12‑Month Innovation Management Placement

About the role

This 12‑month Innovation Management placement is based at Airbus Defence and Space in Stevenage, starting 19 July 2027. You will work within the UK Innovation Management team, supporting the development of aerospace and defence innovation projects and bridging the gap between startups and industrial application.

Key responsibilities

• Coach innovation projects through incubation, acceleration and implementation phases, strengthening business cases and value propositions.
• Support teams in developing Minimal Viable Products, technical demonstrations and compelling pitch presentations.
• Map the external innovation ecosystem, identify promising startups and facilitate partnerships with the Airbus Launchpad.
• Manage the Stevenage innovation hub, organising workshops, hackathons and networking events.
• Produce internal and external communications, including newsletters and the R&T Live Hub.

Required profile

• Undergraduate studying Product Design, Engineering, Business or a related discipline, remaining enrolled for the full placement.
• Interest and knowledge of the Defence and Space sectors.
• Strong curiosity, creativity, teamwork and communication skills.
• Fluent English; additional European languages (French, German, Spanish) are a plus.

What we offer

• Salary of £24,500 per year.
• 37‑hour work week with flexible and hybrid working options.
• Half‑day Fridays and 25 days holiday plus bank holidays.
• Opportunity to gain hands‑on experience in innovation strategy, project coaching and ecosystem development at a leading aerospace company.