At a Glance
- Tasks: Join Airbus to design and conduct tests on cutting-edge aircraft materials and technologies.
- Company: Airbus, a leader in aerospace innovation and technology.
- Benefits: Earn £24,246, enjoy flexible hours, hybrid work options, and half-day Fridays!
- Other info: Gain hands-on experience at a state-of-the-art research facility in Bristol.
- Why this job: Be part of a dynamic team shaping the future of sustainable aviation.
- Qualifications: Undergraduate students in engineering or related fields are encouraged to apply.
Start date: 16 August 2027
Location: Filton, Bristol
Duration: 12.5 months
Applications close on 27 September 2026!
Benefits:
- Salary: £24,246
- 35 hours per week
- Flexible working hours
- Hybrid working options available depending on the role
- Half day Fridays!
- 25 days holiday plus bank holidays
About us:
This is an exciting opportunity to join Airbus for an internship in the structures test team at the Aerospace Integrated Research and Test Centre (AIRTeC) in Filton, Bristol. AIRTeC is a £100 million state of the art Research & Test facility designed specifically to provide the most advanced collaborative working environment and tools for Airbus, suppliers, partners, and academia. The structures test team is one of three centres that perform or manage the full range of tests on all Airbus Aircraft Programmes and Research & Technology Initiatives.
It is our mission to provide data that allows our products to fly & be certified; demonstrating strength & life of the cutting edge materials and aircraft components used to construct our aircraft. We are busy developing and defining the physical and virtual test means in support of future aircraft products. We must be ready to test new lightweight sustainable materials, technologies and configurations such as the future hydrogen powered aircraft, super flexible high span wings and novel blended wing body aircraft.
What you will be doing:
You will be given the opportunity to get involved in a selection of the following areas:
- Tests big & small: Designing test fixtures & systems for small material coupons up to large tests of whole aircraft wings;
- Working at the forefront of digital technologies: using AI and Data Driven Platforms to enhance our data analytics capabilities and virtual simulation test means;
- Developing advanced test methods: deploying and developing advanced measurement, control and data acquisition techniques;
- Building a “cool” future: designing & commissioning new cryogenic test facilities for hydrogen powered flight;
- Putting theory into practice: Performing “hands on” testing.
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.
We are a diverse team with a range of skills. We are interested to hear from undergraduates with studies and interest in at least one of the following areas:
- Physical Materials Testing;
- Structures;
- Metrology;
- Hydraulics;
- Control Systems;
- Data Acquisition & Sensing;
- Cryogenics;
- Virtual Test & Simulation;
- Non Linear Finite Element Modelling;
- AI & Machine Learning;
- Computer vision;
- Statistical analysis.
Successful candidates will be studying one of the following:
- Aerospace Engineering;
- Mechanical Engineering;
- Chemical Engineering;
- Control Systems;
- Systems Engineering;
- Electrical and Electronic Engineering;
- Physics;
- Civil Engineering;
- Artificial Intelligence/Data Science.
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.
Airframe Structures Test Engineer Placement (12.5 months) in Bristol employer: Airbus
Airbus Belfast Limited is an exceptional employer, offering a dynamic work environment that prioritises safety, quality, and employee growth. With a strong commitment to diversity and inclusion, employees benefit from flexible working arrangements and opportunities for continuous improvement in their roles. Located in Belfast, the company fosters collaboration across teams, ensuring that every Tool Maker can contribute meaningfully to innovative projects while developing their skills in a high-precision manufacturing context.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Airframe Structures Test Engineer Placement (12.5 months) in Bristol
✨Dive into Aerospace Communities
Get involved in online forums and networking groups specifically for aerospace engineering. Platforms like LinkedIn have specialised groups where you can connect with industry professionals and fellow students, sharing knowledge and opportunities. Keep an eye out for aerospace conferences and meetups—you never know who might have leads on placements!
✨Showcase Your Projects
If you've worked on any projects—either academic or personal—make sure to flaunt them! Create a portfolio that showcases your best work in aerospace engineering. This can be especially useful when speaking to potential employers like Airbus, as it provides tangible proof of your skills and creativity.
✨Leverage University Resources
Your university likely has ties with aerospace companies and can help you snag a placement. Don't forget to visit your career services office; they often have job boards, exclusive job fairs, and can even facilitate introductions to companies like Airbus. Make the most of these resources!
✨Apply Early and Often
Aerospace placements can be highly competitive, so make sure to cast your net wide. Keep a close eye on application windows and be proactive in applying to multiple companies, including Airbus. The earlier you apply, the better your chances—so don’t wait for the last minute!
We think you need these skills to ace Airframe Structures Test Engineer Placement (12.5 months) in Bristol
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Off Your Technical Skills:When applying for the aerospace engineering placement at Airbus, ensure your CV highlights relevant technical skills such as CAD software proficiency or knowledge of aerodynamics. We want to see how you've applied these skills in academic projects or any hands-on experiences you've had. Don’t leave us guessing!
Link Your Learning to Real-World Applications:In your cover letter, explain how your coursework connects to the role you're applying for. We love hearing about specific projects, like any relevant models or simulations you’ve worked on that demonstrate your understanding of aerospace concepts. It helps us see how you can contribute during your placement at Airbus.
Be Clear About Your Passion:Expressing your enthusiasm for aerospace engineering is important! Share what drives you in your cover letter—be it a fascination with flight mechanics or a dream of working on sustainable aviation technologies. We’re looking for candidates who are eager to learn and grow during their time with us.
Polish Up Your Project Portfolio:If you have any engineering projects, research papers or even design prototypes, compile them neatly into a portfolio. When applying for a placement, showcasing your practical work can strengthen your application. It gives us a chance to see not just what you’ve studied, but what you can actually create!
How to prepare for a job interview at Airbus
✨Brush Up on Your Technical Knowledge
Aerospace engineering is all about the nitty-gritty of aerodynamics, materials, and propulsion systems. Make sure you can discuss key concepts and maybe even some recent innovations in the industry. Expect technical questions or perhaps a case study that tests your understanding of engineering principles in real-world scenarios!
✨Bring Your Projects to the Forefront
For a placement, your practical experience matters more than you might think. Have a portfolio ready that showcases any relevant projects, projects from university, or even personal experiments. Be prepared to explain not just what you did, but how you approached challenges or worked in teams.
✨Familiarise Yourself with Industry Standards
Know the key aerospace standards and regulations, as these might pop up during your interview. Show that you’re aware of what's expected in the industry—things like safety protocols or sustainability practices. This demonstrates your commitment and understanding of the field!
✨Show Your Eagerness to Learn
As this is a placement, the hiring team at Airbus will be looking for potential as much as for experience. Highlight your enthusiasm for learning and growing within the role, and be ready to discuss how this placement can kickstart your career in aerospace engineering.
