Attitude and Orbital Control System/Guidance, Navigation & Control (AOCS/GNC) Placement (12 months)

Physics, Computer Science, Maths, Aerospace.

This internship is a stimulating blend of learning and technical work and the successful candidate will gain extensive experience in the design and analysis of space mission GNC and AOCS, for both small studies and large projects.

The world is a beautiful place
At Airbus, we strongly believe a successful business is a responsible business.

The department provides the AOCS/GNC engineering analysis and support to a number of large ESA projects currently being conducted at Airbus Defence and Space, such as Martian rovers (ExoMars, GNC-e), Earth Observation satellites (FORUM, AEOLUS-2) as well as astronomical and interplanetary science missions (ARIEL, VIGIL, etc.).

We are a dynamic team of passionate people serving the scientific community and the wider public by developing state-of-the-art AOCS/GNC systems for one of the most challenging space missions in Europe. We work with flight hardware and our designs have gone closer to the Sun than Mercury and soon on Mars and around Jupiter’s icy Moons!

What you will be doing:

The initial duties and responsibilities are to support the AOCS/GNC studies team in the design and development of new concepts for AOCS/GNC and Flight Dynamics algorithms.  

Some of the tasks performed within the wider group are:

  • Spacecraft control engineering; 
  • Navigation and guidance; 
  • Simulator development;
  • Mathematical modelling;
  • Algorithm development.

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:

Qualifications:

Essential:

  • Studying towards a degree in a numerate discipline (e.g. engineering, physics, computer science, mathematics etc.).

Desirable:

  • Background with control engineering content;
  • Background with some relevance to the aerospace industry.

Skills and Experience:

Essential:

  • General computer literacy, including MS Office;
  • Written and verbal communication skills;
  • The ability to interact comfortably within a team environment;
  • Programming experience in one or more languages such as “C”, C++, ObjectiveC, Swift, MatLab, Simulink, Python, Java, JavaScript or assembler.

Desirable:

  • Embedded computer systems (e.g. Arduino, Raspberry Pi etc.);
  • Linux;
  • Mathematical modelling;
  • Computer simulations.

The internship profile requires a candidate with an excellent numerate background and preferably background in an aerospace related discipline, ideally with computer programming content and a specialisation in control systems. Experience in the use of Matlab and Simulink, mathematical modelling, control engineering and computer simulations would again be highly beneficial.

Benefits:

  • Salary: £24,500
  • 35 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

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.

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.

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.

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Job ID Number: JR10426041
Can I use AI to apply?

Our team reviews applications personally – no AI algorithms are involved in sifting through applications. We want to see your own communication skills and how you explain your experiences. We want to hear about your insights and how you link your background to what the job actually needs at Airbus. We're recruiting you for the human qualities and talents.

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Add to shortlist
Shortlisted
  • Deadline
    September 27th, 2026
  • Starting
    July 2027
  • Hiring Multiple Candidates
    Yes
  • Salary
    £24,500 + benefits
  • Degree required
    Bachelor's
  • Duration
    12 months
  • Location
    Stevenage (Hertfordshire)
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Disciplines Accepted...
  • Aerodynamics
  • Aeronautics
  • Aerospace
  • Avionics
  • Computer Science
  • Maths
  • Physics
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