Materials Laboratory Engineer Placement (12 Months)

Airbus; Stevenage; On-site; GBP 24,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading aerospace company is offering an internship in materials laboratory engineering located in Stevenage. The role involves testing materials for spacecraft applications, requiring candidates to be undergraduate students in relevant fields. Key tasks include using various testing equipment and handling chemicals safely. A supportive team environment promotes learning and development.

Benefits

Salary: £23,850

Flexible working hours

25 days holiday plus bank holidays

Qualifications

• Candidates must be undergraduates for the entire duration of placement.
• Submission of CV and cover letter is mandatory.
• Candidates should be willing to learn and develop from the work undertaken.

Responsibilities

• Conduct materials laboratory testing for spacecraft applications.
• Use various testing equipment for analysis.
• Safe handling of chemicals in the lab.

Skills

Teamwork

Positive attitude

Interest in materials science

Education

Studying Materials Science, Materials Engineering, Chemistry or Physics

Tools

Microscopy (SEM, optical)

Mechanical testing equipment

Thermal analysis (DSC, DMA)

Job description

Overview

Job Description: Start date: 20 July 2026

Location: Stevenage

Duration: 12 months

Employment Type: Internship

Experience Level: Student

Job Family: Testing

Company: AIRBUS Defence and Space Limited

Application: We love your interest in joining Airbus. There is no limit on the number of positions you can apply for; however, 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. http://airbus.com/en/careers/use-of-ai

Apply early to avoid missing out — we may close adverts once we receive sufficient applications.

Benefits

• Salary: £23,850
• 37 hours per week
• Flexible working hours
• Half day Fridays*
• 25 days holiday plus bank holidays

*subject to completing full hours prior to this

About us

Join our team of Material Laboratory Engineers and play a vital role in spacecraft manufacturing. You will support and provide testing solutions for a wide range of activities, including material testing, qualification, in-process testing, goods receipt (Batch Acceptance) testing, and research and development.

This is a fantastic opportunity to apply your knowledge of metallic and non-metallic material properties. You will be expected to develop your understanding of how materials perform in order to support our manufacturing activities.

The Materials and Processes team works on telecom, Earth observation, navigation, and science spacecraft, with some science missions focused on planets such as Mars and Venus. We ensure that the materials and processes used on these spacecraft are fit for the mission environment. Our laboratory team supports the development and assurance of those materials by ensuring their properties are in line with all requirements.

You will have the chance to work both within a team and individually, interfacing with people at all levels—from the shop floor and project teams to engineers, management, and customers.

What you will be doing

As a key member of our team, you will get hands-on experience with materials laboratory testing for spacecraft applications. Your tasks will include:

• Using a range of equipment for microscopy (SEM, optical), mechanical testing, thermal analysis (DSC, DMA) and cleanliness and contamination testing;
• Conducting outgassing tests, as well as using GC-MS and XRF equipment;
• Safe working with chemicals such as acids.

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.

Successful candidates will be able to demonstrate the following:

• Currently studying towards a Materials Science, Materials Engineering, Chemistry or Physics Degree;
• Interested in developing themselves by learning from the team and from the work that you undertake;
• Ability to work within a team;
• Positive attitude towards completing tasks.

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.

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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: Testing

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.