Engineering - Mechanical Apprentice
TKMS ATLAS UK LIMITED
Dorchester (DT2 8ZB)
Closes on Friday 19 February 2027
Posted on 5 November 2026
Contents
Summary
As an apprentice engineer at ATLAS UK you will be helping our teams from your very first day delivering exciting and cutting edge technical developments in support of UK national defence. You will be supported with the necessary training to provide you with the skills and experience to become a future technical leader and Chartered Engineer.
- Wage
-
Competitive
Competitive wage offered
- Training course
- Product design and development engineer (degree) (level 6)
- Hours
-
At ATLAS UK we work flexibily, allowing start times from 0700-0930, and finish times from 1530 (Mon-Thurs) and 1200 (Fri). Our working week is 37 hours.
Total hours per week: 37
37 hours a week
- Start date
-
Wednesday 1 September 2027
- Duration
-
2 years
- Positions available
-
1
Work
Most of your apprenticeship is spent working. You’ll learn on the job by getting hands-on experience.
What you'll do at work
Under the supervision of highly skilled engineers you will become competent in the following:
- Fundamentals of designing product (mechanical/electrical/electronic/software) components
- Competent and efficient in the use of Computer Aided Design (CAD) ad software based tools
- Develop an understanding of product lifecycle management principles and tools
- Use and maintenance of the company’s engineering facilities
- Integration of components into our products
- Laboratory and sea based testing of our products
You may be asked to undertake tasks which requires you to develop knowledge across multiple disciplines so that you are able to play a key role in the integration and testing of our world leading products.
Where you'll work
Dorset Innovation Park
Winfrith Newburgh
Dorchester
DT2 8ZB
Training
Apprenticeships include time away from working for specialist training. You’ll study to gain professional knowledge and skills.
Training provider
THE BOURNEMOUTH AND POOLE COLLEGE
Training course
Product design and development engineer (degree) (level 6)
Understanding apprenticeship levels (opens in new tab)
What you'll learn
Course contents
- Translate conceptual ideas or technical requirements into developmental outcomes or operational designs or specifications for products, systems or components to solve engineering challenges such as compliance, technology, technical or physical challenges.
- Select, use and apply approved problem-solving methods to solve complex problems and determine appropriate solutions or actions such as Define, Measure, Analyse, Improve, and Control (DMAIC), Failure Mode Effects Analysis (FMEA) or Plan-Do-Check-Act (PDCA).
- Collate and use a range of data sources and supporting documentation to support projects.
- Interpret and produce technical documentation such as schematic and circuit diagrams, engineering drawings or 3D CAD models, simulation models, project plans, engineering reports, test reports, fault reports or data analytics using company documentation systems and guidelines.
- Observe, record and draw accurate and auditable conclusions from data or developmental or test evidence.
- Manage assigned projects or programmes of work to meet the required specification, taking into account factors such as resource requirements, safety, quality, cost and performance or sustainability criteria. Apply processes for project or programme management including outcomes such as escalation, audit or risk management and risk mitigation.
- Comply with statutory and organisational safety standards and requirements, supporting safety risk assessments and mitigate any risks identified within the design, manufacture, development or test activity.
- Identify resources, such as digital tools or technologies, human, equipment, materials or data, to complete design and development projects or programmes of work.
- Create and manage a project or work programme plan and develop activities in a logical process embedding mechanisms for adapting to changing circumstances or requirements.
- Demonstrate leadership when undertaking product design, development, modification or update engineering activities.
- Identify and rectify faults, inaccuracies, discrepancies or unexpected results during the design or development process, which may impact the quality and reliability of the product, system or component.
- Ensure that all systems or equipment has been correctly configured and checked for safe operation before use.
- Evaluate engineering designs, development or modification options.
- Identify areas for improvement and lead continuous improvement activities in the operation and performance of the product, system or component.
- Complete project documentation checks throughout the activity and report non-conformances.
- Translate conceptual ideas or technical requirements into developmental outcomes or operational designs or specifications for products, systems or components to solve engineering challenges such as compliance, technology, technical or physical challenges.
- Select, use and apply approved problem-solving methods to solve complex problems and determine appropriate solutions or actions such as Define, Measure, Analyse, Improve, and Control (DMAIC), Failure Mode Effects Analysis (FMEA) or Plan-Do-Check-Act (PDCA).
- Collate and use a range of data sources and supporting documentation to support projects.
- Interpret and produce technical documentation such as schematic and circuit diagrams, engineering drawings or 3D CAD models, simulation models, project plans, engineering reports, test reports, fault reports or data analytics using company documentation systems and guidelines.
- Observe, record and draw accurate and auditable conclusions from data or developmental or test evidence.
- Manage assigned projects or programmes of work to meet the required specification, taking into account factors such as resource requirements, safety, quality, cost and performance or sustainability criteria. Apply processes for project or programme management including outcomes such as escalation, audit or risk management and risk mitigation.
- Comply with statutory and organisational safety standards and requirements, supporting safety risk assessments and mitigate any risks identified within the design, manufacture, development or test activity.
- Identify resources, such as digital tools or technologies, human, equipment, materials or data, to complete design and development projects or programmes of work.
- Create and manage a project or work programme plan and develop activities in a logical process embedding mechanisms for adapting to changing circumstances or requirements.
- Demonstrate leadership when undertaking product design, development, modification or update engineering activities.
- Identify and rectify faults, inaccuracies, discrepancies or unexpected results during the design or development process, which may impact the quality and reliability of the product, system or component.
- Ensure that all systems or equipment has been correctly configured and checked for safe operation before use.
- Evaluate engineering designs, development or modification options.
- Identify areas for improvement and lead continuous improvement activities in the operation and performance of the product, system or component.
- Complete project documentation checks throughout the activity and report non-conformances.
Training schedule
- Upon completion of your apprenticeship you will obtain between a Level 6 qualification (or equivalent) with Bournemouth and Poole College through day release once a week
- We also offer the opportunity to complete further qualifications should you want to continue your studies
- Functional Skills in English and maths if required
Requirements
Desirable qualifications
A Level in:
- Engineering (grade Grade C)
- Maths (grade Grade C)
- Physics (grade Grade C)
- Product Design (grade Grade C)
BTEC in:
Share if you have other relevant qualifications and industry experience. The apprenticeship can be adjusted to reflect what you already know.
Skills
- Communication skills
- IT skills
- Attention to detail
- Organisation skills
- Problem solving skills
- Analytical skills
- Logical
- Team working
- Initiative
- Enthusiam
- Self motivated
Other requirements
The successful candidate must be able to achieve full SC (Security Clearance).
About this employer
TKMS ATLAS UK (ATLAS UK) provides innovation for underwater systems for the Royal Navy (RN). Operating from its Headquarters at Winfrith in Dorset, ATLAS UK has invested in its unique in-house test and integration facilities in order to support its growth in supply to UK and global markets of submarine and ship systems, including sonar, autonomous systems, marine electric actuation and mine countermeasures. ATLAS UK has waterside access in Portland Harbour that provides ATLAS UK and its partners with excellent facilities to test systems at sea. ATLAS UK is a leading innovative maritime systems company operating throughout all phases of the acquisition and engineering lifecycles, from Concept to In-service Support
After this apprenticeship
Your earnings can increase over time with an apprenticeship. Find out about potential future pay (opens in new tab).
- In any of these roles you will be supported with the necessary training and development to provide you with the skills and experience to become a future technical leader and Chartered Engineer
- You can help drive forward ATLAS UK’s exciting engineering product development and contribute directly to UK national defence
Ask a question
The contact for this apprenticeship is:
THE BOURNEMOUTH AND POOLE COLLEGE
futuretalent@uk.tkmsgroup.com
The reference code for this apprenticeship is VAC2000062883.
Apply now
Closes on Friday 19 February 2027