Join Airbus Defence and Space in Stevenage as an entry-level Functional Validation Engineer on a permanent, full-time basis. You will help ensure spacecraft are fit for mission through rigorous testing and validation, working a 37-hour week with hybrid working options available.
Requirements
Foundational knowledge or technical aptitude in engineering, electronics, software, or a related field.
Excellent verbal and written communication skills in English.
Proactive, collaborative mindset with a strong passion for aerospace and technology.
Must have or be able to obtain UK Eyes Only SC Security Clearance via the UKIC process.
No specific minimum years of professional experience are stated.
Skills & Responsibilities
Testing execution: Execute complete testing cycles using simulated numerical and hybrid hardware test benches to validate spacecraft functional chains.
Test automation: Develop, write, and execute Automated Test Procedures against rigorous test specifications.
Data analysis: Perform detailed test data analysis and compile comprehensive reports in collaboration with design engineers.
Problem solving: Support investigations into technical anomalies, diagnosing root causes and proposing engineering solutions.
Potential transition routes: People from junior software, electronics engineering, or quality assurance roles may bring transferable technical and analytical skills, alongside meeting the basic engineering aptitude and security clearance requirements.
Job description
Job Description:
SECURITY CLEARANCE: Must have or be able to obtain UK Eyes Only SC Security Clearance via the UK Intelligence Community (UKIC) process.
LOCATION: Stevenage (with some hybrid working available subject to our Hybrid Working Policy)
TYPE: Full time
WHAT'S IN IT FOR YOU
Financial Reward: Competitive salary, annual profit share, contributory pension, share options, car leasing scheme, free onsite parking, season ticket loan, tax-free technology scheme, discounted shopping and much more
Work / Life Balance: 37 hour week, flexible working around core hours, hybrid working, up to 2 additional days per month as TOIL, option to buy/sell holiday. There are no core hours on Friday afternoons. Employees may use this flexibility at their discretion, provided they fulfil their contractual working hours and meet business needs (such as urgent deadlines or client requirements)
Personal Development: Personalised development plan, Airbus Leadership University and unlimited access to 10,000+ E-learning courses, internal mobility including international opportunities
Health & Wellbeing: Wellbeing benefits (including 24/7 online GP and mental health support), Employee Assistance Programme, discounted family health / dental insurance / eye tests, cycle-to-work scheme
Family and Caregiving: Life assurance, enhanced pay for maternity, paternity, adoption and shared parental leave and caregiving
Inclusive Environment: Wellbeing room, Multi-faith room, Employee Representative Groups (Gender, LGBTQ+, International, Generational, Disability, Social & Cultural Diversity, Neurodiversity)
Our world is changing. And so are we. From our commitment to zero-carbon flight (#ZEROe) to cleaning up space, sustainability is at the heart of our purpose. So what's your next change?
Launch your career in space technology by contributing to groundbreaking missions like the ExoMars Rover, Solar Orbiter, and advanced earth observation satellites.
At our Airbus Defence and Space site in Stevenage, we are looking for an ambitious entry-level Functional Validation Engineer to join our Spacecraft & Systems Engineering group.
On this guided development pathway, you will learn how to ensure our spacecraft are "fit for mission" by verifying and validating critical hardware and software functions before they ever leave Earth.
HOW YOU WILL CONTRIBUTE TO THE TEAM
As part of the Functional Verification Team, you will be supported as you learn to address testing activities that make our spacecraft successful in space. In this role, you will:
Execute the complete testing cycle-from specification to assessment-using both fully simulated numerical and hybrid hardware test benches.
Validate complex spacecraft functional chains (such as GNC and DHS) and sub-assemblies through comprehensive open and closed-loop testing.
Develop, write, and execute Automated Test Procedures (ATPs) against rigorous test specifications.
Perform detailed test data analysis and compile comprehensive test reports in close collaboration with the wider design engineering areas.
Support investigations into technical anomalies, actively diagnosing root causes and proposing effective engineering solutions.
Gain valuable exposure to wider project management, including functional verification strategy, scheduling, and regular interactions with system architects and customers.
ABOUT YOU
We are looking for an enthusiastic, self-aware individual who is eager to take the driving seat in their own career development. To succeed in this role, you will bring:
A strong technical aptitude or foundational knowledge in engineering, electronics, software, or a related field, combined with a genuine passion for aerospace and technology.
A proactive, highly collaborative mindset with a strong desire to drive future innovation alongside a team of experienced engineers.
Excellent verbal and written communication skills in English, enabling you to effectively document tests and interact with diverse engineering teams.
A high degree of self-awareness and a genuine drive to take ownership of your personal and professional development within the space sector.
Not a 100% match? No worries! Airbus supports your personal growth with custom development solutions.
HOW WE CAN SUPPORT YOU
Many of our staff work flexibly in many different ways, including part-time. Please talk to us at the interview about the flexibility you need and we’ll always do our best to accommodate your request.
Please let us know if you need us to make any adjustments for the selection process - you can share this with your Talent Acquisition Partner if you are invited to interview. Examples may include (but not exclusive to) accessible facilities; auxiliary aids; room layout, etc. Any information disclosed will be treated in the strictest confidence.
As a Disability Confident Employer, Airbus UK will offer an interview to any applicant that considers themselves to have a disability or long-term condition and meets the minimum criteria of the role (as set out in the job advert). To ‘opt in’, just select the option during your application submission and our Talent Acquisition team will contact you.
LI:MF1
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: Permanent -------
Experience Level: Entry Level
Job Family: Testing
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 emsom@airbus.com .
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.
