Telecom Digital Payload Analysis & Systems Engineering Placement (13 months)

Start date: 19 July 2027

Location: Portsmouth

Duration: 13 months

Applications close on 27 September 2026!

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.

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Benefits:

Salary: £24,500

37 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

About us:

Are you interested in developing and optimising innovative solutions to our telecom satellite and payload architecture? Or to work in providing engineering support to projects such as OneSAT, where we’re pushing the boundaries of satellite flexibility?

Then this opportunity is for you!

You will be an integral member of a team that analyses and optimises state of the art telecom satellite payload architectures and performances based on on-board analogue and digital signal processing, active antennas reconfigurable by beamforming, passive antennas and new RF (Radio Frequency) technologies, as well as inputs to satellite systems processes in order to meet the growing demand for flexible and secure telecom satellites solutions.

Our team is responsible for providing payload performance analysis, modelling, and simulations to payload projects, and to the development of advanced payload products in particular in support of challenging and innovative on-going game-changing products to our customers across the globe, such as OneSAT, delivering satellite systems that are fully flexible and reconfigurable to meet changing market demands.

At Airbus, we help you work, connect, and collaborate more easily and flexibly.  Wherever possible, we promote flexibility in our working methods in order to stimulate the spirit of innovation, and promote social sustainability and inclusivity in all we do.

Our team is located in Portsmouth and Stevenage, with the job position open in Portsmouth, a dynamic city in the south of England served by excellent transport links, and many possibilities for indoor and outdoor activities!

What you will be doing:

You will evolve and learn from industry experts and direct dedicated mentorship to support your development, working within multi-disciplinary and transnational groups (UK, France), covering all the main aspects of payload performances and architecture, including RF and digital equipment, processors, active and passive antennas, systems engineering, and mission operations.

You will assist in the development of payload architecture through performance evaluation and will contribute to the definition of operational tools through the development of payload models.  Through this you will have the opportunity to move beyond the textbook to hands-on practical application and understanding via support to laboratory test bench activities, or assisting in the payload integration validation and test phase to allow us to deliver on our business commitments.

Your tasks will include preparing performance analyses, evaluating payload settings in accordance with mission needs and supporting payload design trade-offs, including analysing RF performances.

This job will allow working on a variety of disciplines such as signal processing, simulation, modelling and optimisation of a communications chain including RF and digital equipment, as well as access to other engineering disciplines that enable and deliver next generation satellites, such as Electrical Systems, EMC, and Mechanical Systems and Thermal management.

There will also be opportunities to support the payload delivery including payload and spacecraft environmental test campaigns and review of test results.

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 candidate will be able to demonstrate the following:

• Studying towards a degree in Telecommunications Systems, Electrical or Electronic Engineering, Mathematics, or Physics;
• Basic knowledge of computer programming (e.g. Matlab, Python etc.);
• Experience with modelling tools such as Simulink, SystemVue, ADS (Advanced Design Suite) etc. would be a plus;
• Understanding of utilisation of RF instruments, test equipment; test techniques will be desired;
• Proficient in MS Office applications, especially Microsoft Excel, or Google Suite;
• Desire to work in the Space Industry is essential;
• Displaying and understanding Systems Engineering thinking and behaviours is also a plus.

This Job Request will be allocated to the projected Joint-Venture scope towards a leading European player in space.

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.

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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

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Experience Level:

Student

Job Family:

Sub-system development

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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 [email protected].

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.