Materials Chemistry Placement (12.5 months)

at  Airbus Operations Limited

JOB DESCRIPTION:

Start date: 18th August 2025
Location: Filton, Bristol
Duration: 12.5 months
Application closing date: We encourage you to apply early to avoid missing out on this opportunity! Please note we will close adverts as soon as we receive sufficient applications.

ABOUT US:

The UK Materials and Processes team generates Customer Value by efficiently delivering Robust Materials, Processes & Structural Tests for Innovative Airbus Aircraft through the whole Lifecycle: Research, Development, Production, In-Service Support & End-of-life.
We drive Innovation and Simplification. We are an excellent integrated global team with recognized Expertise. We deliver end-to-end eco-efficient materials, high quality test results and associated technologies for Airbus & beyond.
The UK Materials and Processes team consists of a number of different technology groups: Assembly Technology, Composite Technology, Metals Technology, Surface Technology and Failure Analysis Laboratories. The role will require the successful candidate to perform projects, tasks and activities within one or more of the technology groups.

REQUIREMENTS:

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

Successful candidates must be able to demonstrate the following:

• Studying towards an Engineering (Aerospace, Mechanical) or Science (Chemistry, Physics, Materials Science) degree;
• You have an interest or enthusiasm for aircraft and/or aerospace, with excellent communication skills;
• You are enthusiastic about working in a technical team environment;
• You have sound basic knowledge of materials and engineering;
• You have had an introduction to the properties of metals and composites and know the relative pros/cons of different materials;
• Some experience of Corrosion and Polymer chemistry would be a benefit;
• Having some awareness of aircraft wing structure would be advantageous.

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

EXPERIENCE LEVEL:

Student

All the materials and processes used to manufacture aircraft structure need to be proven to be robust, safe and capable of performing as designed. This is done through a process known as qualification where you might:

• Work with suppliers worldwide;
• Be responsible for running qualification projects;
• Determine the testing required;
• Run analysis of the results to ensure that suppliers are providing capable products;
• Have opportunities to support research activities on new materials or processes

Materials and Processes engineers/specialists are often required to provide materials expertise to solve problems that occur either during the design, production or use of aircraft components. Here, you will have the opportunity to apply the knowledge you have gained during your degree to provide solutions to demanding and exciting industrial problems.
With the potential to play a key role in large projects you will need excellent project management and organizational skills to match your technical ability.
A proactive approach to problem solving

All the materials and processes used to manufacture aircraft structure need to be proven to be robust, safe and capable of performing as designed. This is done through a process known as qualification where you might:

• Work with suppliers worldwide;
• Be responsible for running qualification projects;
• Determine the testing required;
• Run analysis of the results to ensure that suppliers are providing capable products;
• Have opportunities to support research activities on new materials or processes.

When things do not perform as expected, you will need to be able to apply your technical knowledge and engineer a solution.
Self motivation and effective team working

Airbus is a transnational workplace and, in addition to the engineers in Filton and Broughton, you may also be working with colleagues in France, Germany, Spain and India. Although you will be assigned tasks by your industrial supervisor, it is expected that you:

• Will be self-motivated;
• Take responsibility for your time management;
• Plan and Organize how the work is undertaken.