Manufacturing Engineering Apprentice

Manufacturing Engineering Apprentice

Location: Gloucester Programme: Level 3 Apprenticeship Duration: Three years Start Date: September 2027

Safran - Here, We Craft Excellence Together

At Safran, excellence is a journey, and we'd love you to be part of it. As a trusted global leader in aerospace, defence and space, we are proud to be a company where diversity, innovation and opportunity come together to shape a more sustainable future.

Safran Landing Systems is a global leader in aircraft landing and braking systems, supporting commercial, business, military and defence aircraft around the world.

Our expertise covers the entire product lifecycle, from design, engineering and manufacturing through to maintenance, repair and overhaul. Our Gloucester site has been at the forefront of landing gear technology for more than 85 years, from the pioneering designs of Sir George Dowty to the advanced landing gear systems used on some of the world's most modern aircraft today.

Benefits

Competitive salary. Early finish on Fridays. 25 days' annual leave plus UK bank holidays, with options to buy or sell additional days. Annual bonus and share scheme options. Pension scheme with up to 8% matched contributions. Life assurance at four times your salary. On-site parking, including electric vehicle charging points. Subsidised restaurant. Bicycle storage and shower facilities. A wide range of flexible benefits and working options, depending on the role. Enhanced maternity and family-friendly benefits. Training, development, a personalised career plan and internal mobility opportunities.

About the Role

Join Safran Landing Systems in Gloucester and develop the knowledge, skills and experience needed to build a successful career in manufacturing engineering.

As a Manufacturing Engineering Apprentice, you'll support the development, improvement and maintenance of the manufacturing processes used to produce world-class aerospace landing gear components.

Working alongside experienced engineers and cross-functional teams, you'll gain hands-on experience solving manufacturing challenges, improving efficiency and supporting the introduction of new products and technologies into production.

Throughout the programme, you'll develop both practical engineering skills and technical knowledge while gaining valuable experience across a wide range of manufacturing engineering activities.

Responsibilities

Support Manufacturing Engineers with the development and improvement of manufacturing processes and methods. Assist with the creation and maintenance of manufacturing documentation, work instructions and process information. Develop an understanding of engineering drawings, specifications, materials and manufacturing processes. Support CNC programming, tooling and fixture development activities. Assist with investigating manufacturing challenges and identifying practical solutions. Support continuous improvement activities to improve quality, efficiency and delivery performance. Work with Production and Quality teams to resolve day-to-day manufacturing issues. Assist with the introduction and industrialisation of new products and manufacturing processes. Collect and analyse manufacturing data to support engineering decisions and improvements. Develop technical and practical engineering skills through workplace training and apprenticeship study.

What's in It for You?

Throughout the apprenticeship, you'll develop practical skills and experience in:

Manufacturing engineering principles and processes. Engineering drawings, specifications and technical documentation. CNC machining, tooling and manufacturing technologies. Problem solving and root cause analysis techniques. Continuous improvement and operational excellence. Quality assurance and manufacturing best practice. Data analysis and performance monitoring. Supporting the introduction of new products and manufacturing processes.

Programme Structure

Year 1

You'll spend time with a local specialist training provider, where the relevant units of your qualification will be delivered and assessed.

Years 2-3

Your training and assessment will continue within Safran Landing Systems, where you'll apply your learning in the workplace and gain experience across different engineering environments to support your development.

All apprentices are assigned an Apprenticeship Coordinator who will support them throughout their learning journey.

Qualifications

On successful completion of the programme, you'll achieve a nationally recognised Level 3 qualification.

The programme will provide you with the technical knowledge, practical experience and recognised qualifications needed to begin building a successful career within manufacturing engineering.

Candidate Requirements

Essential Criteria

Five GCSEs at grades 9-5 or A*-C, including English, Maths and Science. A genuine interest in engineering, manufacturing and technology. A willingness to learn and complete both the practical and academic aspects of the apprenticeship.

Desirable Criteria

Studying, or previously studied, a relevant subject such as Engineering, Mathematics, Science or Design and Technology. An interest in how products are designed, manufactured and continuously improved. Experience of teamwork, projects, volunteering, work experience or extracurricular activities. An interest in problem solving, analysis or technical investigation.

Recruitment Process

Stage 1 - Application

Apply online with your CV.

Final application decisions will not be made until after 8 January 2027.

Stage 2 - Online Assessment

Applicants who meet the initial criteria will be invited to complete an online assessment.

Stage 3 - Assessment Centre

Successful candidates will be invited to attend an assessment centre at our Gloucester site in March 2027.

Stage 4 - Final Decision

Candidates will be informed of the outcome following the assessment centre.

Stage 5 - Onboarding

Our Early Careers team will support successful candidates before they join Safran, providing relevant updates and information ahead of the programme start.

Inclusion & Belonging at Safran

We recognise that great candidates don't always meet every requirement. If you can demonstrate relevant skills, experience or potential, we'd encourage you to apply.

We're committed to an inclusive recruitment process and welcome discussions about any reasonable adjustments that may help you participate fully.

We celebrate diversity and believe our differences help drive innovation, collaboration and success.

Get Involved

You can also become part of our wider Safran community through initiatives including:

Women at Safran Diversity at Safran STEM Ambassadors Employee Forum Sports & Social Clubs Charity Partnerships Health & Wellbeing Programmes

Join us and help shape the future of aerospace while building a rewarding career with Safran