RME Mechatronics Apprentice - North East Locations 2026 - Fixed Term Contract in Darlington

Launch Your Engineering Career with Amazon. Fascinated by the mechanics behind automated systems? Want to master both electrical and mechanical engineering while working with cutting-edge technology? Amazon is the perfect place to launch your engineering career in Mechatronics Maintenance.

As one of the world's most advanced technology-driven companies, we are powered by automation, robotics, and continuous innovation. From cutting-edge robotic arms to complex conveyor networks and smart sensor technology, you will work with the systems that keep millions of customer orders moving. This apprenticeship gives you the chance to become a multi-skilled maintenance technician in both electrical and mechanical disciplines, gaining hands-on experience with industry-leading equipment that will shape your future in engineering.

The Reliability Maintenance Engineering (RME) team at Amazon is fundamental to our operations – they’re the ones keeping vital machinery running at all times. As an RME Mechatronics Apprentice, you’ll maintain a wide range of equipment and workspaces while upholding Health and Safety best practices. You’ll learn to keep your colleagues safe and prevent machine downtime, boosting the availability and quality of our equipment and enhancing the operational environment. You’ll work with exciting technology – some of which only exists at Amazon.

Your role will cover a broad range of activities including installation, testing, fault finding, and ongoing planned maintenance of complex automated equipment.

• Carrying out proactive and preventative maintenance
• Carrying out reactive repairs, and fault diagnosis in a live distribution warehouse
• Using the latest tools to maximise equipment effectiveness
• Making modifications and upgrades to existing equipment
• Upholding health and safety policies and practices
• Working on continuous improvement projects

We’re looking for people who stay calm when things don’t go to plan and tackle challenges with a get-things-done approach. If you love being around machines and understand the importance of keeping production lines running smoothly, this could be the perfect opportunity for you.

Throughout your apprenticeship, you’ll learn valuable skills including fault diagnosis, preventative maintenance, fluid power systems assembly and testing, mechanical device maintenance, electrical equipment wiring and testing, hydraulics and pneumatics, and Programmable Logic Controller (PLC) operations.

As part of our team, you’ll respond promptly to breakdowns, investigating, finding, and implementing solutions quickly. You’ll also make suggestions for long-term improvements. From CAD design, 3D printing, to overseeing general site maintenance and repairing key distribution equipment, our team handles most aspects of Amazon’s technical operations.

Here at Amazon, it’s in our nature to learn and be curious. Within this apprenticeship you’ll have the opportunity to learn by doing, putting newfound knowledge into practice every day. Our first-class coaching, tailored development opportunities, and challenging, rewarding work will empower you to reach new heights. If you’re a curious learner eager to grow, this is your chance to unlock your full potential and build the future you envision.

Throughout the apprenticeship you will work towards an Advanced Apprenticeship in Engineering (Mechatronics Maintenance), combining practical, on-the-job experience with industry-recognised study. Your first 12 months will be a full-time residential programme based either at one of our external training provider facilities or at our own world-class Amazon training centres - reflecting our significant investment in developing state-of-the-art facilities for the next generation of engineers. If you live outside of a commutable distance, accommodation will be provided during term time for these first 12 months, and travel expenses will be supported. In later years you will combine day or block release study for your HNC in Engineering or Mechatronics with on-the-job training at one of our Fulfilment Centres, Sortation Centres, or Delivery Stations. You will learn directly from experienced technicians and engineers and gain exposure to real engineering projects. You’ll support our 24/7 operation in shift covering days, nights and weekends in patterns that reflect the real-world schedules of engineers who keep Amazon operating around the clock.

You’ll join a diverse and passionate team of engineers dedicated to driving results and pushing creative boundaries. We value different perspectives and experiences, and we’re dedicated to creating an inclusive environment where everyone can thrive. Our employee-led affinity groups including communities for women in tech, LGBTQ+ employees, and underrepresented minorities, foster a culture on inclusion that empowers us to be proud of our differences. These groups provide community, mentorship, and a platform for your voice to be heard. We’re committed to building a workforce that reflects the customers and communities we serve.

We’re continuously raising our performance bar as we strive to become Earth’s Best Employer. That’s why you’ll find endless knowledge-sharing, mentorship, and other career-advancing resources here to help you develop into a better-rounded professional.

This apprenticeship trains you for a variety of maintenance roles such as mechatronic maintenance technician, maintenance engineer, mechanical fitter, and electrical engineer. With plenty of opportunities for progression both within the RME team and more widely across Amazon, this could be the start of an exciting and rewarding career.

Join us and be part of the team that keeps Amazon moving. Apply now and shape the future of technology with us!

Important Qualification Reminder

As part of the recruitment and enrolment process for this apprenticeship, candidates must provide proof of all required qualifications. Original certificates or certified copies must be submitted. This is a mandatory requirement to secure the position. The deadline for providing qualification certificates for the RME Mechatronics programme is 17 July 2026. Applications without verified qualifications by this date will automatically be unsuccessful. Failure to provide proof of qualifications by the stated deadline will result in the withdrawal of any conditional offer, and you will not be able to commence the apprenticeship programme. Previous qualifications will be reviewed for funding eligibility and offers may be withdrawn for applicants who do not meet funding criteria.

BASIC QUALIFICATIONS

• You are a UK national, or a non-UK national with the right to work in the UK, or an EU national and have settled status in the UK, and have lived in the UK or an EEA, or British overseas territory for 3 years or more prior to commencing the apprenticeship (September 2026)
• If you are on a visa, this needs to enable you to legally work and reside in England for the entire duration of the programme (September 2030)
• You will be resident of the UK for the entire duration of the program
• You are not registered to study on a UK government funded course ending August 2026 or later
• You will be 18 years old or older before entering an Amazon building (September 2026)
• You have a minimum of 3 GCSEs at Grades 9-4 / A - C (or equivalent): Maths, English and a science/technology subject
• Previous qualifications will be reviewed for funding eligibility and those not eligible will have offer withdrawn
• Please note, if you have received educational qualifications outside of the UK then we will require a Statement of Comparability to confirm your eligibility for the scheme. Please ensure you obtain one during the application process, through UK ENIC
• This position is a 36-48 month fixed-term contract. You must NOT already have a qualification in a similar subject at the same or higher level than this apprenticeship.
• This Apprenticeship assumes the candidate has little or no knowledge/experience of the occupation

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS

• You have 5 GCSEs at Grades 9-4 / A - C (or equivalent), including Maths, English and a science/technology subject.
• You have achieved or are studying towards a T-Level in an Engineering subject or 'A' Levels with a bias towards science & technology, or another Engineering subject or studying for ‘A’ levels with a bias toward science and technology.