Space Systems Mechanical, Thermal & Propulsion Procurement Placement (12 months)

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

Benefits offered by this job

Hybrid working options

25 days holiday + bank holidays

Half day Fridays

Job summary

Airbus Defence and Space Limited is offering a 12-month Space Propulsion, Thermal & Mechanical Systems Internship in Stevenage. The placement focuses on procurement strategies for space programmes, working with the Head of Mechanical, Thermal and Propulsion Procurement, and collaborating with suppliers and internal stakeholders in a multinational environment.

The role provides exposure to tendering, contract negotiations, and lifecycle management, with a strong emphasis on risk management, cost

Qualifications

• Open to undergraduates for the full placement duration.
• Studying towards a degree in Engineering, Business Management or equivalent.
• Good negotiation, interpersonal, and communication skills.
• Ability to persuade, influence and convince; teamwork and conflict management.

Responsibilities

• Support multifunctional team harmonisation between technologies (Propulsion, Structures, Detail Parts, Thermal Hardware and Mechanisms).
• Assist risk management and follow-up with team leaders.
• Support savings reporting and update from idea creation to completion.
• Contribute to sourcing activity, tendering and contract negotiations to achieve best purchasing conditions.
• Support monitoring of contracts across lifecycle to ensure terms are met by suppliers.

Skills

Negotiation skills

Interpersonal skills

Communication skills

Team building

Conflict management

Education

Engineering or Business Management degree

Job description

Job Description:
Start date: 19 July 2027
Location: Stevenage
Duration : 12 months

Applications close on 25 October 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 ready to launch your career with a team that's at the heart of space systems? We're looking for a motivated Space Propulsion, Thermal & Mechanical Systems Intern to join our dynamic and international team. You'll work directly with the Head of Mechanical, Thermal and Propulsion Procurement, playing a key role in defining the procurement strategies for core Airbus Space Systems Programmes. This isn't a typical internship—it's a chance to immerse yourself in an exciting, fast-paced environment and contribute to projects that are shaping the future of space.

Our team, TSPSM (Mechanical, Thermal and Propulsion Procurement for Space Systems), is a highly strategic, operational and transnational organization with a significant footprint across all our founding countries. When you join us, you’ll develop critical leadership skills and gain hands‑on experience in a multinational setting, working with both suppliers and internal stakeholders.

We operate on the principles of collective intelligence and synergy to deliver exceptional results. As we expand our initiatives to become a more digital and impactful organization, it's an incredibly exciting time to be part of our team. Join us and help us propel the future of space.

What you will be doing:

During this placement the activities you may undertake include:

• Support Multi-Functional Team harmonisation between all technologies (Propulsion, Structures, Detail Parts, Thermal Hardware and Mechanisms);
• Be responsible for the risk management of the team, including follow up with all the Multi-Functional Team Leaders;
• Be responsible of the savings reporting, securing continuous update from idea creation to saving completion;
• Support Multi-Functional Next Level project completion;
• Provide transversal support to the HO Sub-Commodity and Team Leaders;
• Contribute to the sourcing activity, support the tendering and the contract negotiation to achieve the best purchasing conditions in accordance with Company requirements;
• Support monitoring the contract (during innovation, development, serial and support phases) with suppliers and Company stakeholders to achieve throughout the contract life cycle a complete application of terms and conditions to ensure suppliers deliver expected performance in all dimensions (Logistics, support, quality, cost...);
• Support managing the day to day relationships with suppliers and running projects to optimise customer value, while minimising total cost of ownership & risks;
• Contribute to the Multifunctional/Multidivisional teams all along the tendering, contracting and contract life cycle phases.

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 Engineering, Business Management or equivalent;
• Good negotiation skills and the ability to persuade, influence and convince;
• Good interpersonal and communication skills, in relationship building, team building, motivating others and conflict management.

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:
Support to Management
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