Innovation Management Placement

Start date:

19 July 2027

Location:

Stevenage

Duration: 12 months

Applications close on 25 October 2026 !

We love your interest in joining Airbus! There is no limit on the number of positions you can apply for, however, please be aware that you can only progress in the selection process for one position at a time . We recommend reviewing all available opportunities and applying to those that best match your experience and aspirations.

AI Guidance:
We know you might be thinking about using AI to help you in your application - before you do, please read our guidelines on the use of AI for recruitment at Airbus  .

Salary: £24,500

37 hours per week // Flexible working hours // Hybrid working options available depending on the role // Half day Fridays!* // 25 days holiday plus bank holidays

* subject to completing full hours prior to this

Are you interested in developing fascinating innovation projects on aerospace and defence topics? Do you like connecting with people from many different organisations and countries?

Innovation Management team is a pivotal role in driving the growth of Airbus’s innovation pipeline. This multifaceted role is designed to bridge the gap between cutting‑edge startup‑styled technology and industrial application. You will be responsible for coaching innovation projects, cultivating a vibrant external startup ecosystem, and ensuring the seamless operational running of the Airbus Launchpad facility.

• The business cases of innovation projects (in particular in incubation, acceleration and implementation phases) are strong and convincing. Supporting the teams we coach by challenging their business assumptions and looking at ideas for future revenue options;
• The teams identify customer pain points, Unique Selling Propositions (USPs), Value Propositions, Go-To-Market Plans, IP protection and generation of a stand‑out pitch presentation;
• Support teams as they develop their Minimal Viable Products and live demonstrations;
• Understand the Innovation ecosystem, providing a consistent picture of all;
• Innovation/start‑ups challenges and events relevant for the Airbus Defence and Space organisation;
• Identify, track and form relationships with start‑ups of interest to Airbus Defence and Space and suggest ways that we can work better together;
• Maximise Airbus opportunities from External Funding to support our Innovation topics;
• Encourage an environment of Innovation within the everyday life of the Airbus community;
• The innovation team internal communication is kept dynamic, current and engaging;
• The innovation team has the required level support in terms of market and industry reports.

As part of the UK Innovation Management team, you will gain hands‑on experience in innovation strategy, project coaching, and ecosystem development. You will contribute to the following areas:

Focus:
Driving the maturity and viability of internal projects.

• Project
  
  Coaching:
  
  Support teams through incubation to transition; support business case development, value proposition definition, IP protection, and pitch preparation.
• MVP Support:
  Guide teams in developing Minimal Viable Products (MVPs) and technical demonstrations.
• Research & Intelligence:
  Conduct industry research and identify external funding opportunities to support innovation strategy.
• Community Building:
  Drive the UK Innovation Club, manage the "Blue Box" 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.

Focus:
Building…