Spacecraft Mechanical Process Improvement / Software Analysis and Design Placement (13 months)

As part of the Stress and Thermal Team, (an integral part of the Mechanical Design Office), you will help the team to validate and provide justification on the flight worthiness of some exciting space applications.

This involves performing detailed hand calculations, and Finite Element analysis of spacecraft parts to validate their use in flight. We are constantly looking at new ways to improve our analysis process and develop new technologies; to save time and cost, whilst improving the quality of our results and the range of our products and we need your help!

The Portsmouth Mechanical Design Office (MDO) is responsible for the design of the physical layout of the Satellite payload, for the design of equipment and the waveguide interconnections between these components, we also work on earth observation satellites, so you will gain a knowledge of optics too.

What you will be doing:

During this placement, the activities you may undertake will include:

• Becoming familiar with the processes of providing Stress and Thermal Justification of satellite components;


• Developing your understanding of Finite Element Methods and Stress Analysis for use in satellite application;


• Understanding and mapping of existing processes with the view of improving them and developing new ones;


• Creating or Updating existing tools to meet the needs of the team;


• Contributing to Process improvements and creating new/adding to existing tools;


• Developing your employability skills.


Our placements give a unique insight into potential career paths within Airbus. They are designed so that you can put your theoretical knowledge into practice and gain crucial industry experience. The skills and knowledge you gain will improve your chances of a future role within the Airbus and should benefit your future studies.

Guidance and supervision will always be available, but you will be given a large degree of freedom and responsibility to develop each project in your own way!


• Must be studying for a degree in Mechanical/Aerospace Engineering or equivalent;


• Innovative ways of thinking to contribute ideas on how to improve processes;


• Ability to work well within a team and to organically solve problems as they appear;


• Ability to interact with internal & external stakeholders in a professional manner;


• Ability to deliver to deadlines;


• Ability to follow processes but also provide feedback on changing them;


• An aptitude in software programming is desirable;


• An understanding of computational stress modelling is desirable (experience of Finite Element tool usage is beneficial);


• An understanding of Agile Ways of Working and methodologies like Kanban and Scrum is desirable.


The nature of the role requires a candidate who is self-motivated, and unafraid to ask the questions necessary to get up to speed in the fast paced and dynamic environment of the Mechanical Design Office., 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 to emsom@airbus.com.

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.

Salary: £22,250

37 hours per week // Flexible working hours // Hybrid working // Half day Fridays! // 25 days holiday plus bank holidays