MBDA
Software Engineering Level 6 Degree Apprenticeship 2026 - Stevenage
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Software Engineering Level 6 Degree Apprenticeship 2026 - Stevenage
Salary: £19,500 plus a £3000 joining bonus
Work Location
Stevenage
Learning Provider Location
Cranfield MK:U
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. As a minimum and after offer stage, all successful candidates will need to undergo HMG Basic Personnel Security Standard checks (BPSS), which are managed by the MBDA Personnel Security Team.
CLOSING DATE FOR THIS ROLE IS MIDNIGHT ON 23rd 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
The Software teams at MBDA deliver software for the next generation of weapons in an ever-evolving environment - to support those on the battlefield. Our teams provide a range of products from high integrity software running on our weapon systems, to mission planning solutions integrated into a complex battle space arena. We use numerous programming languages, software tools, and software lifecycle methodologies to achieve this.
The Software team is part of a wider multinational function. This offers the team a unique opportunity to learn about different technologies and methods from other national teams.
We develop and support a wide range of Software products, such as:
- Mission Planning and Control systems
- Command, Control and Firing Units
- Real Time components such as Weapons and Missile Control Units
- Test Systems
We are a strong cohesive team, which is interactive and passionate about software technologies and development. We have an open and encouraging approach to software development and are always seeking to improve the way we work and deliver our products. This provides a great learning environment for the apprentices on our programme.
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Working closely with other teams and departments, you will work at various stages in the software development process, covering anything from embedded systems to front-end software. This software will be developed on a range of platforms, including Linux and Windows, utilising languages including C, C++, and Java.
Programme structure
On this 4-year scheme, you will study towards a BSc (Hons) Digital & Technology Solutions Software Engineer pathway at Cranfield MK:U.
- Study will take place at the university 1 day per week.
- When not at University, you will be working across new and existing software products building your overall product knowledge.
- You will be involved in all aspects of the software development lifecycle within a supportive team.
- Study on this apprenticeship will be a blend of virtual and face-to-face.
In years 1-3, you will undertake 6 x 6-month placements to give you visibility to each of the departments within Software and expose you to different technologies and development methodologies. In your final year, you will take on a 12-month placement in the department of your choosing, which will run alongside your final year project.
As you progress towards your final year on the scheme, we’ll work with you to understand your skills and career ambitions, so that together we can explore the technical career paths available, once your apprenticeship is complete.
Find more details about the course here: https://www.cranfield.ac.uk/MKU/MKU-Digital-and-Technology-Solutions
What we’re looking for from you
This role has specific qualification and subject criteria, so please make sure you carefully check your eligibility against this criteria before applying. Otherwise, your application will not be considered. If you are currently studying and expect to meet these requirements by the start date, you are welcome to apply.
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GCSEs:
- A minimum of 5 GCSEs at grades 9-4
- This must include:
- English Language
- Mathematics
- Science (any science subject)
After GCSEs:
After your GCSEs, you must have completed one of the following and achieved 120 UCAS Tariff points:
- 3 A-levels at a minimum grade C to include Maths or Computing/Computer Science
- T-Level in a Software Engineering/Computing field at Merit or Distinction
- BTEC Level 3 Extended Diploma in an IT, Maths, Science* or Engineering* subject at a minimum grade of DDM.
*_ Candidates applying with an Engineering or Science BTEC must provide evidence of completing a Further Maths module_
Please note: We look at entry criteria based on your top three full A Levels or equivalent qualifications (BTEC/T Level). We do not include UCAS points gained from an Extended Project Qualification. Additionally, as an employer, we set our own entry criteria based on the requirements of this role. This means that the criteria above may differ from the university.
Our company
Peace is not a given, Freedom is not a given, Sovereignty is not a given
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 together towards a common goal, defending our freedom.
We are proud of our employee-led networks, examples include: Gender Equality, Pride, Menopause Matters, Parents and Carers, Armed Forces, Ethnic Diversity, Neurodiversity, Disability, and more…
We recognise that everyone is unique, and we encourage you to speak to us should you require any advice, support, or adjustments throughout our recruitment process.
Follow us on LinkedIn (MBDA), X (@MBDA_UK), Instagram (MBDA_UK), and Glassdoor or visit our MBDA Careers website for more information.
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