Space Software Engineering Placement (12 months)

Job Description:

Start date: 20 July 2026

Location: Stevenage

Duration : 12 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.

AI Guidance: We know you might be thinking about using AI to help you in your application - before you do, please read our guidelines on the use of AI for recruitment at Airbus

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 Airbus Defence & Space in Stevenage and become part of our rapidly expanding family of highly motivated and skilled software engineers.

This internship offers a unique opportunity to learn about and work on a number of satellite programmes. You will have direct involvement in developing state-of-the-art on-board software, which will allow you to test and refine your analytical and software programming skills to an industry-leading standard. You will also have the chance to see many other aspects of satellite development, including specialist clean areas where payloads are manufactured.

Hosted within the Engineering organisation, the On-Board Digital Payload Software Engineering department spans two of our major UK sites. We design, build, and deploy a range of software solutions to enhance our stakeholders' data and digitalise their working environments for projects including Earth Observation, Space Exploration, Science missions, and cutting-edge Telecommunications Payloads.

What you will be doing:

Within this placement, you will have the opportunity to shadow the software development team to discover Space Software Engineering. You'll use the latest tools to experience the complete software development cycle in an agile environment that has many varied commitments. The theories you've learned at university will come to life in real-world requirements.

You'll have opportunities to work on applications, servers, and databases, as well as put your communication skills, design patterns, and your own stamp on our products.

The activities you may undertake will include:

• Learning and understanding the codebase you will be working on from documentation;
• Designing, developing, documenting, and testing code you have written under the supervision of experienced engineers;
• Getting involved in a multi-developer team;
• Researching and utilising cutting-edge technologies;
• Pair programming with an experienced developer;
• Experiencing the full stack of software development opportunities as a valued team member;
• Contributing to the development of embedded software solutions with a close link to hardware components (low-level communication layer, register control, FPGA, etc.).

You will contribute improvement ideas within a transnational organisation and use various programming languages, such as C, C++, Java, Python, and other technologies depending on the project you support.

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 Software Engineering;
• Experience in software engineering, some coding;
• Curious and interested in Space;
• Good communication skills (both oral and written).

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.

Company:
AIRBUS Defence and Space Limited

Employment Type:
Internship
-

Experience Level:
Student

Job Family:
Software Engineering

By submitting your CV or application you are consenting to Airbus using and storing information about you for monitoring purposes relating to your application or future employment. This information will only be used by Airbus.
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 .

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.