Optical and Satellite Communications Software Engineering Placement (12.5 months)

Airbus; Filton; Hybrid; GBP 22,000 - 27,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Hybrid working

Flexible hours

Half-day Fridays

25 days holiday

35 hours per week

Job summary

Airbus Operations Limited in Filton, Bristol, invites undergraduates to join the Communications Technologies team for a placement in optical connectivity and RF satellite systems within Airbus Central Research and Technology. You will contribute to cutting-edge research for future airborne and space platforms.

You will design hardware and software prototypes, code and test software, and assist with hardware integration in lab and field trials.

Qualifications

• Open to undergraduates only for the full duration of the placement.
• Must remain an undergraduate for the whole placement period.
• Include a CV and Cover Letter outlining motivation and suitability.
• Active enrollment in an Engineering discipline (e.g., Software, Electronics, RF systems).
• Knowledge of information theory and control theory and programming experience with processors and microcontrollers.

Responsibilities

• Work in the Communication Technologies department on optical airborne connectivity and RF satellite communications.
• Design 3D-printed and CNC parts, code and test software, and assist with hardware integration in lab and field trials.

Skills

Teamwork

Communication

Independent work

Education

Undergraduate student in Engineering

Tools

Raspberry Pi

Arduino

Job description

Start date: 16 August 2027 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? 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.

• Designing 3D-printed and CNC'ed parts for prototype systems
• Coding 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.
• 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.
• Active enrollment in studying an Engineering discipline, preferable Software Engineering, Electronics Engineering, or RF systems Engineering.
• Knowledge of information theory, control theory and programming experience with processors and microcontrollers (i.e.: Raspberry PI, Arduino, etc.).
• 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.

Please let us know if you need us to make any adjustments to allow you to access and participate fully in the recruitment process. Any information disclosed will be treated in the strictest confidence.

Company Information

Company: Airbus Operations Limited Employment Type: Internship ------- Experience Level: Student Job Family: Elec.Electron.&Electromag,Optics&Optron.

Consent

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.

EEO and Diversity

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].

Other Information

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.