Spacecraft Propulsion Engineer Placement (12 months)

Mechanical, Aeronautical, Aerospace.

Join the Airbus Propulsion team, where we design, procure, and build systems and components for a wide array of missions. From exploring the solar system and sending humans back to the moon to monitoring and providing telecommunications solutions for Earth, our work is at the heart of space exploration.

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

We operate across many Airbus sites in Europe, and our team in Stevenage is the centre of competence for Chemical Propulsion. We have a global supply chain and customer base, giving you the chance to work within a truly international environment.

As an intern, you will be embedded in a variety of projects and tasks, including our flagship mission, the Rosalind Franklin Propulsion Landing System. This highly complex system will land the European Rover on the surface of Mars.We have a team of people undertaking the Propulsion Design, Analysis and Validation and this is an example of the kind of project you could support while doing an internship. Additionally, you could get involved in the design and procurement of our propulsion system tanks.

Our large team offers a huge breadth of experience, with many members having dedicated their entire careers to propulsion. You will have the unique opportunity to learn from this wealth of expertise and become part of a team shaping the future of space exploration.

What you will be doing:

Main activities of the role may include:

  • Opportunity to work on a wide variety of Science and Telecom Projects as a Propulsion Engineer; example projects include RFM Landing Platform, Vigil, Mars Sample Return, Variety of Telecoms projects etc;
  • Generate propulsion system specifications and perform propulsion design, performance and analysis for chemical propulsion systems;
  • Prepare spacecraft system test plans, test requirement preparation, verification analysis including FMECA, design verification matrices and assessing test results;
  • Undertake design and structural analysis of Airbus tanks and the associated pipework;
  • Concurrent engineering with system level interfaces mainly in the structural, thermal control, integration and test, attitude control and mission analysis disciplines;
  • Be responsible for technical documents and presentations in support of project technical reviews;
  • Delivering presentations at major project design reviews, R&D activities and future studies/proposals support;
  • Responsibilities also include supporting spacecraft flight critical operations often at customer ground control facilities and reviewing spacecraft telemetry and tele-commanding.

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:

  • Studying towards a degree in either Science or Engineering (or similar);
  • Leadership experience;
  • Work experience preferred but not essential;
  • Interest/passion for Engineering and Space.

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: JR10425916
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
  • Mechanical
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