Mechanical Engineering Placement (12 months)

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

Benefits offered by this job

Flexible working hours

Hybrid working options

Half day Fridays

25 days holiday plus bank holidays

Job summary

Airbus Defence and Space Limited in Stevenage invites undergraduates to join the Mechanical Analysis team for a 12‑month internship starting 19 July 2027. You will support engineers by developing analysis tools and performing structural analyses on space hardware, gaining hands‑on experience across design, test and qualification activities.

The role requires you to be an undergraduate for the entire duration, with opportunities to work flexibly and in a hybrid setup.

Qualifications

• Undergraduates only for the entire placement duration.
• Must be an undergraduate for the whole duration of the placement; provide graduation date in application.

Responsibilities

• Develop analysis tools to improve our processes.
• Perform mechanical analysis to support the design or test phase of space hardware projects.

Skills

Mechanical engineering

Analytical skills

Communication

Programming basics

Education

Bachelor’s or Master’s in Mechanical/Aeronautical/Aerospace Engineering

Tools

MS Excel

MATLAB

Job description

Job Description

Start date: 19 July 2027

Location: Stevenage

Duration: 12 months

Applications close on 27 September 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

Join the Mechanical Analysis department in Stevenage, a key contributor to the success of a wide variety of space missions. Our work ranges from the scientific exploration of other planets in the form of the ESA ExoMars mission, to the highly competitive provision of global telecommunications via the Airbus Defence and Space Eurostar Neo and OneSat families of spacecraft.

Our responsibilities cover the strength, stiffness, and mass performance of products, from individual equipment to large spacecraft systems. We are involved in the entire lifecycle, from conceptual design through qualification testing and final delivery to the customer.

What you will be doing

The scope of our operations at the Stevenage site covers the design, manufacture, and testing of spacecraft hardware. As an intern, you will play a key role in supporting the mechanical analysis function throughout your placement year, learning a variety of analysis skills from our experienced engineers.

You will typically be involved in:

• Developing analysis tools to improve our processes;
• Performing mechanical analysis to support the design or test phase of ongoing space hardware projects.

This is a hands‑on role that offers a fantastic opportunity to contribute to real projects and apply your academic knowledge to the practical challenges of space engineering.

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 skills:

• Studying towards a bachelor’s or master’s degree in Mechanical Engineering, Aeronautical or Aerospace Engineering, or related subject. You must be predicted 2:1 or above;
• Understanding of the fundamental principles of structural analysis;
• Appreciation of mechanical simulation software;
• Application of tools for performing and presenting engineering calculations such as MS EXCEL with others such as MATLAB considered advantageous;
• Good written and verbal communication skills;
• Some programming skills would be a plus.

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

Company: AIRBUS Defence and Space Limited

Employment Type: Internship

Experience Level: Student

Job Family: Structure Design & Integration

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.

#UK_PLA

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