2027 Machine Learning Apprentice - Level 6 AI Engineer

Description

The company is a global technology leader with more than 83,000 employees, over 7,500 of them in the UK, working across defence, space, aerospace and digital security.

It builds technology for national security and stability and delivers social value through its products and services.

This is a permanent degree apprenticeship that starts on 6 September 2027 and mixes university-level study with real project work, suited to people who enjoy engineering and want to keep learning.

You will join the Specialist Underwater Systems Engineering team, which rapidly delivers new solutions for Royal Navy and export customers carrying out critical missions.

You will study a Level 6 AI Engineer Apprenticeship with QA over 23 months, delivered virtually through 28 days of live instructor-led workshops, interactive labs and self-paced study.

The programme covers AI system development and automation, AI solution design and testing, deep learning and transformers, business process optimisation with AI, security, ethics and explainable AI, and leading AI and future innovation.

You will also build systems engineering skills, including requirements capture and management, system design, lifecycle processes, integration, verification, validation and qualification, and structured problem solving.

On completion you will earn the IfATE L6AIE Qualification and have the option to gain the Microsoft Certified: Azure AI Engineer Associate (AI-102) credential.

Responsibilities

• Build new solutions alongside underwater systems specialists and software developers.
• Develop solutions with partners across the wider multinational group, universities and industry.
• Take part in testing and validation work.
• Help with engineering investigations and problem solving.
• Travel to customer sites, platforms and installations for surveys, trials and system deployment where needed.
• Work alongside experienced engineers on live projects.

Requirements

• Three A Levels at grade B or above, including Maths.
• At least one other relevant subject: Physics, Computer Science, Software or ICT.
• Alternatively, a Level 4 or Level 5 apprenticeship in a relevant discipline.
• At least five GCSEs at grade 9 to 4 (A to C), including English and Maths.
• Computer Science graduates are not eligible because of funding restrictions.
• All roles require security clearance. SC clearance typically means you have lived in the UK continuously for the last five years.
• Vetting asks for proof of identity, right to work in the UK, any time spent overseas in the last five years, and your employment and education history.
• This role supports a UK Eyes Only programme, so applicants must have been British citizens from birth and hold no other nationality. The UK Government sets this as a condition of programme access, not as an employment preference.

Conditions

Permanent contract starting on 6 September 2027.

Monday to Friday, 37 hours a week: 8 hours Monday to Thursday and 5 hours on Friday.

Hybrid or flexible working options are available.

Induction week runs from 6 to 10 September 2027.

Applications close at 11:59pm on Wednesday 17 February 2027, the only closing date this year. Roles may close earlier if the number of applications is high.

Assessment centres for shortlisted candidates run from February to May 2027, and you will hear about next steps by the end of February 2027.

The company is an equal opportunities employer.

Benefits

• Earn a salary while you study.
• Competitive salary of £24,000 per year.
• Performance-related pay uplifts.
• 201 hours of holiday a year, plus a company day and bank holidays.
• Contributory company pension.
• Health care cash plan.
• Employee assistance programme.
• Learning and development support.
• Employee discounts and wellbeing initiatives.
• Life cover.
• 80 hours of volunteering a year in the first two years, plus a paid volunteering day.
• Private medical insurance, cycle to work scheme, stocks and shares, and an annual bonus, depending on the role.
• Option to buy or sell annual leave.
• Tuition fees covered in full.
• A permanent role from the start of the apprenticeship.
• Hands-on experience in a live engineering environment, job-specific training and a recognised engineering qualification.