Radio Frequency (RF) Test System Engineering Placement (12 months)

Airbus; Portsmouth (VA); Hybrid; USD 30,000 - 36,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Hybrid working options

25 days holiday plus bank holidays

Job summary

AIRBUS Defence and Space Limited is offering a paid internship in Portsmouth for a student in the Payload Test domain. The role supports satellite payload test campaigns across multiple live projects and involves hardware design, software development, and system validation.

Open to undergraduates for the full 12‑month duration, with hybrid working options. The team focuses on RF/validation tasks and collaboration across systems engineering and production operations.

Qualifications

• Undergraduate student currently pursuing an Engineering, Science, or Production based degree.
• Basic knowledge of LabVIEW and/or Java.
• Familiarity with Agile/Sprint methodologies and good communication skills.

Responsibilities

• Design and procure new test system hardware.
• Initial assembly, validation and commissioning of new test system hardware.
• Write new test system software and support investigations with systems engineering.
• Generate and validate parametric data; validate test code and deploy systems to the cleanroom.
• Support live test campaigns and investigations, participating in sprints and daily scrums.

Skills

LabVIEW

Java

Agile

Education

Undergraduate degree in Engineering/Science/Production

Tools

N/A

Job description

Job Description:

Start date: 19 July 2027

Location: Portsmouth

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.

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:

The Payload Prepare for Test team works on the electrical and RF testing of telecommunication satellite spacecraft products, specifically on the NEO and the new OneSat platforms. Our team is composed of RF validation, hardware, and software engineers who collaborate to deliver our test solutions in the following areas:

Test System Development

• Interpreting test requirements to develop new test systems and test types in line with project needs and to satisfy the validation and system team;
• Forward looking group anticipating future needs and obsolescence to deliver world class RF and Electrical payload check out systems;
• Continually looking to improve testing through innovation and new technologies.

Test Deployment

• On time validation and deployment of our test assets to project / operations;
• Providing on the ground and first line support to spacecraft production operations;
• Ownership of first closure Non-Quality (NQ) resolution related to test systems.

RF Engineering and Validation

• Customer facing team liaising directly with external and internal customers to ensure we deliver against testing requirements and expectations;
• Governance of test processes related to operations and preparation;
• Providing test inputs to production schedules and management of live test phases;
• Validation of test system and payload results to ensure compliance with requirements.

What you will be doing:

During this internship, you will support Satellite Payload Test functions detailed above and contribute to the successful delivery of payload test campaigns across multiple live projects.

Typical activities include:

• Design and procurement of new test system hardware;
• Initial assembly, validation and commissioning of new test system hardware;
• Writing of new test system software;
• Supporting investigations with the systems engineering team;
• Test System parametric data generation and validation;
• Test System test code validation;
• Test System calibration and deployment to the cleanroom;
• Test System emulation of parametric data;
• Test System support of live test campaigns and investigations.

These activities will involve participating in our sprints and daily scrums, and when needed, you'll be in the cleanroom supporting the test system itself.

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.

As the successful candidate, you should be able to demonstrate the following:

• Currently studying towards an Engineering, Science, or Production based degree;
• Have a basic knowledge of Labview and/or Java, and have basic knowledge of Agile/Sprint methodologies;
• Communication skills, teamwork, presentation skills, and you are proactive and not afraid to speak up or ask questions.

*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.

#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:

Manufacturing Engineering

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].

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.