AGGP2027 - Graduate Thermal Engineer

Airbus Defence and Space; Stevenage; On-site; GBP 30,000 - 38,000; Full time

Job summary

Airbus Defence and Space is offering the AGGP2027 Graduate Thermal Engineer position in the United Kingdom. The two-year Global Graduate Programme emphasizes leadership development, technical growth, and cross-disciplinary exposure within a world-leading aerospace group.

During the programme, you will rotate through placements, engage in soft-skill training, and work on end-to-end spacecraft engineering activities from concept to verification, with a strong focus on developing future leaders in

Qualifications

• A degree in Engineering, Physics, Maths or similar.
• Recently graduated or early professional experience in engineering/space fields.
• Strong written and verbal English communications.

Responsibilities

• Design and verify thermal control systems for diverse missions (Earth Observation, Exploration, Telecommunications).
• Develop expertise with industry-standard thermal tools and gain experience with flight hardware.
• Own work packages, present technical findings, and collaborate with multi-disciplinary teams.
• Gain end-to-end spacecraft engineering lifecycle experience from initial concept to in-flight analysis.
• Explore internal placements across Airbus Defence and Space (Propulsion, Systems Engineering, AOCS).

Skills

Strong communication

Team collaboration

Leadership potential

Problem solving

Education

Engineering/Physics degree

Tools

Systema Thermica

Thermisol

ESATAN-TMS

Python

Visual Basic

FORTRAN

Job description

Job Description

AGGP2027 - Graduate Thermal Engineer

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

• Design and verify thermal control systems for a diverse range of missions including Earth Observation & Science, Exploration, and Telecommunications 2. - Undertake complex space environment work packages such as plume impingement investigations, micrometeorite analysis, outgassing, planetary surface simulations etc.
• Build expertise with industry-standard thermal engineering tools (e.g., Systema Thermica/Thermisol, ESATAN-TMS, DRAMA, Python, Visual Basic and FORTRAN) while gaining direct experience with flight hardware.
• Develop leadership and project management skills by taking ownership of work packages, presenting technical findings and collaborating effectively with multi-disciplinary teams
• Gain end-to-end spacecraft engineering lifecycle experience, spanning from spacecraft mission analysis, initial conceptual design through to verification and in-flight performance analysis
• Broaden your knowledge through internal placements within Airbus Defence and Space (e.g. Propulsion, Systems Engineering, or Attitude and Orbit Control Systems)

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 Thermal Engineer Analyst!

What We Are Looking For

• A degree level or equivalent within Engineering, Physics, Maths or similar.
• Recently graduated or first professional experience in the field of Engineering, Physics, Maths or Space.
• 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 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). For full eligibility details, please consult UK Visas and Immigration .

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 country of the position you are applying for.

What Is The Recruitment Process

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

NB: Applications will close on 30th September 2026 (don’t delay, apply early as some roles may close before this date due to applications received). All applications and CVs need to be in English.

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.

#AGGP2027

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

Permanent

Experience Level

Professional

Job Family

Fluid & Hydromechanics, Thermal

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 [e-mail] .

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.

#YESPOST