Environmental Test Placement (12 months)

Airbus; Stevenage; Hybrid; GBP 22,000 - 27,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Hybrid working options

25 days holiday

Half day Fridays

Flexible working hours

Job summary

AIRBUS Defence and Space Limited offers a 12-month Environmental Testing placement in Stevenage for undergraduates in aerospace, mechanical or electrical engineering. The role focuses on TVAC and vibration testing with hands-on experience, mentorship, and a dedicated development project.

You will work in a dynamic, high-consequence environment, contributing to real projects while developing core competencies in test operations, data collection and safety practices.

Qualifications

• Currently studying for a degree in Aerospace, Mechanical, Electrical Engineering, or a related Physical Science discipline.
• Mindset: proactive, inquisitive, resilient.
• Technical Interest: hands-on engineering and hardware in launch/space environments.
• Adaptability: thrive in dynamic, on-the-ground test environment with shifting priorities.

Responsibilities

• End-to-End Test Operations: support the full lifecycle of environmental testing from setup to data collection.
• Real-World Troubleshooting: learn to navigate live testing challenges and adapt procedures under pressure.
• Technical Methodology: develop understanding of vibration profiles and vacuum chamber operations.
• Shift & Operational Robustness: support the team during peak periods and multi-customer setups.

Education

Undergraduate student in Aerospace/Mechanical/Electrical Engineering

Job description

Job Description

Start date: 19 July 2027

Location: Stevenage

Duration : 12 months

Applications close on 25 October 2026!

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.

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 https://www.airbus.com/en/careers/faqs#using-ai-in-your-application.

Benefits

Salary: £24,500

37 hours per week // Flexible working hours // Hybrid working options available depending on the role // Half day Fridays! * // 25 days holiday plus bank holidays

*subject to completing full hours prior to this

About us

Joining the Environmental Test Stevenage team as a placement engineer offers a premier opportunity to launch your career within a world-class facility carrying a rich heritage in space qualification. The role is defined by its exceptionally dynamic nature, keeping you at the forefront of aerospace engineering as you actively engage across diverse test disciplines such as Thermal Vacuum (TVAC), Vibration, Shock, and Climatic environmental testing. No two days are the same, with hands‑on tasks ranging from simulating extreme space environments (-180°C to +150°C) to evaluating hardware durability under sudden, intense forces. In addition to supporting major internal projects, our facility operates as a thriving commercial enterprise, generating a substantial £350K to £800K annually in external business revenue from SMEs within the UK space community and other high‑tech sectors. This strong commercial footprint, coupled with projected annual growth of up to 10%, ensures you will gain invaluable exposure to both advanced technical validation and real‑world business operations.

The Environmental Test Stevenage team actively champions its social and environmental responsibilities by driving investments that mitigate operational risks and implementing robust local area safety inspections to ensure an incident‑free workplace. What makes our team truly exciting is the opportunity to work within a world‑class facility with a long, rich heritage in space qualification, operating dynamic, 24‑hour shift cycles to simulate extreme environments. The real difference lies in our dual impact: we deliver high‑consequence internal qualification programs for critical space flight hardware while simultaneously running a thriving commercial enterprise that powers growth across the broader UK space community. Together, we tackle great challenges, validating next‑generation technologies against extreme space environments, ensuring product reliability under violent launch forces.

What you will be doing

Role Overview

This 12-month placement is designed to provide a broad and immersive exposure to the core disciplines of Environmental Testing (EVT) within the space industry. You will work at the heart of our operations, gaining comprehensive, hands‑on test engineering knowledge across two primary domains: Vibration Testing (small and large shakers) and Thermal Vacuum (TVAC) testing.

The internship serves as a critical talent pipeline, where you will undertake work of genuine value for Airbus Defence and Space while developing the professional skills necessary to embark on a career as a graduate or entry‑level engineer.

Key Responsibilities

As an EVT Intern, you will be expected to transition from an observer to an active contributor within our technical team. Your responsibilities will include:

• End-to-End Test Operations: Support the full lifecycle of environmental testing, from initial setup and instrumentation through to test execution and data collection.
• Real-World Troubleshooting: Gain essential operational experience by navigating the complexities of live testing. You will learn that tests do not always run smoothly and will be required to troubleshoot equipment issues and adapt procedures under pressure to ensure mission success.
• Technical Methodology: Develop a deep understanding of environmental test methodologies, including the physics behind vibration profiles and the thermal principles of vacuum chamber operations.
• Shift & Operational Robustness: Support the team during peak periods and multi‑customer setups, ensuring shift robustness and maintaining safe working methods during parallel test activities.

Professional Development & Ownership

Airbus provides the environment, but you provide the drive. This role requires a high degree of self‑motivation.

• Active Learning: You are expected to be proactive in seeking out learning opportunities and knowledge transfers from our experienced Lead Engineers and specialists.
• Placement Development Project: A cornerstone of this internship is the identification and leadership of a specific ‘Placement Development Project.’ You will be responsible for defining, leading, and delivering a project aimed at improving departmental processes, technical outcomes, or operational efficiency within the EVT group.
• Mentorship: You will be supported by a dedicated mentor and an on‑site team to guide your professional growth throughout the 12‑month term.

Requirements

Our placements are open to Undergraduates only. Therefore it is mandatory for candidates to be an undergraduate for the whole duration of the placement. Please inform your graduation date on your application.

*Your application should include a CV along with a Cover Letter outlining your motivation and suitability for the role.*

We are looking for a candidate who is ready to be challenged in a high‑consequence environment.

• Education: Currently studying for a degree in Aerospace, Mechanical, Electrical Engineering, or a related Physical Science discipline.
• Mindset: You must be proactive, inquisitive, and resilient. The ability to remain calm and focused when technical challenges arise is essential.
• Technical Interest: A genuine passion for hands‑on engineering and a desire to understand how hardware survives the harsh conditions of launch and space.
• Adaptability: A willingness to thrive in a dynamic, “on‑the‑ground” test environment where priorities and schedules can shift rapidly to meet project milestones.

This Job Request will be allocated to the projected Joint‑Venture scope towards a leading European player in space.

SECURITY CLEARANCE

You will be subject to a BPSS (Baseline Personnel Security Standard) check. You may also need to gain UK SC‑level Security Clearance or Export Control, depending on the role.

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 us. 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.

Company

AIRBUS Defence and Space Limited

Employment Type

Internship

Experience Level

Student

Job Family

Test operations

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.