At a Glance
- Tasks: Join a team analysing and optimising telecom satellite payload architectures.
- Company: Airbus, a leader in aerospace innovation and technology.
- Benefits: £24,500 salary, flexible hours, hybrid work, and half-day Fridays!
- Other info: Dynamic Portsmouth location with great transport links and activities.
- Why this job: Make an impact in the space industry while learning from experts.
- Qualifications: Studying Telecommunications, Electrical Engineering, Mathematics, or Physics; programming knowledge preferred.
The predicted salary is between 24500 - 24500 £ per year.
Start date: 19 July 2027
Location: Portsmouth
Duration: 13 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.
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 developing and optimising innovative solutions to our telecom satellite and payload architecture? Or to work in providing engineering support to projects such as OneSAT, where we’re pushing the boundaries of satellite flexibility? Then this opportunity is for you!
You will be an integral member of a team that analyses and optimises state of the art telecom satellite payload architectures and performances based on on-board analogue and digital signal processing, active antennas reconfigurable by beamforming, passive antennas and new RF (Radio Frequency) technologies, as well as inputs to satellite systems processes in order to meet the growing demand for flexible and secure telecom satellites solutions.
Our team is responsible for providing payload performance analysis, modelling, and simulations to payload projects, and to the development of advanced payload products in particular in support of challenging and innovative on-going game-changing products to our customers across the globe, such as OneSAT, delivering satellite systems that are fully flexible and reconfigurable to meet changing market demands.
At Airbus, we help you work, connect, and collaborate more easily and flexibly. Wherever possible, we promote flexibility in our working methods in order to stimulate the spirit of innovation, and promote social sustainability and inclusivity in all we do.
Our team is located in Portsmouth and Stevenage, with the job position open in Portsmouth, a dynamic city in the south of England served by excellent transport links, and many possibilities for indoor and outdoor activities!
What you will be doing
You will evolve and learn from industry experts and direct dedicated mentorship to support your development, working within multi-disciplinary and transnational groups (UK, France), covering all the main aspects of payload performances and architecture, including RF and digital equipment, processors, active and passive antennas, systems engineering, and mission operations.
You will assist in the development of payload architecture through performance evaluation and will contribute to the definition of operational tools through the development of payload models. Through this you will have the opportunity to move beyond the textbook to hands‑on practical application and understanding via support to laboratory test bench activities, or assisting in the payload integration validation and test phase to allow us to deliver on our business commitments.
Your tasks will include preparing performance analyses, evaluating payload settings in accordance with mission needs and supporting payload design trade-offs, including analysing RF performances. This job will allow working on a variety of disciplines such as signal processing, simulation, modelling and optimisation of a communications chain including RF and digital equipment, as well as access to other engineering disciplines that enable and deliver next generation satellites, such as Electrical Systems, EMC, and Mechanical Systems and Thermal management.
There will also be opportunities to support the payload delivery including payload and spacecraft environmental test campaigns and review of test results.
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 Telecommunications Systems, Electrical or Electronic Engineering, Mathematics, or Physics;
- Basic knowledge of computer programming (e.g. Matlab, Python etc.);
- Experience with modelling tools such as Simulink, SystemVue, ADS (Advanced Design Suite) etc. would be a plus;
- Understanding of utilisation of RF instruments, test equipment; test techniques will be desired;
- Proficient in MS Office applications, especially Microsoft Excel, or Google Suite;
- Desire to work in the Space Industry is essential;
- Displaying and understanding Systems Engineering thinking and behaviours is also a plus.
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.
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.
Telecom Digital Payload Analysis & Systems Engineering Placement (13 months) in Portsmouth employer: Airbus Defence and Space
Airbus Defence and Space Limited is an exceptional employer, offering a dynamic work environment in Portsmouth, Stevenage, or Newport, where employees can thrive both personally and professionally. With a strong focus on work-life balance, competitive financial rewards, and extensive personal development opportunities, Airbus fosters a culture of inclusivity and support, ensuring that every team member can grow and succeed in their career while enjoying a fulfilling life outside of work.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Telecom Digital Payload Analysis & Systems Engineering Placement (13 months) in Portsmouth
✨Hit Up Engineering Meetups
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✨Participate in Relevant Projects
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✨Apply Early and Often
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We think you need these skills to ace Telecom Digital Payload Analysis & Systems Engineering Placement (13 months) in Portsmouth
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Off Your Projects:As an engineering placements applicant, make sure to highlight any relevant projects you've worked on, be it in university or personal initiatives. We love seeing your hands-on experience, so don't shy away from including details about the technologies you used and the problems you solved.
Tailor Your CV for Engineering:When crafting your CV, focus on engineering-specific skills and tools you're familiar with. Mention software proficiency, technical skills, and any engineering-related modules or coursework that showcase your knowledge and experience relevant to the role at Airbus Defence and Space.
Express Your Enthusiasm!:In your cover letter, take the chance to express why you're excited about this placement at Airbus Defence and Space. Highlight how this opportunity aligns with your career goals and what you hope to learn during your time with us. Your motivation is just as important as your qualifications!
Include Relevant Certifications:If you've got any engineering certifications or completed online courses that enhance your skills, be sure to mention them. These little extras can really boost your application and show that you're keen to learn and develop as an engineer during your placement.
How to prepare for a job interview at Airbus Defence and Space
✨Brush Up on Core Engineering Principles
For an engineering placement like the one at Airbus Defence and Space, make sure you're well-versed in the fundamental concepts relevant to the specific engineering discipline you're applying for. Be prepared to tackle a few technical questions that require you to demonstrate your problem-solving skills and your understanding of essential theories.
✨Show Off Your Projects
Having a solid portfolio of projects can really set you apart. Whether it's your academic work, personal projects, or technical challenges you've tackled, be ready to discuss them. If possible, bring any relevant materials along, as visual aids can help you articulate your thought process and design choices more clearly in the eyes of your interviewers.
✨Prepare for Problem-Solving Scenarios
In the engineering field, it's not just about knowing the theory; you'll often have to solve real-world problems on the spot. Make sure you can approach a problem methodically, explaining your thought process. Practice common engineering scenarios or case studies related to your desired role to build your confidence.
✨Express Your Eagerness to Learn
Since this is a placement, employers at Airbus Defence and Space are looking for potential over perfection. Be upfront about what you hope to learn and how passionate you are about growing in the engineering field. Show that you’re not only ready to contribute but also keen to absorb knowledge and gain experience from seasoned professionals.
