Materials and Process Engineer Placement (12 months)

Job Description:

Start date: 20 July 2026

Location: Stevenage

Duration: 12 months

Application: 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.

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Apply early to avoid missing out — we may close adverts once we receive sufficient applications.

Benefits:

Salary: £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:

Join a group of specialist engineers who provide technical solutions to materials-related problems for the manufacture of spacecraft flight hardware. Our Materials and Processes team works on a range of programmes including telecoms, Earth observation, navigation, and science missions, with some projects focusing on planets such as Mars and Venus.

We ensure that the materials and processes used on our spacecraft are fit for the demanding mission environment. Proving this suitability may include the need for qualification testing of materials and parts.

You will have the chance to work both individually and within a team, interfacing with people at all levels—from the shop floor and project teams to engineers, management, and customers.

As a valued member of our team, you'll be expected to use your knowledge of metallic and non-metallic material properties and develop your understanding of how materials perform in the harsh space environment (radiation, thermal, vacuum).

What you will be doing:

As a key member of our team, you will participate in the selection, development, evaluation, and qualification programmes for spacecraft materials and processes. You will apply your university knowledge in a commercial environment, engaging in problem-solving and data analysis to present your findings.

You will also assist in researching new materials and assessing their applicability to spacecraft. This role provides a fantastic opportunity to fully utilise your knowledge of metallic and non-metallic material properties, while significantly developing your understanding of how materials perform in the demanding space environment (including radiation, thermal, and vacuum conditions).

Working both within a team and independently, you will interface with people at all levels—from the shop floor and project teams to engineers, management, and customers—further enhancing your reporting and communication skills.

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:

• Currently studying towards a Materials Science, Materials Engineering or Physics Degree;

• Interested in developing themselves by learning from the team and from the work that you undertake;

• Ability to work within a team;

• Positive attitude towards completing tasks.

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 Defence and Space Limited

Employment Type:

Internship

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Experience Level:

Student

Job Family:

Materials & Processes