Mechanical Engineering Graduate Apprentice

Job Description:

Your impact

At Leonardo we have an opportunity for school/college leavers or individuals already in work and looking for a new career path, to join the Radar and Advanced Targeting line of business as a Mechanical Engineering Graduate Apprentice working in our design team. Your role as a Leonardo Mechanical Engineering Graduate Apprentice will be to support the design and development of our world leading radar and electro-optic products under the guidance of experienced Mechanical Engineers. Our new Graduate Apprentice scheme will enable you to learn how to use state-of-the-art methods, technology and tools to explore all aspects of the product lifecycle, including stress and thermal analysis, requirements analysis, design, implementation, test, build and product support.

Role description

Leonardo's Mechanical Engineering Graduate Apprenticeship is a 4-year scheme based in Edinburgh. We are looking for people who have a strong interest in technical / STEM related activities, who understand the importance of communication, and who are able to work well as part of a team and also using their own initiative. You will have the drive and commitment to work through difficult problems to find the right engineering solutions. Throughout the duration of your apprenticeship, you will have the opportunity to rotate through different projects and phases of the product lifecycle in order to accelerate your competency development.

Your working week will consist of a minimum of 3-days on-the-job training alongside 1-2 days protected study to allow you to complete your academic studies.

You will study at Heriot Watt University in Edinburgh for completion of a BEng (Hons) in Engineering: Design & Manufacture (Mechanical) through a mixture of work-based learning, distance learning and day release at university. During the teaching semesters, you will be required to attend University classes, seminars and labs on campus one day a week. Leonardo also gives up to an additional 1 day per week to work towards your academic studies. Attendance at University classes is mandatory and must be treated in the same way as any other working day.

Upon completion of your Graduate Apprenticeship, you will attain a BSc (Hons) Engineering: Design & Manufacture (Mechanical) degree.

As a Mechanical Engineering Graduate Apprentice, you will

• Contribute directly to the development and delivery of our cutting-edge Radar, Laser and Infra-red countermeasure products as either a member of one of our Integrated Project Teams (IPTs) or as a member of our central analysis team.

• Receive training in both technical and soft skills which are tailored to the particular role and area of the business you are in.

• The opportunity to accelerate competency attainment through rotational placements around different projects or stages of the product lifecycle, to enable you to become a well-rounded engineer.

• Continue professional development throughout your career through formal training, site visits, internal awareness sessions, learning from more experienced engineers and keeping up to date with the latest technical developments, both internal to Leonardo and in wider industry.

What you'll bring

The role requires:

4 Higher Grades (or equivalent): BBBB

Mandatory: Mathematics AND Mandatory: Physics or a Technology subject

Preferred:  English and another STEM subject e.g.  Graphic Communication, Product Design, Craft & Design, Tech Studies, Computing, Woodwork, Metalwork etc.

AND

Standard Grades (1-3) / National 5: (A-C) in English

Note: SAAS funding from English apprentices moving to Scotland must have residency in Scotland before 1st August 2026.

The starting salary for this role is £21,525

During your Apprenticeship we encourage you to spend at least 3/4 days a week on site to integrate with your team and maximise your learning experience. 

Security Clearance

This role is subject to pre-employment screening in line with the UK Government's Baseline Personnel Security Standard (BPSS). An additional range of Personnel Security Controls referred to as National Security Vetting (NSV) may apply, this could include meeting the eligibility requirements for The Security Check (SC) or Developed Vetting (DV). For more information and guidance please visit:

Why join us

At Leonardo, our people are at the heart of everything we do, key contributors in shaping innovation, advancing technology, and enhancing global safety.

We offer a comprehensive, company-funded benefits package that supports your wellbeing, career development, and work–life balance. Whether you're looking to grow professionally, care for your health, or plan for the future, we're here to help you thrive.

• Time to recharge: Enjoy generous leave with the opportunity to accrue up to 12 additional flexi-days each year.

• Secure your future: Benefit from our award-winning pension scheme with up to 15% employer contribution.

• Your wellbeing matters: Free access to mental health support, financial advice, and employee-led networks championing inclusion and diversity (Enable, Pride, Equalise, Armed Forces, Carers, Wellbeing and Ethnicity).

• Rewarding performance: All employees are eligible for our bonus scheme.

• Join in our success: Our annual Employee Stock Ownership Plan provides you the opportunity to own shares in Leonardo.

• Tailored perks: Spend up to £500 annually on flexible benefits including private healthcare, dental, family cover, tech & lifestyle discounts, gym memberships and more.

For a full list of our company benefits please visit:

We are committed to building an inclusive, accessible, and welcoming workplace. We believe that a diverse workforce sparks creativity, drives innovation, and leads to better outcomes for our people, communities and our customers. If you have any accessibility requirements to support you during the recruitment process, just let us know.

Be part of something bigger - apply now

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