Geospatial Data Scientist Degree Apprenticeship

Job Description:

Start date:September 2026

Location: Airbus Defence & Space Newcastle

Duration: 4 years

University: University of Sunderland

Degree: BSc Data Science (Integrated Degree Apprenticeship)

Application:We love your interest in joining Airbus! There is no limit on the number of positions you can apply for. However, please be aware that you can only progress in the selection process for one position at a time. We recommend reviewing all available opportunities and applying to those that best match your experience and aspirations.

Application closing date:We encourage you to apply early to avoid missing out on this opportunity! Please note we will close adverts as soon as we receive sufficient applications.

Benefits:

Salary: £23,000

37 hours per week // Half Day Fridays! * // 25 days holiday plus bank holidays // Pension // Success share // Plus many more flexible benefits!

*Subject to completing full hours prior to this

About us:

The Geospatial Applications department, based in Airbus’ Guildford and Newcastle upon Tyne offices, is responsible for providing Earth Observation (EO) expertise for a range of environmental monitoring, defence and civil space-based applications. On a daily basis, the team uses a wide array of cutting-edge optical, radar, hyperspectral and other EO-based imaging techniques to solve customer requirements.  The Geospatial Applications team covers a wide range of markets spanning agriculture to maritime, delivering geoinformation products that include the automated detection of vessels at sea to the changing nature of land-use and vegetation along the UK’s railways. 

The team comes from a diverse range of backgrounds (including Geography, Physics, Geology, Computing Science, Machine Learning/AI), and has wide-ranging expertise in satellite image processing and interpretation; AI-enabled (big) data analysis and management, and research into how the Earth is changing through time.

At Airbus, we are at the forefront of the design of Earth Observation satellites which, amongst other applications, provide crucial information used in the fight against climate change. Within the Geospatial Applications department, recent design-related projects have included research into the next generation of these satellites, their applications and opportunities, with a view to making the world a more sustainable place. 

What you will be doing:

You will be studying towards achieving a BSc in Data Science and as a Degree Apprentice in the Geospatial Applications team, you will be on an exciting, development pathway to prepare you to be a Geospatial Data Scientist. In tandem with your academic studies, you can expect to be involved in the following:

• Be an active and valued member of the Geospatial Applications team;

• Contribute to, and develop skills in:

  • The design and the development of satellite-derived products, applications and analytics in a number of thematic areas (including, for example: maritime, agriculture, humanitarian response/disaster recovery, climate change monitoring and mitigation, defence), using optical, radar and hyperspectral imagery acquired by both commercial and public satellite providers;

  • Earth Observation algorithm development;

  • Big data and machine learning/AI techniques;

  • Data fusion and quality control;

  • Automation of processing chains;

  • On-going operational projects, supporting the team to achieve timely deliverables and objectives.

• Travel to a variety of Airbus sites;

• Engagement with customers;

• Contribution to the company’s wider business development goals, for example through networking with the North East of England’s exciting and rapidly-growing space cluster.   

Outward Bound:

During the 1st year of the apprenticeship, you will attend a week of Team Building Activities and Exercises at one of the Outward-Bound UK Sites. Split up into teams consisting of Apprentices of all levels from various Airbus Defence and Space sites, you will work as a team to complete daily activities such as Rock Climbing, Hiking, Abseiling, Canoeing and more.

Requirements:

In order to be eligible to this apprenticeship, you must have a minimum of:

• 3 A-levels (or equivalent) atB or above which must include at least one of the following: Maths, Physics, Geography, Computer Science

AND

• GCSEs in Maths and English Language at C/4 or above

Successful candidates will be able to demonstrate the following:

• Submit yourCV stating your grades and if they are predicted or achieved;

• Submit a Cover Letterhighlighting your passion and suitability for this apprenticeship.

BOOST YOUR APPLICATION:

We want to get to know you—not just your grades or school background so, tell us on your cover letter:

• Why Airbus and this apprenticeship?
  What is it about Airbus that makes you excited to start a career with us? What is it about our company, our values, or the future of aerospace that excites you? We want to hear about what motivates you to pursue this unique path and how you see yourself growing with us.
   

• What skills and experience do you bring?
  Think about projects, hobbies, or academic subjects that have given you practical experience. This could include personal projects, academic work and extracurricular activities. 

Important Information:

GRADES: If you are on predicted grades, your offer will be conditional to achieving the position’s requirements before the apprenticeship start date.

SECURITY CLEARANCE: Eligibility to gain UK SC Security Clearance OR You will be subject to a BPSS check (including a criminal record check). 

RIGHT TO WORK IN THE UK: Candidates must have current legal authorisation to work in the United Kingdom. For more information, please check theGovernment Website.

LEVY FUNDING:Successful candidates must be eligible for the levy funding. 

Our apprenticeship roles do not meet the minimum requirements set by UK Visas & Immigration to enable sponsorship of migrant workers.

AI Guidance:We know you might be thinking about using AI to help you in your application - before you do, please read our guidelines on the use of AI for recruitment at Airbus Use of AI Guidance.

Contact:

Please let us know if you need us to make any adjustments to allow you to access and participate fully in the recruitment process. If you wish to discuss this further please contact via email [email protected]​. Any information disclosed will be treated in the strictest confidence.

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This job requires an awareness of any potential compliance risks and a commitment to act with integrity, as the foundation for the Company’s success, reputation and sustainable growth.

Company:

AIRBUS Defence and Space Limited

Employment Type:

Apprenticeship

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Experience Level:

Student

Job Family:

Support to Management

By submitting your CV or application you are consenting to Airbus using and storing information about you for monitoring purposes relating to your application or future employment. This information will only be used by Airbus.
Airbus is committed to achieving workforce diversity and creating an inclusive working environment. We welcome all applications irrespective of social and cultural background, age, gender, disability, sexual orientation or religious belief.

Airbus is, and always has been, committed to equal opportunities for all. As such, we will never ask for any type of monetary exchange in the frame of a recruitment process. Any impersonation of Airbus to do so should be reported to [email protected].

At Airbus, we support you to work, connect and collaborate more easily and flexibly. Wherever possible, we foster flexible working arrangements to stimulate innovative thinking.