Microwave Instruments Systems Engineer Placement (12 months)

Airbus Defence and Space; Portsmouth; Hybrid; GBP 21,000 - 28,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Salary £24,500

Hybrid working options

25 days holiday + bank holidays

Job summary

AIRBUS Defence and Space Limited offers an internship in Portsmouth within the Earth Observation and Science division, focused on radar/microwave/optical payloads. You will join the instrument development team and contribute to design, modelling and system analyses for spaceborne payloads.

The role is open to undergraduates for the full duration of the placement, with opportunities to learn from global experts and engage in cross-disciplinary collaboration in a space environment.

Qualifications

• Studying towards a degree in Physics, Engineering, Electronics or Microwave.
• Must be an undergraduate for the whole duration of the placement.
• Experience with performance modelling tools is advantageous.

Responsibilities

• Be integrated as part of the instrument development team working on Earth Observation radar, microwave or optical payloads.
• Undertake design activities within a specific project area.
• Develop architectural concepts and designs within payload design constraints.
• Carry out payload systems design engineering and procurement.
• Perform analyses of space-based payloads and define performance allocations.

Skills

Performance modelling

Matlab

Multidisciplinary teamwork

Education

Undergraduate degree in Physics/Engineering/Electronics or Microwave

Tools

Python

Job description

Job Description

Start date: 19 July 2027

Location: Portsmouth

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.

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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

Are you interested in an internship where you will have the opportunity to work with Earth Observation Satellite Payloads?

Then this internship is for you!

You will join our Earth Observation and Science division for your internship, specifically the radar and microwaves department in Portsmouth, with global experts in the development of spaceborne radar and radiometer payloads.

We develop spaceborne payloads that image the Earth in exquisite detail for monitoring of sea-ice zones and the polar environment, mapping in support of humanitarian aid in crisis situations, monitoring land surface motion risks and mapping of land surfaces: forests, water and soil, and agriculture.

What you will be doing

• Be integrated as part of the instrument development team working on the next generation of Earth Observation radar, microwave and/or optical payloads;
• Undertake radar, microwave and/or optical instruments architecture and design activities within a specific area of a project or equipment;
• Develop architectural concepts and designs in response to technical specifications, within payload design constraints;
• Carry out payload systems design engineering, product development and procurement for spaceborne, within the framework of the applicable requirements, guidelines and standards imposed by our customers and the technical domain;
• Perform detailed analyses of space-based payloads and sensors; Define the performance allocation between the various equipment of the payload; perform the functional analysis and decomposition of performance requirements;
• Contribute to model philosophy and Assembly, Integration & Verification planning at all levels;
• Coordinate and work with other engineering disciplines to develop robust technical solutions for the space environment and to maintain up-to-date requirement specifications on contractors or suppliers. Take into account all aspects including; reliability, failure effects, reusability, schedule, quality, cost, risk, safety and performance.

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:

• Studying towards a degree in Physics, Engineering, Electronics or Microwave (or other applicable degree) with a base in both disciplines;
• A willingness to learn from and contribute to the instrument/payload development team;
• Experience in the use of performance modelling and development tools (such as Matlab, Python...);
• Confident and able to work in a multidisciplinary systems environment.

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.

Company

AIRBUS Defence and Space Limited

Employment Type

Internship

Experience Level

Student

Job Family

Elec.Electron.&Electromag,Optics&Optron.

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