Optical and Satellite Communications Mechanical Engineering Placement (12.5 months)

Airbus; West of England; Hybrid; GBP 21,000 - 28,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Salary £24,246

Hybrid working options

Half day Fridays

25 days holiday plus bank holidays

Job summary

Airbus Central Research and Technology in Filton (Bristol) offers an undergraduate engineering placement in Communication Technologies. The role focuses on optical connectivity and RF satellite communication, with responsibilities spanning design, software testing and hardware integration for prototype systems.

Starting 16 August 2026 for 12.5 months, the placement requires ongoing undergraduate status and provides a hybrid working arrangement, salary around £24,246 a year, and opportunities to

Qualifications

• Undergraduate engineering student for whole placement duration.
• Demonstrated mechanical design skills or coursework.

Responsibilities

• Design 3D-printed and CNC'ed parts for prototype systems.
• Write and test software related to the project.
• Integrate hardware and assist with trials in lab and field tests.
• Assist team members with daily tasks and learn optics, optical communications, and RF systems.

Skills

Mechanical design

Communication skills

Team player

Independent work

Education

Undergraduate engineering student

Tools

Autodesk

Fusion 360

FreeCAD

Job description

Job Description

Start date: 16 August 2026

Location: Filton, Bristol

Duration : 12.5 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: £24,246

35 hours per week // Flexible working hours // Hybrid working options available depending on the role // Half day Fridays! // 25 days holiday plus bank holidays

About us

Are you looking for a placement in Communication Technologies within Airbus Central Research and Technology in Filton, UK? Would you like to discover and work on advanced solutions for optical connectivity and satellite communications? Then we encourage you to apply!

At Airbus Central Research & Technology, we work on cutting-edge technologies for future airborne and spaceborne systems. We provide novel functionalities while reducing the environmental footprint of Airbus products and services. You will join a team of researchers actively driving optical communications for aeronautic and space systems. You will make an impact by collaboratively performing advanced research on optical communication and satellite communication systems for our flying platforms. Our work involves collaboration with key players in the UK, the rest of Europe and the US.

What you will be doing

You’ll be working within the Communication Technologies department, which is focused on advanced solutions for optical airborne connectivity and Radio Frequency (RF) satellite communication. Your responsibilities will include:

• Designing 3D-printed and CNC'ed parts for prototype systems;
• Writing and testing software;
• Integrating hardware and assisting with trials in the lab and in outdoor field tests.

You will also assist team members with their daily tasks and have the opportunity to learn on the job about various scientific aspects of optics, optical communications, and radio-frequency systems.

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:

• Active enrollment in studying an Engineering discipline, preferable Mechanical Engineering, Electronics Engineering or RF;
• Mechanical design skills and use of programs and techniques (i.e. Autodesk, Fusion 360, FreeCad);
• You are a good team player, have excellent written and oral communication skills, and are able to work independently.

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 Operations Limited

Employment Type

Internship

Experience Level

Student

Job Family

Elec.Electron.&Electromag,Optics&Optron.

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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.