Flexa
Discover companiesFind a jobResourcesSign in/up
For employers
< Back to search
Airbus

Optical and Satellite Communications Mechanical Engineering Placement (12.5 months)

Salary:  £24,246 per annum
Location:  Bristol, United Kingdom
Location flexibility:  4 office days / week
View company profile
Apply

Job Description

Job Description:

Start date: 16 August 2026

Location: Filton, Bristol

Duration : 12.5 months

Applications close on 27 September 2026 !

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.

AI Guidance: We know you might be thinking about using AI to help you in your application - before you do, please read our guidelines on the use of AI for recruitment at Airbus https://www.airbus.com/en/careers/faqs#using-ai-in-your-application .

Benefits:

Salary: £24,246

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

About us:

Are you looking for a placement in Communication Technologies within Airbus Central Research and Technology in Filton, UK? Would you like to discover and work on advanced solutions for optical connectivity and satellite communications? Then we encourage you to apply!

At Airbus Central Research & Technology, we work on cutting-edge technologies for future airborne and spaceborne systems. We provide novel functionalities while reducing the environmental footprint of Airbus products and services. You will join a team of researchers actively driving optical communications for aeronautic and space systems. You will make an impact by collaboratively performing advanced research on optical communication and satellite communication systems for our flying platforms. Our work involves collaboration with key players in the UK, the rest of Europe and the US.

Working at Airbus

4 office days / week

Fully flexible hours

Company benefits

Accrued annual leave
Adoption leave
Annual bonus
Bike parking
Coaching
Complimentary Medical Services
Cycle to work scheme
Employee discounts
Enhanced maternity leave
Enhanced paternity leave
Enhanced sick pay
Family health insurance
Health insurance
In house training
Language lessons
Mentoring
On-site gym
Open to compressed hours
Open to job sharing
Open to part time work for some roles
Open to part-time employees
Referral bonus
Sabbaticals
Teambuilding days
Mental health support
Mental health platform access
Mental health first aiders

Awards & Accreditations

1st - Best Work-Life Balance

1st - Best Work-Life Balance

Flexa awards 2026
2nd – Most loved - Large companies

2nd – Most loved - Large companies

Flexa awards 2026
Most Mission Driven Company

Top 5 - Most Mission Driven Company

Flexa awards 2026
1st - Best Work-Life Balance

1st - Best Work-Life Balance

Flexa awards 2025
3rd - Best Career Progression

3rd - Best Career Progression

Flexa awards 2025
Most Inclusive Company

Top 5 - Most Inclusive Company

Flexa awards 2025
Most Flexible Company

Top 10 - Most Flexible Company

Flexa awards 2025
Apply
Flex spring

Join the mailing list

Get the latest insights and expert guidance on job hunting, career progression, and creating thriving workplaces.

Enter your email
  • About us
  • Contact us
  • FAQs
  • Info for employers
  • Join Flexa
  • Legal
  • Live feed
  • Resources
  • Sign in/up
  • The Flexa awards
Flexa


What you will be doing:


You'll be working within the Communication Technologies department, which is focused on advanced solutions for optical airborne connectivity and Radio Frequency (RF) satellite communication. Your responsibilities will include:
  • Designing 3D-printed and CNC'ed parts for prototype systems;
  • Writing and testing software;
  • Integrating hardware and assisting with trials in the lab and in outdoor field tests.

You will also assist team members with their daily tasks and have the opportunity to learn on the job about various scientific aspects of optics, optical communications, and radio-frequency systems.

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.*

Successful candidates will be able to demonstrate the following:

  • Active enrollment in studying an Engineering discipline, preferable Mechanical Engineering, Electronics Engineering or RF;
  • Mechanical design skills and use of programs and techniques (i.e. Autodesk, Fusion 360, FreeCad);
  • You are a good team player, have excellent written and oral communication skills, and are able to work independently.

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.

#UK_PLA

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 Operations Limited

Employment Type:
Internship
-------

Experience Level:
Student

Job Family:
Elec.Electron.&Electromag,Optics&Optron.

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.

Apply

Other jobs you might like

Airbus

Optical and Satellite Communications Software Engineering Placement (12.5 months)

£24,246 per annum

Bristol, UK

#1 BEST WORK-LIFE BALANCE

Airbus

Additive Manufacturing Design Engineer Placement (12.5 months)

£24,246 per annum

Filton, UK

#1 BEST WORK-LIFE BALANCE

Airbus

Business Management Placement (12.5 months)

£23,400 per annum

Bristol, UK

#1 BEST WORK-LIFE BALANCE

Airbus

Future Projects Engineer Placement (12.5 months)

£24,246 per annum

Bristol, UK

#1 BEST WORK-LIFE BALANCE

Airbus

Physical Design Process, Methods, Tools and Data Stevenage Placement (12 months)

£24,500 per annum

Stevenage, UK

#1 BEST WORK-LIFE BALANCE

Company employees:

165000

Gender diversity (m:f):

70:30

Hiring in countries

Belgium

Brazil

Brunei

Canada

Chile

China

Denmark

Finland

France

Germany

Hong Kong

Hungary

India

Indonesia

Ireland

Italy

Japan

Kazakhstan

Malaysia

Mexico

Morocco

Netherlands

Philippines

Poland

Portugal

Romania

Saudi Arabia

Singapore

Slovakia

South Korea

Spain

Sweden

Taiwan

Thailand

United Kingdom

United States

Vietnam

Office Locations