Manufacturing Test Engineering

5 days ago


Bolton, Bolton, United Kingdom MBDA Full time £18,000 - £45,000 per year

Manufacturing Test Engineering - Level 6 Higher Degree Apprenticeship

MBDA is a leading defence organisation that is proud to support our Armed Forces in protecting our nations. We collaborate with governments to achieve a shared goal of defending our freedom.

Salary£18,000 plus a £3,000 joining bonus

Closing date for this role is midnight on Monday 22nd January

What we can offer you:

  • Fully funded qualification starting in September 2024

  • Fantastic site facilities, including subsidised meals and free car parking

  • Fully supported learning and development programme

  • Flexible working

  • 25 days annual leave (plus up to 15 days flexi leave) and additional study leave for exams

Working pattern:

Where possible, we will seek to accommodate a blended approach to on-site and remote working, but this will depend on project requirements and the need for access to specific site facilities.

The Opportunity

Manufacturing Test Engineering is part of the Operations Directorate in MBDA. We have engineers deployed across three of our UK sites supporting the manufacturing, testing and programming of the whole build cycle, from circuit cards through to missiles and the platforms they're integrated onto. To do this, we work with varied technologies including electronics, mechatronics, optics and RF.

As you progress through your Degree Apprenticeship you will be working within Manufacturing Test Engineering, covering different stages of the manufacturing process through placements. In each placement you'll find yourself among a team of encouraging engineers who have varied experiences and expertise, working together to support a set of equipment. Test Engineers work closely with several collaborative functions such as Product Design, Test Equipment Design, Manufacturing Engineering and Quality Assurance to support our key customer, Manufacturing Operations.

Every employee across our vast range of teams and skillsets brings something unique to the business, so we make sure to provide an environment that allows everyone to be themselves, work in ways that suit them in line with their role, and be rewarded for their efforts

Programme Structure

You will study towards a BEng (Hons) in Electrical and Electronic Engineering at Bolton University, which will be fully funded by MBDA over four years, whilst simultaneously gaining industry knowledge and experience

In the first three years, you'll spend three months external to Test in another area of MBDA, and nine months within Test, split into three months with Operations and six months with Engineering. In the time spent within Test you will rotate through different teams and you may have the opportunity to work within the following areas:

  • Circuit Card Assembly

  • Actuators and Control Equipment

  • Seekers and Datalinks

  • Inert Missile

  • Platform Equipment and Cables

  • Manufacturing Test Development

The fourth and final year will be spent developing in a single placement. This will allow you to gain a deeper understanding of the specific area including the ongoing projects and complex challenges within it.

Daily activities for a Test Engineer vary from hands on experience with the product on the shop floor and in the lab, to working in the office on technical documentation and drawings. Examples of regular activities include:

  • Diagnosing and fault finding on non-conforming products or equipment

  • Authoring instructions and/or specifications

  • Drafting and publishing drawing packs

  • Analysing test and production related data

  • Introducing new innovative products and equipment into Manufacturing

  • Process improvements

  • Collaborative work with other areas of the business

Find more details about the course here:

This is a fantastic opportunity for you to join an apprenticeship scheme that has developed winners of some of the most prestigious apprenticeship awards in the UK

What are we looking for?

This role has specific qualification and subject criteria so please make sure you carefully check your eligibility against this criteria before applying. We will not be able to consider applications from anyone that does not meet the following two requirements:

1) 120 UCAS points achieved through:

  • 3 B's or ABC at A level including Maths AND Physics or a Technology/Engineering subject.

  • T-Level at Merit or Distinction in an Engineering subject.

  • BTEC Level 3 Extended Diploma at a minimum grade of DDM including a Distinction in Further Maths.

2) 5 x GCSES including Maths & English Language & Science/Technology at a Grade 9 - 4

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 can differ from the university.

Our Business

We respect new perspectives and experiences, and we value our collaborative ways of working. We are committed to growing and supporting diversity in our workforce and ensuring everyone has an equal opportunity to reach their potential.

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. We also welcome applicants who are looking for flexible working arrangements.

Follow us on LinkedIn (MBDA), Twitter (@MBDAcareers), Instagram (lifeatMBDA_UK) and Glassdoor or visit our MBDA Careers website for more information.

Please Note: MBDA UK Limited requires all employees to achieve the required medical and national security clearance for their role. Further restrictions and/or limitations relating to nationality and/or rights to work may also 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.

Due to the nature of our business, this particular vacancy requires the applicant as a minimum to be a British Citizen or a Dual UK national with British citizenship and capable of achieving the clearance levels mentioned above.



  • Bolton, Bolton, United Kingdom Matchtech Full time £40,000 - £50,000 per year

    All applicants must be able to obtain Security Clearance and be a sole / dual British national.Job descriptionWorking:The role offers flexible working but does require engineers on site for 4-5 days per week and is on a secure site where SC clearance is needed.We have a great opportunity for an Electronics Test Engineer to join the Manufacturing team at one...


  • Bolton, Bolton, United Kingdom MBDA Full time £94,500 per year

    An exciting opportunity for an experienced Manufacturing Test Engineer to join our Circuit card assembly Engineering team. This is a fast-paced but friendly and inclusive Manufacturing environment that will challenge youSalary: Circa £45,500 depending on experienceDynamic (hybrid) working: 4 or 5 days per week on-site due to workload classificationSecurity...


  • Bolton, Bolton, United Kingdom MBDA Full time £54,000 per year

    Join MBDA UK Ltd as a Senior Test Engineer and become an integral part of our Manufacturing team. This role presents an outstanding chance to contribute to the testing of our products. By joining us, you will have the opportunity to play a crucial role in upholding the highest standards of quality and reliability for our products.Salary:  Circa £45,000...


  • Bolton, Bolton, United Kingdom Anson McCade Full time £40,000 - £60,000 per year

    Electronics Manufacturing Test Engineer – Defence SectorSalary: Circa £45,000 (dependent on experience)Working Model: Primarily on-site, 4–5 days per week (due to project classification)Location: BoltonWe are seeking a skilled Electronics Manufacturing Test Engineer to join a leading defence technology organisation. In this role, you will support the...


  • Bolton, Bolton, United Kingdom MBDA Full time £250,000 - £400,000 per year

    Electronic Manufacturing Test Engineer - Graduate ProgrammeMBDA is a leading defence organisation that is proud to support our Armed Forces in protecting our nations. We collaborate with governments to achieve a shared goal of defending our freedom.Salary: £30,000 starting salary plus a £3000 joining bonus.Closing date for this role is midnight on Thursday...


  • Bolton, Bolton, United Kingdom MBDA Full time £30,000 - £45,000 per year

    MBDA Missile Systems – Together. For the Future of Defence.Electronic Manufacturing Test Engineering Graduate Test Engineering is part of the Operations directorate, based at our Manufacturing Centre of Excellence. Manufacturing consists of the Assembly, Integration and Test of all our products for the company. The products we make are delivered directly...


  • Bolton, Bolton, United Kingdom MBDA Full time £43,900 per year

    Electronic Manufacturing Test Engineer – Undergraduate Placement 2026Join the MBDA team and become a key player in ensuring our top-notch manufacturing standards As a Test Engineer, you'll collaborate with expert engineers across the UK, working on a range of cutting-edge technologies including electronics, optics, and RF. Your hands-on approach, combined...


  • Bolton, Bolton, United Kingdom MBDA Full time £18,000 - £30,000 per year

    Manufacturing Test Engineering Level 6 Degree Apprenticeship 2026Salary: £18,750 plus a £3000 joining bonus.Work Location: MBDA BoltonLearning Provider Location: University of Greater ManchesterSecurity clearance:  British Citizen or a Dual UK national with British citizenship. Restrictions and/or limitations relating to nationality and/or rights to work...


  • Bolton, Bolton, United Kingdom Guidant Global Full time £35,000 - £55,000 per year

    Our client, a trusted partner of the UK's Ministry of Defence, seeks a highly skilled Manufacturing Engineer specialising in Assembly and Integration. The successful candidate will play a crucial role in producing and assembling missiles. This contract opportunity may lead to a permanent position or an extension. A full apprenticeship and certificate copy is...


  • Bolton, Bolton, United Kingdom Guidant Global Full time £35,000 - £55,000 per year

    Guidant Global is proud to partner with a prestigious Ministry of Defence organisation in the UK. Our client is seeking an experienced Development and Production Test Engineer with a strong background in Electronic/Electrical engineering. In this crucial role, you will support the testing and diagnostics of electrical/electronic sub-systems and circuit cards...