Operations and Failure Management Placement (13 months)

Start date: 20 July 2026

Location: Stevenage

Duration: 13 months

Application: 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. Apply early to avoid missing out — we may close adverts once we receive sufficient applications.

Benefits:

• Salary: £23,850
• 37 hours per week
• Flexible working hours
• Hybrid working
• Half day Fridays!
• 25 days holiday plus bank holidays (subject to completing full hours prior to this)

About us: Join the Operations and Failure Detection, Isolation and Recovery (FDIR) team within the Functional Avionics group in Stevenage. Our team is responsible for looking over the Spacecraft operation in all nominal and contingency situations, from launch until end of life. We answer critical questions like: How do we power on the spacecraft? How do we communicate with it? How do we detect a malfunction and what actions should we take if something breaks? To achieve this, we collaborate with a wide range of disciplines to gain a complete understanding of the satellite. Specifically, we work with other Functional Engineering teams, including Software, to define telecommands and data parameters; Functional Verification, to test our Flight Operation Procedures; and Database, to implement and tune FDIR parameters.

What you will be doing: This role is a great opportunity to learn all about how the spacecraft works, since you’ll be collaborating with all of the other subsystem architects to make sure it does! Your objective is to make sure the satellite operates in all nominal and failure situations. We work on a range of missions, from telecoms missions such as OneSat Payload to Earth Observation, Science and Exploration missions such as Vigil and ExoMars Rover. In the early design phase, you might be helping to define the initial operational and FDIR concept including mission scenario, operational constraints, recovery levels and actions etc. On an implementation-phase project, you might be going into the detail of the FDIR monitors, or working on the interfaces with software, or writing and testing Flight Operations Procedures (basically, instructions for the operator). In any case, you’ll gain great exposure to satellite design and the opportunity to exchange with and learn from a host of passionate engineers.

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. As the successful candidate, you should be able to demonstrate the following:

• Studying towards a degree in Aeronautical, Aerospace or Robotics Engineering, Electronic Design or a related field;
• Experience with coding (e.g., C++, Java and Python);
• Take initiative to solving problems and able to look to a complex situation with many variables;
• Ability to communicate effectively with a wide range of stakeholders.

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.