Overview

Materials and Process Engineer Placement (12 months) – Internship at Airbus Defence and Space.

Start date: 20 July 2026

Location: Stevenage

Duration: 12 months

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 developing your understanding of how materials perform in the demanding space environment (radiation, thermal, and vacuum).

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.
• 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 and Compliance

You will be subject to a Baseline Personnel Security Standard (BPSS) check. You may also need to gain UK SC-level Security Clearance or Export Control, depending on the role.

Benefits

Salary: £23,850

37 hours per week; Flexible working hours; Hybrid working; Half day Fridays; 25 days holiday plus bank holidays.

About us

Join a group of specialist engineers who provide technical solutions to materials-related problems for the manufacture of spacecraft hardware. Our Materials and Processes team works on programmes across telecoms, Earth observation, navigation, and science missions, including projects on planets such as Mars and Venus. We ensure materials and processes used on our spacecraft are fit for the demanding mission environment, including qualification testing where needed.

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. You will use your knowledge of metallic and non-metallic material properties and develop your understanding of how materials perform in space environments (radiation, thermal, vacuum).

Company and recruitment

Airbus Defence and Space Limited. Employment Type: Internship. Experience Level: Student. Job Family: Materials & Processes.

By submitting your CV or application you consent to Airbus using and storing information about you for monitoring purposes relating to your application or future employment. Airbus is committed to workforce diversity and equal opportunities for all.

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