Placement
Closes in 3 days
TL;DR
Key Takeaways
- Undertake a 12-month Innovation Management placement at Airbus, starting 19 July 2027.
- Earn £24,500 per year, working 37 hours per week with hybrid options and half-day Fridays.
- Gain hands-on experience in project coaching, ecosystem engagement, and operational management within the aerospace and defence sector.
- Must be an undergraduate studying a relevant Product Design, Engineering, or Business degree.
- Applications close on 25 October 2026.
About the Role
This is a 12-month placement within the Innovation Management team at Airbus, starting on 19 July 2027.
About the Team
The Innovation Management team plays a key role in driving Airbus's innovation pipeline, connecting new technologies with industrial applications. You will coach innovation projects, engage with the startup ecosystem, and manage the Airbus Launchpad facility.
Key Responsibilities
- Ensure business cases for innovation projects are strong and convincing.
- Support teams in identifying customer pain points, USPs, Value Propositions, Go-To-Market Plans, and IP protection.
- Assist teams in developing Minimal Viable Products (MVPs) and live demonstrations.
- Understand and map the innovation ecosystem.
- Identify and build relationships with startups relevant to Airbus Defence and Space.
- Maximise opportunities from external funding for innovation topics.
- Foster an environment of innovation within the Airbus community.
- Maintain dynamic and engaging internal communication within the innovation team.
- Provide market and industry reports to the innovation team.
What You Will Be Doing
Innovation Management
- Project Coaching: Support teams through incubation to transition, including business case development, value proposition definition, IP protection, and pitch preparation.
- MVP Support: Guide teams in developing MVPs and technical demonstrations.
- Research & Intelligence: Conduct industry research and identify external funding opportunities.
- Community Building: Drive the UK Innovation Club, manage the "BlueBox" Internal Innovation campaign, and grow the Launchpad community.
- Communication: Oversee internal innovation communications, execute external communication plans, manage the quarterly newsletter, and maintain the R&T Live Hub.
Ecosystem Engagement
- Scouting & Mapping: Map the innovation landscape and identify/track startups for potential collaboration.
- Networking: Facilitate partnerships between innovation suppliers and the Launchpad program; scout startups for upcoming cohorts.
Support Airbus Launchpad & Operations
- Business Development: Attract new startups and promote Launchpad capabilities.
- Operational Excellence: Plan and execute workshops, hackathons, and networking events.
Requirements
- Must be an undergraduate for the entire duration of the placement.
- Studying for a relevant Product Design, Engineering or Business degree.
- Knowledge of Defence and Space industries.
- A strong interest in innovation, creativity, curiosity, openness, and team spirit.
- Ability to listen, understand, and communicate information.
- Desire to work in a technical team environment.
- A strong interest in self-development.
- Negotiation level of English. Other European languages (French, German, Spanish) are an asset but not essential.
Security Clearance
- Subject to BPSS (Baseline Personnel Security Standard) check.
- May require UK SC-level Security Clearance or Export Control.
Benefits
- Salary: £24,500 per year
- 37 hours per week
- Flexible working hours
- Hybrid working options available
- Half day Fridays (subject to completing full hours)
- 25 days holiday plus bank holidays