Flight Physics Placement (12.5 months)

Job Description:

Start date: 17 August 2026

Location: Filton, Bristol

Duration: 12.5 months

Application: 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.

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Apply early to avoid missing out — we may close adverts once we receive sufficient applications.

Benefits:

Salary: £23,400

35 hours per week // Flexible working hours // Hybrid working // Half day Fridays! // 25 days holiday plus bank holidays

About us: 

The Flight Physics team is responsible for overall aircraft design activities across all stages of aircraft development, from pre-design to in-service support. Our work is primarily focused on major aircraft programmes, such as the A350XWB and A320neo, as well as future aircraft research programmes.

We also have a significant focus on Research & Technology (R&T), capability and tool development, and data science, making our work both varied and interesting. In the UK, our team is divided into four departments that collectively cover a wide range of activities.

Flight Physics is an exciting department to work for in a number of ways:

• We get to impact the overall aircraft design before it gets broken into individual components for detailed analysis. This means we get to build an understanding of the impact top level inputs have on the aircraft design. 

• We get a chance to work on challenging technical problems as well as project management and interfacing with customers and suppliers. 

• Each team works on a number of different programmes from current developments to future aircraft and R&T, so you get to experience a diverse range of activities and work.

• Our teams are distributed across sites in France, Germany, India, Spain and the UK bringing a wide variety of cultures.

Our four different departments are:

• Mass Properties: Responsible for everything to do with the weight and balance of our aircraft and new products. Wide range of activities such as managing and tracking weight targets, supporting the definition of future aircraft from both a top level perspective and at component level, and supporting airlines from sales campaigns, through their customisation of the aircraft to the physical weighing of their aircraft before delivery. 

• Aerodynamics: Responsible for designing the wing shape, developing the aircraft configuration and characterising the aerodynamic behaviour of the aircraft. Multiple techniques are used, including CFD calculations and wind tunnel testing, to achieve a design with the best possible performance.

• Loads & Aeroelastics: Generate the definition of the loads that the aircraft will experience on ground and in flight at the most extreme conditions that could be encountered, which are then used to design the airframe, landing gear and systems.

• Flight Physics Capability and Strategy: Develop the diverse range of tools and capabilities used by Flight Physics and are looking at how to apply new technologies such as Design Space Exploration, Artificial Intelligence, Machine Learning and Data Analytics to our business.

What you will be doing:

Interns make a significant contribution to Flight Physics. You will be given responsibility and ownership of your tasks during your internship, doing real and challenging work within your team and experiencing a wide range of technical topics. A typical internship will consist of a main project that runs for the length of the placement, with additional shorter tasks alongside to give exposure to other subjects. 

You will be allocated to one of the Flight Physics departments (Aircraft Aerodynamics, Component Aerodynamics, Wind Tunnel, Component Loads and Aeroelastics, Flight & Ground Loads and Aeroelastics, Mass Properties or Flight Physics Capabilities & Strategy) based on your performance at our assessment centre and your application, however we will also try to take any personal preferences into account. The placement will be varied and require you to use and develop different skills (technical, project management, communication etc.) in order to complete your activities successfully.

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:

• An undergrad studying for at least two years in Physics, Engineering, Computer Science, Data Science or a similar technical subject;

• Naturally curious and excited to build understanding;

• Ability to manage problems, communicating effectively to resolve them in a fast-paced environment;

• Proactive, love to learn and be able to focus on your own self development;

• Creativity and desire to innovate and develop new capabilities.

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. You will need to be able to work on UK commercial aviation topics to complete this internship.

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.

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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.

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