Spacecraft Engineering and Operations Placement (12 months)

AIRBUS Defence and Space Limited; Chippenham; Hybrid; GBP 24,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading aerospace company in Chippenham is offering a Space Directorate internship for students studying Science, Maths, or Engineering. Interns will rotate through various assignments to gain experience in technical areas related to space projects. Candidates should have a strong interest in space and the ability to use varied software. This role also includes flexible working hours and competitive salary.

Benefits

Flexible working hours

Half day Fridays

25 days holiday plus bank holidays

Qualifications

• Studying towards a relevant degree for the duration of the placement.
• Able to inform graduation date on application.
• Motivation and suitability for the role outlined in CV and Cover Letter.

Responsibilities

• Rotate through up to 5 assignments over one year.
• Gain experience in a variety of technical areas.
• Develop understanding of future interests.

Skills

Interest in Space

Team player

Good written and verbal skills

Experience with Python

Ability to use varied software packages

Education

Science, Maths or Engineering degree

Job description

Overview

Job Description: Airbus Defence and Space – Space Directorate internship. Start date: 20 July 2026. Location: Chippenham. Duration: 12 months. Employment Type: Internship. Experience Level: Student. Job Family: Customer Flight/Mission & Ops Support.

Application: We love your interest in joining Airbus! There is no limit on the number of positions you can apply for; however, you can only progress in the selection process for one position at a time. Review all available opportunities and apply 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.

Benefits: Salary: GBP 23,850. 37 hours per week. Flexible working hours. Hybrid working. Half day Fridays. 25 days holiday plus bank holidays. Subject to completing full hours prior to this.

About us: Airbus Defence and Space is involved in numerous space projects, focusing on geostationary communications satellites and low Earth orbit missions. Our primary role is the development of new space systems from an operations perspective and in-depth analysis (including recovery operations) of existing in-orbit spacecraft. This is an internship opportunity within the Secure Comms organisation, in the Airbus Defence and Space Communications, Intelligence & Security (CIS) business line. The Space Directorate offers exposure to a range of engineering departments, including Space Engineering, Payload Engineering, Ground Engineering, Spacecraft Operations and Flight Dynamics.

What you will be doing

Based at the Hawthorn site, the Space Directorate intern will rotate through up to 5 assignments over one year. Benefits of this approach include:

• Gain experience in a variety of technical areas in the Space Directorate
• Be exposed to different tasks in a given area (e.g., analysis of spacecraft/ground sub-systems, report writing, anomaly investigation)
• Develop insight into the range of technical activities conducted in the company
• Develop understanding of future interests
• Work in a quality company that promotes best practice and supports professional development

The actual assignments offered depend on current projects and the candidate’s qualifications. Representative examples include:

• Ultra High Frequency (UHF) sub-system analysis and future operation
• Telemetry analysis and software development
• Routine operations assessment and improvement
• Recovery procedure writing and validation

Requirements

Open to Undergraduates for the whole duration of the placement. Please inform your graduation date on your application. Your application should include a CV and a Cover Letter outlining motivation and suitability for the role. Candidates must:

• Be studying towards a Science, Maths or Engineering degree
• Have an interest in Space
• Be able to use varied software packages; experience with Python is preferable
• Have good written and verbal skills
• Be a team player

Security Clearance: You will be subject to a BPSS check. You may also need UK SC-level Security Clearance or Export Control, depending on the role.

Contact

Please let us know if you need adjustments 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. This job requires awareness of potential compliance risks and a commitment to act with integrity.

Company

AIRBUS Defence and Space Limited

Experience Level: Student
Job Family: Customer Flight/Mission & Ops Support

By submitting your CV or application you consent to Airbus using and storing information about you for monitoring purposes relating to your application or future employment. Airbus is committed to workforce diversity and equal opportunities for all. We will never ask for monetary exchange in recruitment. Any impersonation should be reported to the appropriate contact.