Graduate Future Payload Engineer Review

Overall, I have had a good time beginning my career at Airbus. Very much enjoyed doing rotational placements across different business areas and there is a big emphasis on soft skill development.

I work in the defence and space division.
I have had placements in telecom payload engineering and science payload engineering and plan other technical and non technical placements.

My experience is that I had to be a self starter and not wait for work to come my way but proactively seek it. But, when I offered opinions and did work it was always paid attention to.
The rotational placement set up meant that in my first year I did not spend more than 5 months in the same team, which is just about when I started to feel I had a position of responsibility. This was one con of continuously doing placements. However I think this is more than offset by the fact you get to see different parts of the business and get valuable experience on the rotational placements.

Expenses paid for placements and training travel is good and fairly remunerates travel costs.
Starting salary is lower compared to other defence companies but the work is more fulfilling. Graduate salaries rise to £33,000 in the second year across the board then depends on performance and job role at offboarding - I am still in my first year on the grad scheme so don't have a clear idea of what I will offboard on yet.
Access on the grad scheme to Share Incentive Plan (SIP) and Employee Stock Ownership Plan (ESOP) which are ways to buy company shares. They are very generous and can get a big return on these investments.
Also included in success sharing bonus payments as a grad.

Rotational placements are a really unique opportunity to pick up skills and knowledge from different teams that many people who have been at the business years haven't had chance to do. You can build a very strong foundation for your career and strong network.

Culture is a way of learning - with graduate in your job title there is nobody I have come across who is not keen to guide and give snippets of training.
I have picked up lots of mentors from placement managers, lead engineers, early career reps and formal mentors assigned on the grad scheme so I always have someone to go to if I need help.
I was also assigned a buddy and lean on grads in higher years for advice.
Very supported in all areas (HR, technically, peers etc.)

Flex time policy: can work flexible hours outside of core hours. Friday core hours finish at 12 so you can take half days on Fridays.
Hybrid working: depending on role can work up to 2 days a week from home.

Defence and space division is going through a joint venture (after two reorganisations in the past few years). This has created a bit of a cynical and uncertain atmosphere among some colleagues.
Very inclusive culture otherwise - it does feel like the company actually care about getting more female hires for example and widening opportunities. Airbus values are strong.

We participate in university outreach as graduates which can cover some of these themes.

Yes

See all my other answers, would recommend.

'Global' scheme is a bit of an exaggeration. Most graduates don't get the chance to do a placement in another country because of funding etc. In my cohort the vast majority of grads are based in the UK.
Otherwise very much enjoying the role.
I relocated a long way (250 miles) for the job and overall I am glad I did.