Engineering Technician Apprentice

Hours: Full time - 37 Hours
Contract Type: Fixed Term – 4 Years 
Location: Chilbolton Observatory - Stockbridge
Closing date: 16th February 2025

The Science and Technology Facilities Council has over 25 years’ experience in providing engineering apprenticeships and provides an excellent training ground in order to equip individuals with relevant skills and experience for their chosen career, whilst working in one of the world’s leading scientific and engineering research organisations.   
 
Our site at Chilbolton Observatory are looking to recruit an Engineering Technician Apprentice (Level 3) to join us in September 2025. 

As a member of the Chilbolton Observatory team you will form an integral part of a small onsite team dedicated to enabling science through development and operation of radar equipment and associated instruments. From the 25m antenna to rain gauges, we maintain and develop instruments used by a variety of scientists for applications from atmospheric science to satellite tracking.  
 
As an engineering technician apprentice, the successful applicant will learn about the variety of mechanical, electrical and electronic systems used to enable complex instrumentation. From fault finding and repairs, to design of small components, routine inspection and maintenance this apprenticeship role will enable the post holder to be exposed to a comprehensive range of mechanical, electrical and electronic activities.  
 
The observatory is in a remote location, and the applicant will need to have access to their own transport as public transport links are limited.  

About an Apprenticeship

With training and support from experts in their fields, you’ll be enthusiastic about developing your knowledge, skills and behaviours, working towards completing your apprenticeship, gaining appropriate qualifications whilst making a real difference in your role.  
If working with innovative technologies on world-leading research isn’t enough, you will develop both professionally and as a critical member of the team in an environment you won’t find anywhere else. 

Our dedicated Apprenticeship Team will support you every step of the way, helping you make the most of your opportunities and to achieve the goals you already have – and those you have yet to discover! 

We provide an opportunity to really pursue your interests and passion. You’ll have access to additional core skills development, access to a community of apprentices across the site, annual Apprentice awards evenings, a number of active sport and social groups across campus, and potential opportunities for overseas placements. 

STFC offers a benefits package crafted to provide an excellent work/life balance including 30 days’ annual leave, an outstanding index linked pension scheme, 10.5 public and privilege days, Christmas closure and flexible working hours. 

About the role and a summary of key duties & responsibilities:

• Complete a prescribed programme of training to be conducted at RAL Space Chilbolton Observatory, within STFC. 
• Work under the guidance and support of your team within RAL Space Chilbolton Observatory. 
• Work safely and in line with established safety measures at the Observatory on a day-to-day basis. 
• Obtain a high level of competence in order to carry out the maintenance, operation, repair, installation and commissioning of the 25 m antenna and other instrumentation including power supplies and associated equipment needed to run the Chilbolton Observatory facility. Gain the skills required to confidently fault find the electronic and mechanical systems used at the Observatory. 
• Obtain a high level of skill in the installation of new electronic and mechanical systems contributing towards Chilbolton Observatory upgrade projects. 
• As an STFC Apprentice you will communicate with staff across STFC and at all levels. You will work as part of a team as well as working on your own. You will also represent STFC through the contact you have with your training provider 
• Champion the RAL Space Chilbolton Observatory in a positive manner 
• Deliver a high level of customer service to visiting staff and scientists
• Attend appropriate additional training to support the role and service delivery  

Through the training provider, Newbury College, you will undertake a Level 3 Engineering Technician – Mechatronics pathway apprenticeship standard which will include:  

• Fully recognised apprenticeship qualification – Level 3 Engineering Technician – Mechatronic pathway Engineering Technician: Mechatronics Maintenance Technician (Apprenticeship) 
• On-the-job competency training 
• Theoretical knowledge  
   

You will be required to attend Newbury College on a day release basis as part of your training; you must therefore be willing and able to travel independently. Excess travel costs will be covered.  

Person specification

In order to apply for this role, we are looking for the following:

Key - (S) will be measured at shortlisting, (I) will be measured at interview, (S&I) is both.

Essential: 

• Achieved or predicted to achieve 5 GCSE (or equivalent) passes at Grade C/4 or above including Maths & English (S)
• Keen interest in science, engineering and technology (S&I)
• Good problem-solving skills (S&I)
• Ability to follow instructions – including technical instructions (I)
• Ability to work using own initiative (I)
• Ability to demonstrate some basic electrical/mechanical/technical knowledge (I)
• Self-motivated, willing to undertake the work required with the training provider and in the workplace (S&I)
• Has own transport due to remote location. (S)

Desirable: 

• Achieved or predicted to achieve a Level 3 qualification (S)
• Hands on practical skills (I) 
   

Important Information

1. To complete the apprenticeship, you will need to evidence passes at 9-4 or A*-C in GCSE (or equivalent) Maths and English. For those sitting their GSCEs in Summer 2025, we would need evidence of your predicted grades.
2. When applying for an apprenticeship, there is a set residency eligibility criteria that must be met by the applicant. 
3. The training provider will also ask you to complete an initial assessment during the application process. If you already have a qualification in this subject area or similar please include, as an attachment, your transcript outlining the grade/s achieved and modules covered.  By applying for this apprenticeship, you are giving permission for your details to be shared with the relevant training provider.  

Please note that we hold the right to close this vacancy early if a sufficient number of applications have been received.  

What could you achieve with the world-leading facilities and experts of one of Europe’s largest research organisations by your side? 

Join us and discover what’s possible!