Rodeo
Get started

Airbus

Microwave Instruments Systems Engineer Placement (12 months)

Portsmouth
£24.5k/yr
Posted about 4 hours ago
Sign up to applySee more jobs like this
Get notified of more jobs like this · No spam, ever

How your CV stacks up

1Upload CV
2Analyse CV
3Improve CV

Upload your CV to see how well it fits this job role

?%

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. 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 interested in an internship where you will have the opportunity to work with Earth Observation Satellite Payloads?

Then this internship is for you!

You will join our Earth Observation and Science division for your internship, specifically the radar and microwaves department in Portsmouth, with global experts in the development of spaceborne radar and radiometer payloads.

We develop spaceborne payloads that image the Earth in exquisite detail for monitoring of sea-ice zones and the polar environment, mapping in support of humanitarian aid in crisis situations, monitoring land surface motion risks and mapping of land surfaces: forests, water and soil, and agriculture.

What you will be doing:

During this internship, you will have the opportunity to support a range of activities such as:

  • Be integrated as part of the instrument development team working on the next generation of Earth Observation radar, microwave and/or optical payloads;
  • Undertake radar, microwave and/or optical instruments architecture and design activities within a specific area of a project or equipment;
  • Develop architectural concepts and designs in response to technical specifications, within payload design constraints;
  • Carry out payload systems design engineering, product development and procurement for spaceborne, within the framework of the applicable requirements, guidelines and standards imposed by our customers and the technical domain;
  • Perform detailed analyses of space-based payloads and sensors;
  • Define the performance allocation between the various equipment of the payload; perform the functional analysis and decomposition of performance requirements;
  • Contribute to model philosophy and Assembly, Integration & Verification planning at all levels;
  • Coordinate and work with other engineering disciplines to develop robust technical solutions for the space environment and to maintain up-to-date requirement specifications on contractors or suppliers. Take into account all aspects including; reliability, failure effects, reusability, schedule, quality, cost, risk, safety and performance.

Reasons to use Rodeo

I’m in my final year doing Economics and I don’t know whether to apply for grad schemes now or do a masters first. What do you think?

Honest answer — it depends on where you want to end up. A lot of top grad schemes (Big 4, civil service, banking) don’t need a masters. Let’s look at the ones you’d be competitive for now, and we can decide if a masters actually adds anything.

Also worth knowing: most autumn 2026 applications are open now. Timing matters more than you think.

Start with a chat, not a search bar

Grad scheme, placement, apprenticeship? Not sure what you want yet — that's fine. Your agent talks it through with you and turns "I have no idea" into a shortlist.

P

Graduate Consultant — 2026 Scheme

PwC·London, UK
£35,000/yr

Why you're a good match

Strong

Your economics background and your summer at a regional bank line up with what PwC looks for on the consulting scheme. Applications close in four weeks.

See breakdown
Save jobNot relevant
View details

It searches the market for you

Every day your agent scans the market matching roles against what actually matters to you, not just keywords on a CV.

Why you're a good match

You’ve got the grades and the economics background, and your bank internship is exactly the experience this scheme looks for. Apply soon — deadlines close within the month.

See breakdown
Strong

Experience fit

Your summer at the bank plus your econometrics coursework map directly to the day-one responsibilities on this scheme — client modelling, market briefings, and deal support.

See breakdown
Strong

Only hits

No noise. No "maybe this fits." Just roles with a clear explanation of why they're right — and where to focus when applying.

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 Physics, Engineering, Electronics or Microwave (or other applicable degree) with a base in both disciplines;
  • A willingness to learn from and contribute to the instrument/payload development team;
  • Experience in the use of performance modelling and development tools (such as Matlab, Python...);
  • Confident and able to work in a multidisciplinary systems environment.

Get help with your application

Your very own career expert that helps elevate your application to the next level.

Get help applying for this job

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:

Elec.Electron.&Electromag,Optics&Optron.

By submitting your CV or application you are consenting to Airbus using and storing information about you for monitoring purposes relating to your application or future employment. This information will only be used by Airbus.

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 emsom@airbus.com.

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.

Trusted by 25,000+ job seekers

“It took my CV and asked me questions relevant to understanding what kind of jobs to suggest for me. Suggestions were almost perfect. Jobs were exactly what I’ve been looking for.”

Jessica, London

Get help applying for this job

Skills

Radar systems
Microwave engineering
Payload design
Systems engineering
Matlab
Python
Performance modelling
Functional analysis
Requirement specifications
Spaceborne instrumentation
Technical documentation
Multidisciplinary collaboration

Location

Portsmouth, England, United Kingdom

Sign up to applySee more jobs like this