Airbus
Spacecraft Propulsion Engineer Placement (12 months)

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Job Description
Start date: 19 July 2027
Location: Stevenage
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
Join the Airbus Propulsion team, where we design, procure, and build systems and components for a wide array of missions. From exploring the solar system and sending humans back to the moon to monitoring and providing telecommunications solutions for Earth, our work is at the heart of space exploration.
We operate across many Airbus sites in Europe, and our team in Stevenage is the centre of competence for Chemical Propulsion. We have a global supply chain and customer base, giving you the chance to work within a truly international environment.
As an intern, you will be embedded in a variety of projects and tasks, including our flagship mission, the Rosalind Franklin Propulsion Landing System. This highly complex system will land the European Rover on the surface of Mars. We have a team of people undertaking the Propulsion Design, Analysis and Validation and this is an example of the kind of project you could support while doing an internship. Additionally, you could get involved in the design and procurement of our propulsion system tanks.
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Our large team offers a huge breadth of experience, with many members having dedicated their entire careers to propulsion. You will have the unique opportunity to learn from this wealth of expertise and become part of a team shaping the future of space exploration.
What you will be doing
Main activities of the role may include:
- Opportunity to work on a wide variety of Science and Telecom Projects as a Propulsion Engineer; example projects include RFM Landing Platform, Vigil, Mars Sample Return, Variety of Telecoms projects etc;
- Generate propulsion system specifications and perform propulsion design, performance and analysis for chemical propulsion systems;
- Prepare spacecraft system test plans, test requirement preparation, verification analysis including FMECA, design verification matrices and assessing test results;
- Undertake design and structural analysis of Airbus tanks and the associated pipework;
- Concurrent engineering with system level interfaces mainly in the structural, thermal control, integration and test, attitude control and mission analysis disciplines;
- Be responsible for technical documents and presentations in support of project technical reviews;
- Delivering presentations at major project design reviews, R&D activities and future studies/proposals support;
- Responsibilities also include supporting spacecraft flight critical operations often at customer ground control facilities and reviewing spacecraft telemetry and tele-commanding.
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.
The successful candidate will be able to demonstrate the following:


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- Studying towards a degree in either Science or Engineering (or similar);
- Leadership experience;
- Work experience preferred but not essential;
- Interest/passion for Engineering and Space.
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
Sub-system development
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.
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