturing Engineer is different, combining time spent on the shop floor and in the office. There are opportunities to travel to other MBDA sites and to visit suppliers.

Programme structure

For the 4.5 years while you are an Apprentice, you’ll study 1 day a week towards a BEng (Hons) Mechanical Engineering at the University of Greater Manchester (fully funded by MBDA). You’ll do rotational placements for the remainder of the week to earn an academic and nationally recognised qualification while gaining on-the-job learning in a professional workplace. When not at university, you will be on the job, training and understanding the role of a Manufacturing Engineer. Placements will be in different manufacturing engineering teams, with potential opportunities at other MBDA sites.

Example of placements:

• Circuit Card Assembly
• Seekers and Datalinks
• Inert Missile
• Actuators and Control Equipment
• Platform Equipment and Cables

Throughout the programme you’ll complete assignments and sit exams for your university studies. There will be opportunities to engage as a STEM ambassador, balancing your workload with diary management.

Find more details about the course here: https://greatermanchester.ac.uk/course/beng-hons-mechanical-engineering-level-6-manufacturing-engineer-degree-apprenticeship-st0025-part-time-60-months-university-of-bolton/2026-27

What we’re looking for from you

This role has specific qualification and subject criteria. Please check eligibility carefully before applying; if you are currently studying and are predicted to meet these requirements by the start date, you are welcome to apply.

GCSEs:
A minimum of 5 GCSEs at grades 9-4. This must include:

• English Language
• Mathematics
• Any Science or Technology subject

After GCSEs: You must have completed one of the following and achieved 120 UCAS Tariff points:

• 3 x A levels including Maths and either Physics or a Technology/Engineering subject. Grades A*-C. Grades below a C will not be considered.
• BTEC Level 3 Extended Diploma in Engineering at a minimum grade of DDM including a Distinction in Further Maths module
• T-Level at Merit or Distinction in an Engineering subject

Please note: We look at entry criteria based on your top three full A Levels or equivalent qualifications. We do not include UCAS points from Extended Project Qualification. Our entry criteria are set by the employer and may differ from the university.

Our company MBDA is a leading defence organisation. We are proud of the role we play in supporting the Armed Forces who protect our nations. We partner with governments to work toward a common goal, defending our freedom. We recognise that everyone is unique, and we encourage you to speak to us if you require any advice, support or adjustments throughout our recruitment process.

Follow us on LinkedIn, X, Instagram and Glassdoor; visit our MBDA Careers website for more information.