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 | Headquarters
Toulouse, France |  |
 | Sites
12 in France, Germany, Spain and UK |  |
 | Subsidiaries
Three in USA, Japan and China |  |
 | Number of employees
52,000 |  |
 | Nationalities
85 |  |
 | Languages spoken
over 20 |  |
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Airbus centers in Wichita, Kansas and Mobile, Alabama provide world-class engineering services |
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| Flight Physics |
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Entry requirements
Suitable degrees include an accredited MEng or equivalent in:
Aeronautical Engineering
Aerospace Engineering
Aerodynamics
Mechanical Engineering
Engineering with Maths/Physics.
Additional Requirements
It is desirable for applicants to demonstrate related experience for this role, which could include:
An internship in a related industry
A project or internship covering wing component (flaps, slats, etc) design
A project in flight dynamics
For Aero and Wind Tunnels - 4th year studies in Aerodynamics
About Flight Physics
Flight Physics encompasses the non-specific design activities that deliver the data used for the detailed design of aircraft components and systems. Within Flight Physics in Airbus UK there are four main areas: aerodynamics, loads and aeroelastics, mass properties and the wind tunnel.
Aerodynamics
Aerodynamics has responsibility for ensuring the aircraft design meets the aerodynamic flight performance requirements. Primary activities include design of the wing shape, assisting in the development of the aircraft configuration, generation of aerodynamic data for use by other disciplines and analysis of data from the wind tunnel and flight tests. Engineers also work on developing new modelling capabilities and supporting ongoing aerodynamic research and technology programmes.
Loads & Aeroelastics
The loads team determines the aircraft loads that result from the most extreme conditions an aircraft might encounter during its lifetime. These loads are used to set the minimum level of strength required for the structure. Loads work involves developing, validating and applying mathematical models that represent the response of the aircraft. The team also ensures any new aircraft design will be free from oscillatory or divergent aeroelastic behaviour.
Mass Properties
Mass Properties is responsible for tracking and predicting the weight of the aircraft as the design evolves. The overall aim is to ensure the optimum mass is achieved for each component based on a compromise between design limitations, manufacturing capabilities, cost and time. To achieve this aim, Engineers develop, validate and deploy mass prediction tools that are used to forecast component weight and thus overall aircraft weight.
Wind Tunnel
The wind tunnel supports the design activities of the aerodynamics group by validating that the design will meet the aerodynamic and flight performance requirements. Primary activities involve managing wind tunnel test campaigns, including conducting wind tunnel tests to meet the needs of aircraft development and research programs. The team also manufactures state of the art wind tunnel models and develops the instrumentation used to capture aerodynamic data.
Case Study - Paolo
During the DEG programme, I've had the opportunity to work on placements with a number of departments across Engineering, both in the UK and abroad.
In Flight Physics I've been involved in analysis for A350XWB winglet pressures from Computer Fluid Dynamic simulations and A350 flight spoiler load modelling. I've also participated in the development of a specialised trans-national tool used within Aerodynamics for handling aerodynamic data. It is interesting to see how valuable data from Wind Tunnel Tests, Flight Tests and Computer Simulations is processed and fed into various departments of Airbus, such as Loads, Performance, Handling Qualities, just to name a few. This was also a great chance to put into practice some aerodynamic theory of airfoils and wing shapes, as well as programming skills in MATLAB.
The DEG programme also allowed me to work in other parts of Airbus, such as Flight Test Instrumentation for A380 and A340 Flying Test-Bed (FTB) in Toulouse, and even fly the A380 simulator whilst working on a Joint Aviation Requirements certification card!
I've also been fortunate enough to be able to work with an International airline during one of my placements. I was based at the maintenance, repair and overhaul centre to support the A320 fleet. I also worked on the wings in Manufacturing Engineering at Airbus' site in Broughton, North Wales. |

Product Integrity
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Entry requirements
Suitable degrees include an accredited MEng or equivalent in:
- Aeronautical Engineering
- Aerospace Engineering
- Design
- Airworthiness Engineering
- Mechanical Engineering
- Systems Engineering
- Safety and Human Factors
Alternatively, we accept applications from candidates with a degree in Maths and/or Physics with a relevant MSc or equivalent.
Additional Requirements
Ideally candidates should have a wider interest in the aerospace industry and profession (including charterships) and demonstrable experience of Aerospace-based projects during Further Education. Demonstration of application of learnt engineering skills gained at university through activities, such as internships, is desirable.
About Product Integrity
Product Integrity is responsible for the Airworthiness Function including:
- Showing, verification and demonstration to EASA (European Aviation Safety Agency) of compliance of the Type Design of an aircraft and related products (aircraft engine or propellers), parts and appliances, with the applicable EASA Certification Specifications and Environmental Protection requirements.
- Showing, verification and demonstration to EASA compliance of design modifications, repairs and technical solutions for unintentional deviations from the approved design data occurring in production, with the applicable Certification Specifications and Environmental Protection requirements.
- Ensuring the continued airworthiness of in-service aircraft.
- Also included are rulemaking and Design Organisation Approval (DOA) management activities.
Airworthiness Office
Each aircraft programme is allocated a Chief Airworthiness Engineer who is responsible for leading and coordinating all the airworthiness activities, this responsibility covers, type certification, type validation, changes to type certificates, continued airworthiness and individual aircraft certification. Responsibilities include:
- Support in the preparation of type certification data and in the corrective actions necessary for continued airworthiness
- Participate in the determination of certification basis and means of compliance for certification
- Represent the Airworthiness Engineering Department on task teams, and where appropriate to lead teams as task leader
- Participate in the approval of modifications and release of service bulletins
- Internal meetings - preparing and presenting data
- External EASA/Foreign Authority meetings - preparing and presenting data
- Participate in the creation of new IT tools and processes for use within the airworthiness certification environment - internally and externally
Airworthiness Assurance
This team ensures the control of the content of the design organisation manual, the control and the deployment of the Airworthiness training activities, the control of the Airbus DOA related procedures, the establishment of a methodology for the delegation of signatures within the DOA perimeter. Suitable DOA expertise is available upon request from Airbus Management or Aviation Authorities. It also ensures the management and the coordination of the assessment and surveillance of both Airbus and its Partners/Subcontractors. |

Structures
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Entry requirements
Suitable degrees include an accredited MEng or equivalent in:
Aeronautical Engineering
Aerospace Engineering
Design
Mechanical Engineering
Materials
Alternatively, we accept applications from candidates with a degree in Maths and/or Physics with a relevant MSc or equivalent.
Additional Requirements
Ideally candidates should have a wider interest in the aerospace industry and profession (including charterships) and demonstrable experience of Aerospace-based projects during Further Education. They should also demonstrate application of engineering skills though internships is also desirable.
About Structures
The Structures function forms the largest part of the Engineering Organisation in the UK. It is there to support the development of class-leading, high-performance and cost-effective aircraft structures. In the case of Airbus UK, these are the wings for all Airbus aircraft.
The structures department is responsible for the development of the skills, knowledge, tools, methods and processes that are used by the Wing Centre of Excellence (CoE) in the design of Airbus wings. It strives to achieve the highest safety standards in accordance with all relevant environmental legislation.
As a DEG in Structures, you pursue a programme of placements designed to give you a superior understanding of all the major areas that fall within Structures. Placements are also encouraged outside of Structures, so our DEGs can understand the relationships and dependencies between the Structures department and areas, such as, Systems Engineering and Flight Physics. Placements in manufacturing, as well as external placements with customers or suppliers, are considered mandatory.
Structures Engineering comprises the following key disciplines: Design Capability, Research and Technology, Structures Analysis, Materials and Processes, Stress Engineering and Structures Test. All these domains actively support all major aircraft projects: A380, Single-Aisle family, Long-Range family, A350 XWB and A400M besides current development of aircraft.
Design Capability (airframe structures and systems installation)
Analysis and evaluation of relevant technology and know-how, including the development of best practice approach and appropriate design principles, standards and rules, the development of certification strategies, challenging the relevant stress and design teams and assessing the capabilities of external companies.
Structures Analysis
This provides the structures stress teams with calculation methods and the associated computer processes and tool sets. It covers fatigue and damage tolerance, finite element analysis, static strength and advanced numerical simulation.
Materials and Processes
This covers six areas of technical expertise - Metallic Technology, Composite Technology, Surface Technology, Mechanic Technology, Testing Technology and Standardisation. As a group they are responsible for materials and process development and qualification, as well as the preparation of supporting technical documentation. They also work closely with manufacturing on process development.
Specific Design Work Integration Specific Design Work Integration ensures that all other engineering functions are properly integrated with, and connected to the detail design work activities that are carried out in the Wing Centre of Excellence. Its team of "architects" is responsible for the definition of the overall architecture of the product and the engineering processes to be applied in the detail design. The team also ensures that the inputs from Aerodynamics, Loads, and Systems Design are properly integrated with the structural design.
Structures Test
Testing is critical to ensure that the various components, sub-components, details, elements and basic materials perform the required tasks and are safe. The Structures Test area has technical authority for all structures related tests and manages all UK-based tests.
Research and Technology This area covers the introduction and testing of new structural concepts that may be used on future aircraft. The research engineer is tasked with identifying ways to improve the performance of the wing and make it easier to build and maintain. The research and technology team looks at ways to improve the structure of the wing on existing aircraft and to update the methods used in analysing or designing the wing. At the same time, they take account of new technologies and ensure that the wing structure is safe and efficient to fly for many decades into the future.
Case Study - George
I studied Mechanical Engineering at Warwick University before joining the DEG programme at Airbus. My placements have given me the experience required to be a design engineer and have covered:
Reparability: In in-service support.
Manufacturability: At the A380 wing assembly plant in Broughton.
Operability: As a line side engineer at an airline in USA.
I have also worked in design on the A350XWB and in stress on A380. For my current and final placement I am working on policy and planning within the A350 Chief Engineers Team. This is a fantastic opportunity to develop my skills and gain awareness of top-level processes and decision-making.
I have also received extensive training, which has included training in composites, Catia, cultural awareness, and team working. I am looking forward to taking up a role in Design Engineering at the end of my DEG training within A350 trailing edge.
I feel confident that the wealth of experience gained on the DEG programme will be of great benefit to me going forward. |

| Systems |
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Entry requirements
Suitable degrees include an accredited MEng or equivalent in:
- Aeronautical Engineering
- Aerospace Engineering
- Systems Engineering
- Mechanical Engineering
- Avionics
- Electronics
- Design Engineering
- Computer Systems Engineering
- Control Systems Engineering
- Software Engineering
- Safety & Human Factors
Alternatively, we accept candidates with a degree in Maths and/or Physics with a relevant MSc. Applicants should demonstrate a keen interest in the aerospace industry and profession.
About Systems
To give Airbus the most competitive product in the market Systems and Integration Engineering activities are strongly represented by two functions: Systems Engineering and Landing Gear.
In the Fuel Systems domain, you will be joining a dynamic organisation that has been recognised worldwide as a technical leader in commercial fuel systems, with key involvement in all major Airbus aircraft programmes, including A380 and A400M. As part of the team responsible for providing complete fuel systems, from concept through to customer support for all Airbus aircraft, you will be at the forefront of these developments
The UK part of Systems Engineering is made up of the following technical domains:
- Fuel - Key activities include: fuel tank modelling and simulation, fuel measurement, management and interface, ground and flight transfer, jettison, inerting, electromagnetic hazard protection. The specialist skills and knowledge that have been developed within these teams, ensure that our fuel systems are fully integrated into the aircraft. Airbus (Filton) is responsible for all departments within this domain.
- Information Management/Architecture & Integration - Flight management, instruments, communication, navigation, maintenance, information systems, electrical generation and distribution. Within Airbus (Filton) this department is in charge of avionics technology, system integration and development support, electric technology for Airbus and Legacy aircraft and optical technologies in support of data communications and sensing.
- Environmental Control Systems - Air generation, distribution and conditioning, bleed, ice protection and detection, test rigs. Airbus (Filton) is responsible for the wing anti ice department, which also includes ice and rain protection. Key domain activities include the design of wing ice protection systems, certification of all aspects of ice and rain protection and the development of next generation ice and rain protection systems.
- Systems General - is a transverse organisation for all Airbus programs which is responsible for the deployment of activities into Systems CoC, Landing Gear CoC and supports Wing activities. Key activities include: product and process assurance, requirements based engineering, verification and validation, aircraft level modeling and simulation, safety and reliability, support for layout of integrated systems and configuration management.
About Landing Gear
The Landing Gear community within Airbus is experiencing a time of significant challenges and great opportunity. Our industry continues to expand rapidly with new and innovative products delivered at ever-higher ramp-up and production rates.
Landing Gear presents many technical and business challenges that we must understand and manage. The product is strongly influenced by operational requirements, including considerations of runway loading, turning circle, braking distances, and the ability to operate from a range of surface conditions. It operates in a very hostile environment at extremes of temperature and humidity, with the added challenges from ground debris. It also contributes significantly to the aircraft primary structure and to systems integrity. Given these challenges, it is not surprising that Landing Gear is a significant factor in aircraft weight, cost and reliability.
Landing Gear Centre of Competence (CoC) is predominantly situated in the UK and is responsible for the architecture, design, aircraft integration, certification and in-service support of all aspects of landing gears and landing gear systems. This includes braking and steering control systems, extension and retraction system, brakes and tyres, wheels, landing gear structural analysis and design for all Airbus aircraft.
Case Study- Oliver
I joined the DEG programme in 2007 and my initial placement lasted six months. I was a member of the wing-systems team for the new Short Range programme. This programme is in the early stages and the placement allowed me to understand the initial development of a programme, whilst working with other developing programmes such as A350XWB and A380, as well as more mature aircraft such as A320 and the A330/A340. I also carried out DEG-specific training, including an aircraft familiarisation course and a week in the Lake District as part of a personal development course.
For my second placement, I moved to Toulouse to work for Fuel Systems' Engineering Customer Support. This was a very line driven placement. We worked to strict deadlines and needed to answer customer's questions quickly and accurately. I gained a high level of technical knowledge, besides working with teams across Airbus, customers and suppliers.
We dealt with a number of Aircraft On Ground situations, where support has to be given to a grounded aircraft in order to release it back into service and prevent delays. I supported the A380 entry into service with our airline customers. The daily discussions with airline management and front-line staff gave me an unparalleled view of our customers, together with the abilities of our new flagship.
My most recent placement is also in Toulouse where I am working in the top-level team for our new Short-Range programme. I get an overall view of aircraft design, as well as helping to shape the future direction of the company.
Being a Systems' DEG has given me amazing opportunities. It has allowed me to be technical and creative, besides allowing me to programme manage and develop my personal skills in non-technical areas. |

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