Microwave Instruments Systems Engineer Placement (12 months)

Airbus; Portsmouth; On-site; GBP 25,000 - 26,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Salary: £24,500

Hybrid working

25 days holiday

Job summary

Airbus Defence and Space Limited offers an internship in the Earth Observation and Science division, specifically in the radar and microwaves department in Portsmouth. The placement is open to undergraduates for 12 months, starting 19 July 2027, with a salary of £24,500 and 37 hours per week.

The role involves integrating with the instrument development team and contributing to payload architectures. You will work on next-generation radar/microwave/optical payloads, perform analyses, and

Qualifications

• Studying towards a degree in Physics, Engineering, Electronics or Microwave (or other applicable degree) with a base in both disciplines.
• 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...)

Responsibilities

• 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.

Skills

Performance modelling

Multidisciplinary teamwork

MATLAB

Python

Education

Physics/Engineering degree

Tools

MATLAB

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.

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

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.

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

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 Information

Company: AIRBUS Defence and Space Limited Employment Type: Internship ------- Experience Level: Student Job Family: Elec.Electron.&Electromag,Optics&Optron.

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. 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.