2026 Academy Engineer Apprentice - Level 6 Higher Level Apprenticeship - Mechatronic Engineering in Belfast

Location: Belfast, United Kingdom

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 matters 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.

Are you passionate about engineering? Do you have an inquisitive mind? Do you want to be part of an Apprentice Programme that will develop and challenge you? If so, then look no further...

• 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. 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: a Level 6 Higher Level Apprenticeship, finishing with a BEng Mechatronic Engineering degree with our partners at Ulster University in the 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

Please Note: due to funding obligations (i) applicants who already hold a relevant degree will not be eligible for this programme (ii) this opportunity is available in Belfast and open to all Northern Ireland residents. In addition, Right to Work in the UK for the duration of the programme is necessary.

Benefits: 201 hours annual leave (plus a company day)