Radio Frequency (RF) Test System Engineering Placement (12 months)
// Role Summary
Join Airbus Defence and Space as an Undergraduate Intern in Satellite Payload Testing. This 12-month role in Portsmouth involves supporting critical test functions for telecommunication satellite spacecraft products.
// Key Responsibilities
- Support Satellite Payload Test functions and contribute to payload test campaigns.
- Engage in activities like test system hardware/software design, validation, and commissioning.
- Participate in Agile sprints and daily scrums, with potential cleanroom support.
- Must be an undergraduate for the entire placement duration.
- Requires a degree in Engineering, Science, or Production, with basic Labview/Java and Agile knowledge.
- Subject to BPSS security check, with potential for UK SC-level clearance.
// Role Specification
About the Role
The Payload Prepare for Test team at Airbus Defence and Space focuses on the electrical and RF testing of telecommunication satellite spacecraft products, specifically the NEO and OneSat platforms. This internship offers a unique opportunity to contribute to a collaborative environment composed of RF validation, hardware, and software engineers.
Key Responsibilities Include:
- Test System Development: Interpreting test requirements to develop new test systems and types, anticipating future needs and obsolescence, and continually seeking innovation and new technologies to improve testing.
- Test Deployment: Ensuring on-time validation and deployment of test assets, providing first-line support to spacecraft production operations, and resolving Non-Quality issues related to test systems.
- RF Engineering and Validation: Liaising with customers to meet testing requirements, governing test processes, providing test inputs to production schedules, and validating test system and payload results.
What You Will Be Doing
During this 12-month internship, you will actively support the Satellite Payload Test functions and contribute to the successful delivery of payload test campaigns across multiple live projects. Typical activities include:
- Design and procurement of new test system hardware.
- Initial assembly, validation, and commissioning of new test system hardware.
- Writing of new test system software.
- Supporting investigations with the systems engineering team.
- Test System parametric data generation and validation.
- Test System test code validation.
- Test System calibration and deployment to the cleanroom.
- Test System emulation of parametric data.
- Test System support of live test campaigns and investigations.
These activities will involve participating in sprints and daily scrums. When needed, you will be in the cleanroom supporting the test system.
Requirements
- This placement is open to Undergraduates only and it is mandatory to be an undergraduate for the entire duration of the placement. Please inform your graduation date on your application.
- Currently studying towards an Engineering, Science, or Production based degree.
- Basic knowledge of Labview and/or Java.
- Basic knowledge of Agile/Sprint methodologies.
- Strong communication skills, teamwork, presentation skills, and a proactive attitude.
Your application should include a CV and a Cover Letter outlining your motivation and suitability for the role.
Location and Duration
- Location: Portsmouth
- Duration: 12 months
- Start Date: 19 July 2027
- Applications close: 5 October 2026
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.
Benefits
- 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.