Materials Laboratory Engineer Placement

Materials Laboratory Engineer Placement

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.

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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 // Half day Fridays!* // 25 days holiday plus bank holidays *subject to completing full hours prior to this

About us:

Join our team of Material Laboratory Engineers and play a vital role in spacecraft manufacturing. You will support and provide testing solutions for a wide range of activities, including material testing, qualification, in-process testing, goods receipt (Batch Acceptance) testing, and research and development.

This is a fantastic opportunity to apply your knowledge of metallic and non-metallic material properties. You will be expected to develop your understanding of how materials perform in order to support our manufacturing activities. The Materials and Processes team works on telecom, Earth observation, navigation, and science spacecraft, with some science missions focused on planets such as Mars and Venus.

We ensure that the materials and processes used on these spacecraft are fit for the mission environment. Our laboratory team supports the development and assurance of those materials by ensuring their properties are in line with all requirements. You will have the chance to work both within a team and individually, interfacing with people at all levels—from the shop floor and project teams to engineers, management, and customers.

What you will be doing:

As a key member of our team, you will get hands-on experience with materials laboratory testing for spacecraft applications. Your tasks will include:

• Using a range of equipment for microscopy (SEM, optical), mechanical testing, thermal analysis (DSC, DMA) and cleanliness and contamination testing;
• Conducting outgassing tests, as well as using GC-MS and XRF equipment;
• Safe working with chemicals such as acids.

You will apply your university knowledge in a commercial environment, using problem-solving and data analysis skills to present your findings. This is a great opportunity to develop your reporting and communication skills while gaining a deep understanding of spacecraft materials and processes engineering.

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.

• Currently studying towards a Materials Science, Materials Engineering, Chemistry or Physics Degree;
• Interested in developing themselves by learning from the team and from the work that you undertake;
• Ability to work within a team;
• Positive attitude towards completing tasks.

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.

How to apply

To apply for this role and to find out more, please click on the apply button. Please note that applications may close before the application deadline, so apply early to avoid disappointment.