Functional Validation Engineer

Airbus; Stevenage; On-site; GBP 30,000 - 36,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Profit sharing

Contributory pension

Car leasing scheme

Free onsite parking

Season ticket loan

Tech scheme

Job summary

Airbus Defence and Space Limited in Stevenage is seeking an ambitious, entry-level Functional Validation Engineer to join the Spacecraft & Systems Engineering group. You will learn how to verify and validate critical hardware and software before launch and contribute to mission-focused testing programs.

The role offers a guided development pathway, hands-on experience with test benches, and opportunities to work across international teams as part of a growing space initiatives portfolio.

Qualifications

• Strong technical aptitude in engineering, electronics or software.
• Genuine passion for aerospace and technology.
• Willingness to learn and grow in space systems.

Responsibilities

• Execute testing cycle from specification to assessment using simulated and hybrid benches.
• Validate spacecraft functional chains and sub-assemblies through open/closed-loop tests.
• Develop, write and execute ATPs against test specifications.
• Analyze test data and prepare comprehensive reports with engineers.
• Support investigations into technical anomalies and propose fixes.
• Gain exposure to project management and system architecture interactions.

Skills

Engineering aptitude

Team collaboration

English communication

Education

Engineering degree

Tools

Automated Test Procedures (ATP)

Test benches

Job description

Job Description: SECURITY CLEARANCE: Must have or be able to obtain UK Eyes Only SC Security Clearance via the UK Intelligence Community (UKIC) process. LOCATION: Stevenage (with some hybrid working available subject to our Hybrid Working Policy) TYPE: Full time

WHAT'S IN IT FOR YOU

• Financial Reward: Competitive salary, annual profit share, contributory pension, share options, car leasing scheme, free onsite parking, season ticket loan, tax-free technology scheme, discounted shopping and much more
• Work / Life Balance: 37 hour week, flexible working around core hours, hybrid working, up to 2 additional days per month as TOIL, option to buy/sell holiday. There are no core hours on Friday afternoons. Employees may use this flexibility at their discretion, provided they fulfil their contractual working hours and meet business needs (such as urgent deadlines or client requirements)
• Personal Development: Personalised development plan, Airbus Leadership University and unlimited access to 10,000+ E-learning courses, internal mobility including international opportunities
• Health & Wellbeing: Wellbeing benefits (including 24/7 online GP and mental health support), Employee Assistance Programme, discounted family health / dental insurance / eye tests, cycle-to-work scheme
• Family and Caregiving: Life assurance, enhanced pay for maternity, paternity, adoption and shared parental leave and caregiving
• Inclusive Environment: Wellbeing room, Multi-faith room, Employee Representative Groups (Gender, LGBTQ+, International, Generational, Disability, Social & Cultural Diversity, Neurodiversity)

Our world is changing. And so are we. From our commitment to zero-carbon flight (#ZEROe) to cleaning up space, sustainability is at the heart of our purpose. So what's your next change? Launch your career in space technology by contributing to groundbreaking missions like the ExoMars Rover, Solar Orbiter, and advanced earth observation satellites. At our Airbus Defence and Space site in Stevenage, we are looking for an ambitious entry-level Functional Validation Engineer to join our Spacecraft & Systems Engineering group. On this guided development pathway, you will learn how to ensure our spacecraft are "fit for mission" by verifying and validating critical hardware and software functions before they ever leave Earth.

HOW YOU WILL CONTRIBUTE TO THE TEAM

As part of the Functional Verification Team, you will be supported as you learn to address testing activities that make our spacecraft successful in space. In this role, you will:

• Execute the complete testing cycle - from specification to assessment - using both fully simulated numerical and hybrid hardware test benches.
• Validate complex spacecraft functional chains (such as GNC and DHS) and sub-assemblies through comprehensive open and closed-loop testing.
• Develop, write, and execute Automated Test Procedures (ATPs) against rigorous test specifications.
• Perform detailed test data analysis and compile comprehensive test reports in close collaboration with the wider design engineering areas.
• Support investigations into technical anomalies, actively diagnosing root causes and proposing effective engineering solutions.
• Gain valuable exposure to wider project management, including functional verification strategy, scheduling, and regular interactions with system architects and customers.

ABOUT YOU

We are looking for an enthusiastic, self-aware individual who is eager to take the driving seat in their own career development. To succeed in this role, you will bring:

• A strong technical aptitude or foundational knowledge in engineering, electronics, software, or a related field, combined with a genuine passion for aerospace and technology.
• A proactive, highly collaborative mindset with a strong desire to drive future innovation alongside a team of experienced engineers.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills in English, enabling you to effectively document tests and interact with diverse engineering teams.
• A high degree of self-awareness and a genuine drive to take ownership of your personal and professional development within the space sector.

Not a 100% match? No worries! Airbus supports your personal growth with custom development solutions.

HOW WE CAN SUPPORT YOU

Many of our staff work flexibly in many different ways, including part-time. Please talk to us at the interview about the flexibility you need and we’ll always do our best to accommodate your request. Please let us know if you need us to make any adjustments for the selection process – you can share this with your Talent Acquisition Partner if you are invited to interview. Examples may include (but not exclusive to) accessible facilities; auxiliary aids; room layout, etc. Any information disclosed will be treated in the strictest confidence. As a Disability Confident Employer, Airbus UK will offer an interview to any applicant that considers themselves to have a disability or long-term condition and meets the minimum criteria of the role (as set out in the job advert). To ‘opt in’, just select the option during your application submission and our Talent Acquisition team will contact you.

LI:MF1 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: Entry Level Job Family: Testing

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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. Airbus pioneers sustainable aerospace for a safe and united world. The Company constantly innovates to provide efficient and technologically-advanced solutions in aerospace, defence, and connected services. In commercial aircraft, Airbus offers modern and fuel-efficient airliners and associated services. Airbus is also a European leader in defence and security and one of the world's leading space businesses. In helicopters, Airbus provides the most efficient civil and military rotorcraft solutions and services worldwide. From sending your resume to participating in successful interviews, here you can access all important pieces of information to guide you in your candidate journey.