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- Tasks: Get hands-on experience with materials testing for spacecraft applications.
- Company: Join Airbus, a leader in aerospace innovation and technology.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, flexible hours, half-day Fridays, and 25 days holiday.
- Why this job: Make an impact on space missions while developing your engineering skills.
- Qualifications: Studying Materials Science, Engineering, Chemistry, or Physics; team player with a positive attitude.
- Other info: Opportunity to work on exciting projects related to Mars and Venus missions.
Start date: 20 July 2026
Location: Stevenage
Duration: 12 months
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: £23,850
- 37 hours per week
- Flexible working hours
- Half day Fridays!
- 25 days holiday plus bank holidays (subject to completing full hours prior to this)
About us:
Join our team of Material Laboratory Engineers and play a vital role in spacecraft manufacturing. You will support and provide testing solutions for a wide range of activities including material testing qualification, in-process testing, goods receipt (Batch Acceptance) testing, and research and development. This is a fantastic opportunity to apply your knowledge of metallic and non-metallic material properties. You will be expected to develop your understanding of how materials perform in order to support our manufacturing activities. The Materials and Processes team works on telecom, Earth observation, navigation, and science spacecraft with some science missions focused on planets such as Mars and Venus. We ensure that the materials and processes used on these spacecraft are fit for the mission environment. Our laboratory team supports the development and assurance of those materials by ensuring their properties are in line with all requirements. You will have the chance to work both within a team and individually, interfacing with people at all levels from the shop floor and project teams to engineers, management, and customers.
What you will be doing:
As a key member of our team, you will get hands-on experience with materials laboratory testing for spacecraft applications. Your tasks will include:
- Using a range of equipment for microscopy (SEM, optical), mechanical testing, thermal analysis (DSC, DMA), and cleanliness and contamination testing;
- Conducting outgassing tests as well as using GC-MS and XRF equipment;
- Safe working with chemicals such as acids.
You will apply your university knowledge in a commercial environment using problem-solving and data analysis skills to present your findings. This is a great opportunity to develop your reporting and communication skills while gaining a deep understanding of spacecraft materials and processes engineering.
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:
- Currently studying towards a Materials Science, Materials Engineering, Chemistry, 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 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: Testing
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.
Materials Laboratory Engineer Placement (12 Months) employer: Airbus
Contact Detail:
Airbus Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Materials Laboratory Engineer Placement (12 Months)
✨Tip Number 1
Get to know the company! Research Airbus and their projects, especially in materials engineering. This will help you tailor your conversations during interviews and show that you're genuinely interested in what they do.
✨Tip Number 2
Network like a pro! Connect with current employees on LinkedIn or attend industry events. Building relationships can give you insider info and might even lead to a referral, which is always a bonus!
✨Tip Number 3
Practice makes perfect! Prepare for common interview questions related to materials science and engineering. Use the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) to structure your answers and showcase your skills effectively.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to follow up! After an interview, send a thank-you email expressing your appreciation for the opportunity. It keeps you on their radar and shows your enthusiasm for the role.
We think you need these skills to ace Materials Laboratory Engineer Placement (12 Months)
Some tips for your application 🫡
Craft a Stellar CV: Your CV is your first impression, so make it count! Highlight your relevant experience and skills that align with the Materials Laboratory Engineer role. Keep it clear, concise, and tailored to showcase why you're the perfect fit for us.
Write a Compelling Cover Letter: This is your chance to shine! Use your cover letter to express your motivation for applying and how your background makes you suitable for the position. Be genuine and let your passion for materials science come through!
Follow the Application Guidelines: Make sure you read through the application instructions carefully. We want to see that you can follow directions, so double-check that you've included all required documents and information before hitting submit.
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to apply directly through our website. It’s the best way to ensure your application gets to us without any hiccups. Plus, you’ll find all the details you need about the role right there!
How to prepare for a job interview at Airbus
✨Know Your Materials
Brush up on your knowledge of metallic and non-metallic materials, especially their properties and applications in spacecraft manufacturing. Be ready to discuss how your academic background in Materials Science or Engineering relates to the role.
✨Hands-On Experience Matters
If you've had any practical experience with laboratory equipment like SEM, DSC, or GC-MS, make sure to highlight it. Share specific examples of how you've used these tools in your studies or projects to demonstrate your hands-on skills.
✨Teamwork is Key
This role involves working closely with various teams, so be prepared to talk about your experiences in collaborative settings. Think of examples where you contributed to a team project or resolved conflicts effectively.
✨Show Your Enthusiasm
Airbus is looking for candidates who are eager to learn and grow. Convey your passion for materials engineering and your excitement about the opportunity to work on cutting-edge spacecraft projects. A positive attitude can go a long way!
