Operations and Failure Management Placement (13 months)

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

Benefits offered by this job

37 hours per week

Flexible working hours

Hybrid working options

Half day Fridays

25 days holiday + bank holidays

Job summary

AIRBUS Defence and Space Limited invites undergraduates to join its Stevenage team for a 13-month placement in the Functional Avionics group. You will learn spacecraft operation concepts, work with multiple engineering teams, and contribute to ensuring nominal and failure responses across missions such as OneSat Payload, Vigil and ExoMars Rover.

This internship requires studying in Aeronautical/Aerospace/Robotics fields, coding experience (C++, Java, Python), and strong problem-solving and

Qualifications

• Undergraduates only for the whole duration of the placement.
• CV along with a Cover Letter outlining motivation and suitability for the role.

Responsibilities

• Learn how the spacecraft works by collaborating with subsystem architects.
• Ensure the satellite operates in nominal and failure situations.
• Assist in defining initial operational concepts, mission scenarios and FDIR monitors.

Skills

C++

Java

Python

Education

Undergraduate degree in Aeronautical, Aerospace or Robotics Engineering

Job description

Job Description

Start date: 19 July 2027

Location: Stevenage

Duration: 13 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

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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

Join the Operations and Failure Detection, Isolation and Recovery (FDIR) team within the Functional Avionics group in Stevenage. Our team is responsible for looking over the Spacecraft operation in all nominal and contingency situations, from launch until end of life.

We answer critical questions like: How do we power on the spacecraft? How do we communicate with it? How do we detect a malfunction and what actions should we take if something breaks?

To achieve this, we collaborate with a wide range of disciplines to gain a complete understanding of the satellite. Specifically, we work with other Functional Engineering teams, including Software, to define telecommands and data parameters; Functional Verification, to test our Flight Operation Procedures; and Database, to implement and tune FDIR parameters.

What you will be doing

This role is a great opportunity to learn all about how the spacecraft works, since you’ll be collaborating with all of the other subsystem architects to make sure it does!

Your objective is to make sure the satellite operates in all nominal and failure situations.

We work on a range of missions, from telecoms missions such as OneSat Payload to Earth Observation, Science and Exploration missions such as Vigil and ExoMars Rover.

In the early design phase you might be helping to define the initial operational and FDIR concept including mission scenario, operational constraints, recovery levels and actions etc. On an implementation-phase project you might be going into the detail of the FDIR monitors, or working on the interfaces with software, or writing and testing Flight Operations Procedures (basically, instructions for the operator).

In any case you’ll gain great exposure to satellite design and the opportunity to exchange with and learn from a host of passionate engineers.

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.*

• Studying towards a degree in Aeronautical, Aerospace or Robotics Engineering, Electronic Design or a related field;
• Experience with coding (e.g., C++, Java and Python);
• Take initiative to solving problems and able to look to a complex situation with many variables;
• Ability to communicate effectively with a wide range of stakeholders.

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.

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

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

Chief Engineering & Architecture

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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.

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