AGGP2027 – Graduate Structures Test Engineer

Cooper & Hall Limited; West of England; Hybrid; GBP 30,000 - 36,000; Full time

Job summary

Airbus is offering a Global Graduate Programme in the United Kingdom for graduates to develop into a Graduate Structures Test Engineer. The programme combines a two-year, personalized development journey with rotations across test engineering domains, leadership development, and in-person and virtual workshops to build technical and leadership capabilities.

You will join AIRTeC and work on cutting-edge aerospace testing, data analytics, and future propulsion and structural innovations, with

Qualifications

• Strong verbal and written communication in English.

Responsibilities

• Join a two-year development journey to become Graduate Structures Test Engineer through rotational placements.
• Gain exposure to test leading, metrology, data acquisition, and advanced test technologies within AIRTec and related structures teams.
• Participate in hands-on testing, data analysis, and development of structural test methods for next-generation aerospace products.

Skills

English proficiency

Collaborative mindset

Self-driven development

Interest: Structures

Interest: Metrology

Education

Undergraduate degree in relevant field

Job description

Start date: September 2027

Are you a university graduate with the aspiration, enthusiasm, and talent to help us pioneer sustainable aerospace for a safe and united world? Every year, Airbus seeks bright minds from around the globe to fill critical roles that will shape our future.

When you begin your career with us, we don't just offer a job; we accelerate your growth through the Airbus Global Graduate development journey. This isn't a one-size-fits-all program; it's a personalized, two-year experience designed to cultivate your professional skills, enhance your business acumen, and hone your technical abilities. We place a strong emphasis on developing your leadership potential from day one. You'll gain a unique perspective on the world of Airbus while contributing directly in a specific, impactful position.

During the two years, we will take you on a soft-skill development journey, covering such areas as inclusive leadership, our Values, resilience, communication and emotional intelligence, with various in-person and virtual workshops.

Beyond your daily responsibilities and this comprehensive schedule of training, you'll join your global graduate community annually for an in-person dedicated development week. This is your chance to connect with your peers, learn directly from our seasoned leaders, and gain insights from the best in the industry.

Throughout the programme, you will be developed into an established and valuable team member from day 1. You'll sharpen your skills in an area strategically important to Airbus, gaining a deep understanding of our business – its opportunities, challenges, and needs. Most importantly, you'll have learned more about yourself and what makes you truly great. You will have demonstrated your capability and readiness to take on future leadership challenges within Airbus.

Above all, you'll have the unparalleled opportunity to do your best work in an industry that is literally reshaping how we live in our world.

What you will be doing

You will be on a development journey to guide your growth into the role of Graduate Structures Test Engineer and can expect to be involved in the following:

AIRTeC is a premier £100 million state-of-the-art facility that fosters a high-tech collaborative environment for Airbus and its network of partners, academia, and suppliers. This center enhances the site's world-class capabilities in aircraft design, assembly, and manufacturing. Our team is one of three specialized centers globally responsible for executing and overseeing the entire testing spectrum for all Airbus Aircraft Programmes and Research & Technology (R&T) initiatives.

Our core objective is to deliver the vital data required for aircraft certification and flight safety, proving the durability and strength of innovative materials and structural components. We are currently shaping the future of aviation by developing both physical and virtual test methods for next-generation products. This includes preparing for the challenges of testing sustainable lightweight materials and revolutionary aircraft configurations, such as high-span flexible wings, blended wing bodies, and hydrogen-powered propulsion systems.

The Structures Test team is composed of several specialized skill groups:

• Test Leading: Overseeing the overall testing process.
• Test Means Engineering: Specializing in mechanical design and stress analysis.
• Advanced Test Technologies: Managing data acquisition, hydraulics, control systems, instrumentation, and metrology.
• Test Operations: Handling calibration, test preparation, and final execution.

In the test center you will be given the opportunity to get involved in a selection of the following areas:

• Tests big & small: Designing test systems for small material coupons up to large tests of whole aircraft wings!
• Working at the forefront of digital technologies: using AI and Data Driven Platforms to enhance our data analytics capabilities and virtual simulation test means.
• Developing advanced test methods: deploying and developing advanced measurement, control and data acquisition techniques.
• Building a “cool” future: designing & commissioning new cryogenic test facilities for hydrogen powered flight.
• Putting theory into practice: performing “hands on” testing.

As a graduate, you will gain a comprehensive perspective on structural testing. Through structured rotational placements across these skill groups and the broader organization, you will build a holistic understanding of our aircraft and the critical partnerships between the test center and the wider development teams.

Your development journey will include a minimum of one rotational placement to support your growth into position.

At the end of the two-year development programme you will have developed into the position of Graduate Structures Test Engineer.

What we are looking for

To be a successful applicant, you will need to demonstrate you have:

• A degree level or equivalent within a relevant field of study: Minimum of undergraduate degree level in Materials Science, Aerospace Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Control Systems, Instrumentation, Systems Engineering, Mechatronics, Civil Engineering, Data Science, Applied Measurement Science / Metrology, Robotics/Mechatronics, Physics
• Strong verbal and written communication in our business language (English)
• A desire to work in a collaborative team environment, focused on driving future innovation
• The ability to be self-aware and a wish to be in the driving seat of your development.
• We are interested to hear from undergraduates with skills/experience and interest in at least one of the following areas: Structures, Metrology, Hydraulics, Control Systems, Data Acquisition & Instrumentation, Virtual Test & Simulation, AI & Machine Learning, Physical Materials Testing, Computer Vision, Statistical Analysis, Robotics & automation.

Please note, we love your interest in working for Airbus but we do ask that you make only one application to the Airbus Global Graduate Programme. Take the time to decide which of our exciting opportunities is right for you and then submit an application that best represents you, your skills and experience in connection with the role you have selected.

Please note, we are unable to provide Skilled Worker visa sponsorship for this position. We welcome applications from candidates with existing right to work in the UK or those eligible via other routes (e.g., Graduate Visa, Youth Mobility Scheme).

STATEMENT: This position requires a security clearance or will require being eligible for clearance by the recognized authorities. You must also have (or will have) the right to work in the United Kingdom

What is the recruitment process

Online application -> Online Task Based Assessment -> Application Review (Talent Acquisition Partner & Manager) -> Virtual Assessment Centre -> Offer!

Please let us know if you need us to make any adjustments. Examples of this may include (but is not exclusive to) accessible facilities and additional time for written exercises etc. Any information disclosed will be treated in the strictest confidence.

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.