Cyber Security Research Placement (12.5 months)

This is a 12.5-month Cyber Security Research Placement at Airbus, starting on 16 August 2027.

About the Team

The Airbus Cyber Innovation team is at the forefront of pioneering next-generation security solutions for the aerospace and defence sector. The team comprises specialists in cyberpsychology, smart manufacturing (IoT/ICS), AI/ML, cryptography, and cloud security. They are looking for interns with curiosity, a passion for learning, and a proactive drive to contribute ideas to hands-on experiments and prototype development.

What You Will Be Doing

• Undertake cutting-edge digital security research and innovation activities.
• Develop solutions to Airbus’ cybersecurity innovation needs.
• Contribute to ongoing and new research projects.
• Learn about the complex and upcoming needs of a large organisation.
• Work with a range of teams within the business to develop new innovations.
• Collaborate with universities across the world.
• Scout the market for new cybersecurity technologies and assess their capabilities.
• Write internal technical reports and contribute to papers published at leading cybersecurity conferences.
• Potentially travel to other Airbus sites, events, and academic conferences across Europe.

Requirements

• Must be an undergraduate for the entire duration of the placement.
• Studying towards a degree in Cyber Security, Computer Science, Psychology, Human Factors, Computing, or equivalent.
• For Computer Science related degrees, passed modules in areas such as Artificial Intelligence, Machine Learning, Cryptography, Data Science, Secure Software Development, Risk Management, Cybersecurity Law, Security Architecture, Cybersecurity of Operational Technology (OT) / SCADA, Cloud Security, Network Security, Offensive & Defensive Security, and/or Security Monitoring.
• For Psychology related degrees, passed modules in areas such as Cyber Psychology/Human Factors, Decision-Making, Cognitive Science, Human-Computer Interaction (HCI), Human-Machine interface (HMI) design, Human-robot Interaction (HRI), Research Methods / Design, UI/UX.

Helpful Technical Skills (not mandatory):

• Research Design
• Technical report writing
• Experience with Google Workspace, Qualtrics / Psychopy / Google Forms / Survey Monkey
• Operating Systems: Redhat, Ubuntu, Kali Linux, Android
• Networking: Cisco R&S, VLANs, firewalls, Wireshark, Nmap
• Protocols: TCP/IP, MODBUS, Profinet, CIP, S7, Zigbee, CANBUS, Bluetooth
• Vulnerability scanning applications: Nessus, Splunk
• Metasploit, IDS signatures, Intrusion Detection Systems
• Web application pentest tools: Burp Suite
• Knowledge of AI/ML models
• Programming Languages: Python, C++, Java, R, Rust
• Statistics

Behavioural Skills:

• Ability to listen, understand and communicate information verbally, textually and diagrammatically.
• Desire to work in a technical team environment.
• Strong interest in developing yourself technically and personally.
• Interest in finding and developing creative solutions to complex problems.
• Ability to work relatively autonomously with minimal supervision.
• Natural curiosity.
• Willingness to travel and engage with people.
• Professional level of written and speaking English skills.

Working Conditions

• Salary: £24,246 per year
• Hours: 35 hours per week
• Flexibility: Flexible working hours, hybrid working options available depending on the role, half day Fridays.
• Holiday: 25 days holiday plus bank holidays.
• Security Clearance: Subject to BPSS check, potential for UK SC-level Security Clearance or Export Control.

Application Process

• Applications close on 25 October 2026.
• Submit a CV and a Cover Letter outlining your motivation and suitability for the role.
• Contact Airbus if you need any adjustments to the recruitment process.