Job Description:
AGGP2027 – Graduate Attitude and Orbital Control System/Guidance, Navigation and Control & Flight Dynamics Engineer
Start date: September 2027
Are you a university graduate with the aspiration, enthusiasm, and talent to help us pioneer sustainable aerospace for a safe and united world? Every year, Airbus seeks bright minds from around the globe to fill critical roles that will shape our future.
When you begin your career with us, we don't just offer a job; we accelerate your growth through the Airbus Global Graduate development journey. This isn't a one-size-fits-all program; it's a personalized, two-year experience designed to cultivate your professional skills, enhance your business acumen, and hone your technical abilities. We place a strong emphasis on developing your leadership potential from day one. You'll gain a unique perspective on the world of Airbus while contributing directly in a specific, impactful position.
During the two years, we will take you on a soft-skill development journey, covering such areas as inclusive leadership, our Values, resilience, communication and emotional intelligence, with various in-person and virtual workshops.
Beyond your daily responsibilities and this comprehensive schedule of training, you'll join your global graduate community annually for an in-person dedicated development week. This is your chance to connect with your peers, learn directly from our seasoned leaders, and gain insights from the best in the industry.
Throughout the programme, you will be developed into an established and valuable team member from day 1. You'll sharpen your skills in an area strategically important to Airbus, gaining a deep understanding of our business – its opportunities, challenges, and needs. Most importantly, you'll have learned more about yourself and what makes you truly great. You will have demonstrated your capability and readiness to take on future leadership challenges within Airbus.
Above all, you'll have the unparalleled opportunity to do your best work in an industry that is literally reshaping how we live in our world.
If you're ready to embark on this transformative journey and unlock your full potential, apply below.
What you will be doing
You will be on a development journey to guide your growth into the role of AOCS/GNC & FD Engineer and can expect to be involved in the following:
A blend of learning and technical work as the successful candidate will gain extensive experience in the design and analysis of space mission GNC as well as mission analysis, for both small studies and large projects, having the unique opportunity to work on flight algorithms and flight hardware.
Supporting to a number of large ESA (European Space Agency) projects, such as the ExoMars Rover (a mission to land and operate an autonomous rover vehicle on Mars), ARIEL (a mission to map Earth-like exoplanets), AEOLUS-2 (providing the first-ever high-resolution vertical wind profiles from space) and some other particularly ambitious satellite and interplanetary probes missions such as VIGIL.
Performing AOCS/GNC design and analysis activities through the full engineering lifecycle from initial concept design through to support to validation, producing the associated documentation (design justifications, software requirements for AOCS/GNC algorithms, performance analysis documentation etc.).
Developing software to a prototype level (non-real time simulator development under C/Matlab/Simulink).
Learning about Earth Observation satellites, interplanetary probes and space exploration rovers from an AOCS/GNC point of view, giving a good global understanding of those systems while developing a deep understanding of mission critical systems.
Your development pathway will include a minimum of one rotational placement to support your growth into position.
At the end of the 2 year development programme you will have developed into the position of AOCS/GNC & FD Engineer!
What we are looking for
To be a successful applicant to the Airbus Global Graduate Programme, you will need to demonstrate you have:
A degree level or equivalent within a relevant field of study (e.g., Control/Automation/Space/Aeronautical Engineering)
Recently graduated or first professional experience in the field of AOCS, GNC or Flight Dynamics
Strong verbal and written communication in our business language (English)
A desire to work in a collaborative team environment, focused on driving future innovation
The ability to be self aware and a wish to be in the driving seat of your development.
Experience of mathematical modelling, computer simulations and software development is highly desirable.
Experience within the space industry is preferable, although not mandatory. Nonetheless, as we are a team of passionate people excited at the chance of working on challenging space projects, we are expecting from the successful candidate an interest in the aerospace sector.
We are also looking for the following essential skills and experience:
General computer literacy, including MS Office.
Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with very good documentation skills.
The ability to interact comfortably within a multicultural team environment.
Matlab and Simulink.
C language or a similar programming experience.
Having participated in a space-related project at some point of the development and validation cycle.
Other desirable skills include:
Mathematical modelling.
Computer simulations.
Control engineering academic background.
Space industry acumen.
Participation in an applied AI project.
Experience working in Agile.
Experience with Jira / Confluence.
Basic Linux / CMake knowledge
We love your interest in working for Airbus but we do ask that you make only one application to the Airbus Global Graduate Programme. Take the time to decide which of our exciting opportunities is right for you and then submit an application that best represents you, your skills and experience in connection with the role you have selected.
Please note, we are unable to provide Skilled Worker visa sponsorship for this position. We welcome applications from candidates with existing right to work in the UK or those eligible via other routes (e.g., Graduate Visa, Youth Mobility Scheme). For full eligibility details, please consult UK Visas and Immigration.
This position requires a security clearance or will require being eligible for clearance by the recognised authorities. You must also have (or will have) the right to work in the country of the position you are applying for.
This Job Request will be allocated to the projected Joint-Venture scope towards a leading European player in space.
What is the recruitment process…
Online application -> Online Task Based Assessment -> Application Review (Talent Acquisition Partner & Manager) -> Virtual Assessment Centre -> Offer!
NB: Applications will close on 30th September 2026 (don’t delay, apply early as some roles may close before this date due to applications received). All applications and CVs need to be in English.
Please let us know if you need us to make any adjustments. Examples of this may include (but is not exclusive to) accessible facilities and additional time for written exercises etc. Any information disclosed will be treated in the strictest confidence.
#AGGP2027
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 LimitedEmployment Type:
Permanent-------
Experience Level:
Entry LevelJob Family:
Vehicle Mission & ControlBy 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 [email protected].
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.
Skills Required
- Degree-level qualification in Control, Automation, Space, Aeronautical Engineering, or a relevant field
- Recently graduated or possessing first professional experience in AOCS, GNC, or Flight Dynamics
- Strong written and verbal English communication skills
- General computer literacy, including Microsoft Office
- Excellent documentation skills
- Ability to work comfortably in a multicultural, collaborative team
- MATLAB and Simulink experience
- C or similar programming experience
- Participation in a space-related project during development and validation
- Mathematical modelling, computer simulation, or software development experience
- Space industry experience or knowledge
- Control engineering academic background
- Participation in an applied AI project
- Agile experience
- Jira and Confluence experience
- Basic Linux and CMake knowledge
- Existing right to work in the UK or eligibility through another route
- Ability to obtain the required security clearance
Airbus Compensation & Benefits Highlights
The following summarizes recurring compensation and benefits themes identified from responses generated by popular LLMs to common candidate questions about Airbus and has not been reviewed or approved by Airbus.
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Healthcare Strength — Healthcare coverage is positioned as comprehensive in several locations, including medical, dental, and vision options available from day one in the U.S. Access to life insurance, disability coverage, and employee assistance/wellbeing support adds breadth to the health offering.
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Retirement Support — Retirement support is framed as a meaningful part of the package through plans such as a 401(k) with company matching in the U.S. These programs strengthen long-term financial security beyond base wages.
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Leave & Time Off Breadth — Time-off provisions are described as generous in some settings, including vacation availability from day one and extended holiday coverage. Flexible working arrangements and hybrid options further increase the perceived value of time-related benefits.
Airbus Insights
What We Do
Airbus is a global leader in aeronautics, space and related services. In 2020, it generated revenues of €49.9 billion and employed a workforce of around 130,000. Airbus offers the most comprehensive range of passenger airliners. Airbus is also a European leader providing tanker, combat, transport and mission aircraft, as well as one of the world’s leading space companies. In helicopters, Airbus provides the most efficient civil and military rotorcraft solutions worldwide. Airbus is an international pioneer in the aerospace industry and a leader in designing, manufacturing and delivering aerospace products, services and solutions to customers on a global scale. We believe that it’s not just what we make, but how we make it that counts; promoting responsible, sustainable and inclusive business practices and acting with integrity. Our people work with passion and determination to make the world a more connected, safer and smarter place, on the ground, in the sky and in space.
