AGGP2026 Graduate – Functional Validation Engineer

Job description

Job Description:

Start date: September 2026

Location: Stevenage

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.

Crucially, 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.
Beyond your daily responsibilities and a comprehensive schedule of training, you'll join your global graduate community annually for a 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 – and, 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 pathway to guide your growth into the role of Functional Validation Engineer and can expect to be involved in the following:

• You will join our Spacecraft & Systems Engineering group (5-10 people and wider projects) as part of the Functional Verification Team and report to the Functional Validation Architect and Avionics Lead in our Stevenage site.
  
  The Spacecraft group produce some of our most exciting and innovative products, like the ExoMars Rover, Biomass and Solar Orbiter, as well as earth observation satellites.
  
  You will be assigned to one of our groundbreaking projects and ensure all functional verification activities are properly executed.
  
  The Functional Verification team is key to ensuring our spacecrafts are successful in space.
  
  The team addresses all testing activities set in place for verifying and validating the spacecraft functions.
  
  It covers functions implemented by H/W or S/W and ensure that the spacecraft is “fit for customer” & “fit for mission”.
• You will be responsible for tasks covering the complete test cycles: test specification, test procedure, test execution and assessment.
  
  The tests will target both numerical test benches (fully simulated) and hybrid hardware benches.
  
  Working closely with the Functional Team, you will lead anomaly investigations when they arise.

Your tasks and responsibilities will include

• Establish the necessary and sufficient configuration to perform the FV task.
• Validation of the functional chains through end to end open loop tests (GNC, DHS, ..)
• Validate the nominal and reconfiguration functions of the sub-assembly through closed loop tests
• Development of Automated Test Procedures (ATP) against a test specification.
• Execution of the ATPs on the various test benches
• Test data analysis and Test Report Compilation (in coengineering with design areas).
• Investigation of anomalies and diagnosis (root cause, solution proposal…)

In addition, you may be exposed to the following aspects:

• Interactions with other design architect/system engineers, AIT and customers
• Schedule, quality, costs and risks for all FV related activities within the Project
• Definition of the whole FV strategy for the project.
• Contribute to Functional Verification Infrastructure architecture, monitoring the development and procurement of FV Infrastructure

Your development pathway will include a minimum of one rotational placement to support your growth into position.
Throughout the two year development programme you will have developed into the position of Functional Validation 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
• Recently graduated or first professional experience in the field of Aeronautical, Aerospace or Robotics Engineering, Electronic Design or a related field;
• 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.

Please note, we love your interest in working for Airbus but we do ask that you make only one application to the Airbus Global Graduate Programme.

We encourage you to take 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.

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

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 30th September (don’t delay, apply today as some roles may close early due to applications received).
Please let us know if you need us to make any adjustments.

Examples of this may include (but is not exclusive to) accessible facilities; additional time for written exercises etc.

Any information disclosed will be treated in the strictest confidence. 
#AGGP2026

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 Limited

Employment Type:

Permanent

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Experience Level:

Entry Level

Job Family:

Testing <JF-EN-ET>

Required Skill Profession

Engineers