At a Glance
- Tasks: Join a dynamic team to develop cutting-edge software for satellite programmes.
- Company: Airbus Defence and Space, a leader in aerospace innovation.
- Benefits: Earn £24,500, enjoy flexible hours, half-day Fridays, and 25 days holiday.
- Other info: Gain hands-on experience in a collaborative environment with excellent career growth.
- Why this job: Dive into the world of space engineering and make a real impact on satellite technology.
- Qualifications: Must be an undergraduate in Software Engineering with coding experience.
The predicted salary is between 24500 - 24500 £ per year.
Start date: 19 July 2027
Location: Stevenage
Duration: 12 months
Applications close on 27 September 2026
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 Airbus Defence & Space in Stevenage and become part of our rapidly expanding family of highly motivated and skilled software engineers. This internship offers a unique opportunity to learn about and work on a number of satellite programmes. You will have direct involvement in developing state-of-the-art on-board software, which will allow you to test and refine your analytical and software programming skills to an industry-leading standard. You will also have the chance to see many other aspects of satellite development, including specialist clean areas where payloads are manufactured.
Hosted within the Engineering organisation, the On-Board Digital Payload Software Engineering department spans two of our major UK sites. We design, build, and deploy a range of software solutions to enhance our stakeholders' data and digitalise their working environments for projects including Earth Observation, Space Exploration, Science missions, and cutting-edge Telecommunications Payloads.
What you will be doing
Within this placement, you will have the opportunity to shadow the software development team to discover Space Software Engineering. You'll use the latest tools to experience the complete software development cycle in an agile environment that has many varied commitments. The theories you've learned at university will come to life in real-world requirements. You’ll have opportunities to work on applications, servers, and databases, as well as put your communication skills, design patterns, and your own stamp on our products.
The activities you may undertake will include:
- Learning and understanding the codebase you will be working on from documentation;
- Designing, developing, documenting, and testing code you have written under the supervision of experienced engineers;
- Getting involved in a multi-developer team;
- Researching and utilising cutting-edge technologies;
- Pair programming with an experienced developer;
- Experiencing the full stack of software development opportunities as a valued team member;
- Contributing to the development of embedded software solutions with a close link to hardware components (low-level communication layer, register control, FPGA, etc.).
You will contribute improvement ideas within a transnational organisation and use various programming languages, such as C, C++, Java, Python, and other technologies depending on the project you support.
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 Software Engineering;
- Experience in software engineering, some coding;
- Curious and interested in Space;
- Good communication skills (both oral and written).
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.
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 Software Engineering
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.
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.
Space Software Engineering Placement (12 months) in Stevenage 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 Space Software Engineering Placement (12 months) in Stevenage
✨Get Involved with Open Source Projects
Diving into open source is a fantastic way to showcase your skills and build a solid portfolio that speaks volumes. Contributing to projects on platforms like GitHub not only helps you learn, but it puts your work in front of potential employers, including places like Airbus Defence and Space!
✨Attend Hackathons and Tech Meetups
Jumping into hackathons or local tech meetups can give you great exposure to the industry. Not only do you get to network with like-minded individuals, but you might even catch the attention of recruiters from companies like Airbus Defence and Space while collaborating on exciting projects.
✨Leverage University Career Services
Don’t underestimate the power of your university's career services! They often have connections with companies looking for placement candidates like us. They can guide you on preparing for interviews and even help set up networking events.
✨Show Off Your Projects on Your Personal Website
Create a portfolio website to showcase your coding projects and development skills. This is a brilliant way to give a peek into your personality and capabilities while letting potential employers like Airbus Defence and Space see your work up close. Plus, it shows you're proactive!
We think you need these skills to ace Space Software Engineering Placement (12 months) in Stevenage
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Off Your Projects:In software engineering, showcasing your portfolio is key! Include links to GitHub repositories or any relevant projects you've worked on. This will give us a clear idea of your coding skills and what you can bring to Airbus Defence and Space.
Highlight Relevant Skills:Make sure to emphasise programming languages, frameworks, and tools you’re familiar with on your CV. For a placement, we love seeing candidates who are eager to learn and adapt, so don’t hesitate to include any relevant coursework or certifications you’ve completed.
Tailor Your Cover Letter:In your cover letter, focus on why you’re interested in a placement with Airbus Defence and Space specifically. Tell us what you hope to learn and how we fit into your career goals—not just what you can do for us, but what you want to gain from the experience.
Be Ready to Talk Tech:Prepare for the possibility of a technical assessment or interview. Brush up on coding challenges and be ready to discuss your approach to problem-solving. Remember, we are looking for your thought process and ability to learn, not just the correct answer!
How to prepare for a job interview at Airbus Defence and Space
✨Brush Up on Your Coding Skills
For a software engineering placement at Airbus Defence and Space, be ready to tackle coding challenges. You might face questions on algorithms, data structures, or even a live coding session. Practising on platforms like LeetCode or HackerRank can really sharpen your skills and boost your confidence!
✨Showcase Your Projects
Have a couple of your projects on hand to discuss during the interview. Whether it's a personal project or something from your coursework, being able to explain your thought process, the technologies you used, and any challenges you faced can make a great impression. Be prepared to dive into the specifics and even share your GitHub link!
✨Understand the Tech Stack
Make sure you're familiar with the technologies and tools that Airbus Defence and Space uses. If you see mentions of specific languages or frameworks in the job description, brush up on them. This shows your enthusiasm and preparedness for the role, making you a more attractive candidate!
✨Be Ready to Learn and Adapt
As this is a placement, the hiring team at Airbus Defence and Space will be keen to hear about your motivation and potential to grow. Be open about what you want to learn from the role. Highlight experiences where you've adapted to new situations or picked up new skills quickly to showcase your enthusiasm for the opportunity.
