Space Software Engineering Placement (12 months)

Airbus; Stevenage; On-site; GBP 22,000 - 27,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Hybrid working options

Half day Fridays

25 days holiday

Job summary

Airbus Defence and Space Limited in Stevenage offers a 12‑month internship in software engineering, focusing on onboard software for satellite programs. You will shadow the development team and work with languages such as C, C++, Java, and Python, gaining hands-on experience across applications, servers, and databases.

Open to undergraduates for the full placement duration, the role emphasizes collaboration, learning the complete software development cycle in an agile setting, and contributing

Qualifications

• Undergraduate students pursuing Software Engineering for the full duration of the placement.
• CV and Cover Letter outlining motivation and suitability must be included.
• Experience in software engineering or coding is desirable.
• Good communication skills (oral and written) required.

Responsibilities

• Shadow the software development team to explore Space Software Engineering.
• Design, develop, document, and test code under supervision.
• Collaborate in a multi-developer environment and learn full-stack concepts.
• Research and apply cutting‑edge technologies relevant to space software.
• Pair programming with an experienced developer.

Skills

C

C++

Java

Python

Education

Software Engineering degree (Undergraduate)

Job description

Job Description: Start date: 19 July 2027 Location: Stevenage 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:

Join Airbus Defence & Space in Stevenage and become part of our rapidly expanding family of highly motivated and skilled software engineers. This internship offers a unique opportunity to learn about and work on a number of satellite programmes. You will have direct involvement in developing state-of-the-art on-board software, which will allow you to test and refine your analytical and software programming skills to an industry-leading standard. You will also have the chance to see many other aspects of satellite development, including specialist clean areas where payloads are manufactured. Hosted within the Engineering organisation, the On-Board Digital Payload Software Engineering department spans two of our major UK sites. We design, build, and deploy a range of software solutions to enhance our stakeholders' data and digitalise their working environments for projects including Earth Observation, Space Exploration, Science missions, and cutting-edge Telecommunications Payloads.

What you will be doing:

Within this placement, you will have the opportunity to shadow the software development team to discover Space Software Engineering. You'll use the latest tools to experience the complete software development cycle in an agile environment that has many varied commitments. The theories you've learned at university will come to life in real-world requirements. You'll have opportunities to work on applications, servers, and databases, as well as put your communication skills, design patterns, and your own stamp on our products.

• Learning and understanding the codebase you will be working on from documentation
• Designing, developing, documenting, and testing code you have written under the supervision of experienced engineers
• Getting involved in a multi-developer team
• Researching and utilising cutting-edge technologies
• Pair programming with an experienced developer
• Experiencing the full stack of software development opportunities as a valued team member
• Contributing to the development of embedded software solutions with a close link to hardware components (low-level communication layer, register control, FPGA, etc.)

You will contribute improvement ideas within a transnational organisation and use various programming languages, such as C, C++, Java, Python, and other technologies depending on the project you support.

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 Software Engineering
• Experience in software engineering, some coding
• Curious and interested in Space
• Good communication skills (both oral and written)

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.

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: Software Engineering

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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. 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.

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