At a Glance
- Tasks: Gain hands-on experience in non-destructive testing of aircraft structures.
- Company: Join Airbus, a leader in aerospace innovation and sustainability.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, flexible hours, half-day Fridays, and 25 days holiday.
- Other info: Dynamic, transnational team with excellent career growth opportunities.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on aviation safety and sustainability while developing your skills.
- Qualifications: Must be an undergraduate in Material Science, Physics, or Aerospace Engineering.
The predicted salary is between 49500 - 60500 £ per year.
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:
We are a transnational Airbus Engineering team specializing in the Non-Destructive Testing (NDT) of aircraft structures within the Materials, Processes, and Tests domain. Our mission is to ensure the safety and quality of current and future aircraft by detecting defects and structural damage using cutting-edge, eco-efficient NDT technologies.
Our Core Responsibilities:
- Innovation & Qualification: Specifying, developing, and qualifying eco-efficient NDT processes (e.g., ultrasound, X-ray, eddy current) both internally at Airbus and across our global supply chain.
- Production & Programme Support: Troubleshooting and solving technical queries for active aircraft programmes and manufacturing plants worldwide.
- Design Integration: Collaboration with stress and design teams to ensure reliable inspectability of complex structures.
- Standardization: Setting global industry benchmarks in NDT boards and committees while fostering specialized education.
Why join us? Our team thrives on its transnational, cross-disciplinary environment. You will be directly contributing to our social and environmental responsibilities by pioneering sustainable aerospace technologies.
What you will be doing:
As an NDT Engineering Internship Placement Student, you will gain hands-on technical experience and develop vital professional soft skills. Your day-to-day tasks will include:
- Requirements Analysis: Defining and analyzing technical requirements and use cases;
- Technology Screening: Conducting market surveys and screening new NDT technologies;
- Test Design: Developing test plans, defining test specimens, and establishing inspection approaches;
- Testing & Evaluation: Executing NDT tests and evaluating results against advanced material characterization methods;
- Consultancy: Suggesting the best non-destructive inspection approaches for internal R&D projects.
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.
Candidates will be successful if they demonstrate that they have studied in the following fields:
- Current undergraduate student in Material Science and Engineering, Physics, Aerospace Engineering, or an equivalent technical field of study;
- Initial practical experience (via university labs, projects, or prior internships) in material science is desirable;
- Team work mindset.
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.
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.
Non-destructive testing of aircraft structures Placement (12 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 Non-destructive testing of aircraft structures Placement (12 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 Non-destructive testing of aircraft structures Placement (12 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.
