This internship is a stimulating blend of learning and technical work and the successful candidate will gain extensive experience in the design and analysis of space mission GNC and AOCS, for both small studies and large projects.

The department provides the AOCS/GNC engineering analysis and support to a number of large European Space Agency (ESA) projects currently being conducted at Airbus Defence and Space, such as Martian rovers (ExoMars, Sample Fetch Rover), Earth Observation satellites (FORUM, S3 NG TOPO) as well as astronomical and interplanetary science missions (ARIEL, ATHENA, LISA, ENVISION, etc.).

We are a young and dynamic team of passionate people serving the scientific community and the wider public by developing state-of-the-art AOCS / GNC systems for one of the most challenging space missions in Europe. We work with flight hardware and our designs have gone closer to the Sun than Mercury and soon on Mars and around Jupiter’s icy Moons!

What you will be doing

The initial duties and responsibilities are to support the AOCS/GNC Advanced studies team in the design and development of new concepts for AOCS/GNC and Flight Dynamics algorithms. Some of the tasks performed within the wider group are spacecraft control engineering, navigation and guidance, simulator development, mathematical modelling and algorithm development.

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.

*Please ensure you include your CV and a cover letter for your application to be considered*

Successful candidates will be able to demonstrate the following:

Qualifications:

• Essential:

  • Strong background in a numerate discipline (e.g. engineering, physics, computer science, mathematics etc.).

• Desirable:

  • Background with control engineering content.

  • Background with some relevance to the aerospace industry.

Skills and Experience:

• Essential:

  • General computer literacy, including MS Office.

  • Excellent written and verbal communication skills.

  • The ability to interact comfortably within a team environment.

  • Programming experience in one or more languages such as “C”, C++, ObjectiveC, Swift, MatLab, Simulink, Python, Java, JavaScript or assembler.

• Desirable:

  • Embedded computer systems (e.g. Arduino, Raspberry Pi etc.).

  • Linux.

  • Mathematical modelling.

  • Computer simulations.

SECURITY CLEARANCE: Eligibility to gain UK SC Security Clearance OR You will be subject to a BPSS check (including a criminal record check).

Contact

Please let us know if you need us to make any adjustments. Examples of this may include (but is not exclusive to) accessible facilities; additional time for written exercises; auxiliary aids; room layout; dietary requirements etc. Any information disclosed will be treated in the strictest confidence.

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.