Apprentice Engine Test Technician

Summary

Start your engineering career building the engines of the future! Join CARNOT’s next generation of innovators as an Apprentice Engine Test Technician, supporting cutting‑edge R&D. Get hands‑on with real engine builds, testing, and exciting development projects. Apply now and be part of something big.

Wage

£20,000 a year

Annual Salary

Training course

Propulsion technician (level 4)

Hours

Monday - Friday, shifts to be confirmed.

37 hours a week

Start date

Sunday 6 September 2026

Duration

4 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

What you’ll get to do:

• Build and assemble cutting edge prototype engines
• Run engine tests, gather data, and learn how real R&D works
• Troubleshoot issues and help commission new systems
• Inspect, measure and prepare components for assembly
• Install and de-rig diesel and gasoline test engines
• Fix test rigs and equipment when things go wrong
• Suggest new ideas and improvements - your voice matters
• Keep everything safe, high quality, and running smoothly
• Work closely with a supportive team who’ll teach you as you go

Who you are:

You love getting stuck in, figuring out how things work, and using tools. You’re practical, curious, and ready to learn. You don’t need to know everything - just bring enthusiasm and a positive attitude.

You’d be a great fit if you:

• Enjoy working with tools or tinkering with anything mechanical
• Are good with numbers (Maths/Physics helps!)
• Can communicate clearly and work well with others
• Are self-motivated and happy to take responsibility
• Like problem solving and thinking creatively
• Have a can-do attitude
• A driving licence is useful, but not essential

Please note, this vacancy may close earlier than the advertised closing date if sufficient applications are received. Predicted grades will be considered, with offers subject to confirmation of final results.

Where you'll work

Unit 4
14 Goulds Close
Bletchley
Buckinghamshire
MK1 1EQ

Training

Apprenticeships include time away from working for specialist training. You’ll study to gain professional knowledge and skills.

Training provider

MILTON KEYNES COLLEGE

Training course

Propulsion technician (level 4)

What you'll learn

• Manage risk and the application of Health and Safety within their area of responsibility
• Communicate effectively, listen, question, support and mentor others, whilst promoting an attention to detail throughout the propulsion development process
• Manage checks on test or build systems and problem solve where issues arise
• Demonstrate critical and analytical reasoning, robust planning and task co-ordination
• Lead the setting up of equipment and ancillary systems used for build or test and where applicable carry out any required modifications
• Ensure instrumentation captures high quality data in a systematic and repeatable way
• Carry out checks, measurement and calibration activities following approved procedures and processes
• Comply with internal processes and procedures to ensure equipment is fit for purpose, maintained correctly and in calibration
• Monitor and validate test or build data quality
• Implement proposals for test or build plan modifications based on quality and quantitative data
• Prioritise test or build output to maximise efficient use of specialist equipment
• Manage all internal and external customer needs throughout test or build execution
• Develop procedures and processes necessary to meet all relevant standards and requirements, i.e. legal & code of practice
• Guide and develop other team members
• Create internal test or build instructions and process documents.
• Support the development of proposals to develop new/alternative technologies
• Lead the preparation and installation activities for propulsion units under test
• Lead the testing activity ensuring the test is carried out in line with manufacturer instructions and/or company standard operating procedures
• Check and monitor the test to ensure that it is carried out under the specified conditions set out in the test script/specification
• Ensure the servicing schedules and maintenance of propulsion testing equipment is carried out in line with manufacturer instructions and/or company standard operating procedures
• Lead the diagnosis and analysis of any faults found on propulsion units under test
• Check that all preparation activities to support the prototype engine build development programme have been carried out correctly
• Ensure that the specified components are available for the build and that they are in a usable condition
• Lead the build of the prototype/ development engine ensuring it has been built to the correct specification and is ready for testing
• Lead the diagnosis and analysis of any faults identified during the development engine build
• Lead and support modification activities to improve engine build reliability and performance
• Lead the validation process for tooling and build deviations and associated equipment/instrumentation

Training schedule

Work towards the Propulsion Technician Level 4 Apprenticeship with one day a week at Milton Keynes College. You'll engage in hands-on projects, receive expert guidance, and build a portfolio that showcases your talents.

Requirements

Share if you have other relevant qualifications and industry experience. The apprenticeship can be adjusted to reflect what you already know.

Skills

• Communication
• Team Player
• Strong Maths Ability

Other requirements

25 days holiday + bank holidays + your birthday off. Pension, perks & progression. Please note that you will need to hold a Level 3 Engineering qualification to meet the entry requirements for this apprenticeship.