Test Rig Fluid Mechanical Design Placement (12.5 months)

Airbus; Stoke Gifford; Hybrid; GBP 22,000 - 27,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Flexible working hours

Hybrid work options

Half day Fridays

25 days holiday + bank holidays

Job summary

Airbus Operations Limited invites undergraduates in fluid mechanics or mechanical engineering to join the Laboratory Test Means development team for a 12.5‑month internship in Filton, Bristol. You will design and commission new test rigs, modify existing rigs, and troubleshoot issues in a non-office environment with prototyping facilities.

The role emphasises hands‑on engineering, safety, teamwork, and a willingness to work across dynamic test environments involving jet fuel and hydraulic

Qualifications

• Open to undergraduates for the whole placement duration.
• Must be pursuing a degree in fluid mechanics or mechanical engineering.
• Good teamwork and communication skills required.
• Able to adapt in a dynamic environment and follow safety protocols.

Responsibilities

• End-to-end development of new test rigs from requirements to manufacturing and commissioning.
• Modify existing test rigs to support new tests.
• Troubleshoot test rig issues and ensure reliability.
• Produce 3D mock-ups, BOMs and build procedures using CATIA; work in prototyping areas with avionic and fluid rigs.

Skills

Teamwork

Communication

Adaptability

Safety awareness

Education

Undergrad in fluid mechanics or mechanical engineering

Tools

CATIA

Job description

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:

You will join the Laboratory Test Means development team. We are responsible for the development, modification and maintenance of test rigs for Fuel and Landing Gear Systems. Our skill sets include electrical design, fluid mechanical and mechanical design and test facility operations. We are not your typical office based environment as we work directly with equipment often in hazardous environments involving Jet Fuel, Hydraulic Fluid, Hot and Cold surfaces, Noise and High voltages.

Our role is to develop the means for Airbus to test new technologies and system evolutions for the Landing Gear and Fuel systems of todays aircraft and tomorrows. Life in the test centre is dynamic and day to day you can find yourself working on different topics; from supporting setting up a test for an in-service aircraft issue to understanding how to integrate a new technology into a test rig.

What you will be doing:

• End to end development of new test rigs; from requirements capture to detailed design to manufacturing/integration and commissioning of the test rig;
• Supporting the modification of existing test rigs to support a new test request;
• Troubleshooting test rig issues;
• Utilising CATIA and other tooling to produce 3D digital mock-ups, bill of materials and build procedures;
• Working within a non-office based environment with access to prototyping areas, avionic and fluid mechanical test rigs.

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.

• Undergrad studying towards a degree in fluid mechanics/mechanical engineering;
• Ability to work as part of a team;
• Strong communication skills;
• Adaptability - a willingness and ability to work in a dynamic environment;
• Alignment with our KTOPS values - Kindness, Trust, Openness, Positivity and Solidarity;
• Committed to safety protocols, a collaborative mindset, and an enthusiastic approach to hands‑on engineering environments;
• Experience in 3D drawing tools, modules in fluid mechanics, mathematics, physics would be desirable.

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.

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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: Testing

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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.