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

About the Role

Are you interested in developing and optimising innovative solutions for telecom satellite and payload architecture? This opportunity at Airbus 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. This includes working with on-board analogue and digital signal processing, active antennas reconfigurable by beamforming, passive antennas, and new RF technologies.

Our team is responsible for providing payload performance analysis, modelling, and simulations to payload projects, and for the development of advanced payload products, particularly in support of innovative, game-changing products for our global customers, such as OneSAT. We deliver satellite systems that are fully flexible and reconfigurable to meet changing market demands.

At Airbus, we promote flexibility in our working methods to stimulate innovation, social sustainability, and inclusivity.

What You Will Be Doing

You will evolve and learn from industry experts with dedicated mentorship, working within multi-disciplinary and transnational groups (UK, France). You will cover key aspects of payload performances and architecture, including RF and digital equipment, processors, antennas, systems engineering, and mission operations.

• Assist in the development of payload architecture through performance evaluation.
• Contribute to the definition of operational tools by developing payload models.
• Gain hands-on practical application and understanding through support to laboratory test bench activities.
• Assist in the payload integration validation and test phase.
• Prepare performance analyses, evaluate payload settings according to mission needs, and support payload design trade-offs, including analysing RF performances.
• Work on signal processing, simulation, modelling, and optimisation of a communications chain, including RF and digital equipment.
• Gain access to other engineering disciplines such as Electrical Systems, EMC, Mechanical Systems, and Thermal management.
• Support payload delivery, including payload and spacecraft environmental test campaigns and review of test results.

Requirements

This placement is open to Undergraduates only and requires candidates to be studying towards a degree for the entire duration of the placement.

• 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 would be a plus.
• Understanding of utilisation of RF instruments, test equipment, and test techniques is desired.
• Proficient in MS Office applications, especially Microsoft Excel, or Google Suite.
• A strong desire to work in the Space Industry is essential.
• Displaying and understanding Systems Engineering thinking and behaviours is also a plus.

Your application should include a CV and a Cover Letter outlining your motivation and suitability for the role.

Location and Duration

• Location: Portsmouth
• Duration: 13 months
• Start Date: 19 July 2027
• Applications Close: 5 October 2026

Benefits

• 37 hours per week
• Flexible working hours
• Hybrid working options available depending on the role
• Half day Fridays!
• 25 days holiday plus bank holidays

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.