Working Student (d/f/m) Simulation Control UI Software Infrastructure

Airbus
Full-timeβ€’Manching, Germany

πŸ“ Job Overview

Job Title: Working Student (d/f/m) - Simulation Control UI Software Infrastructure

Company: Airbus

Location: Manching, Germany

Job Type: Part-time

Category: Software Development & Engineering Operations

Date Posted: 2026-09-10

Experience Level: Student

Remote Status: Hybrid

πŸš€ Role Summary

  • This role focuses on supporting the development and maintenance of software infrastructure for flight simulator control UI systems, a critical component in GTM and product development.

  • The position involves hands-on contribution to software build, integration, and test toolchains, directly impacting engineering and training simulation capabilities.

  • Responsibilities include modernizing dependency and package management, enhancing cross-platform build enablement, and ensuring code quality through development best practices.

  • This is an ideal opportunity for a full-time student seeking practical experience in a dynamic, international aerospace environment, contributing to high-fidelity simulations.

πŸ“ Enhancement Note: While the role is for a "Working Student," the responsibilities described align with foundational roles in Software Operations and Engineering Support. The focus on toolchain development, integration, and cross-platform builds indicates a need for systematic approaches to software delivery, characteristic of operations functions within a product development lifecycle. The "Simulation Control UI Software Infrastructure" aspect suggests a direct link to user-facing operational tools within the simulation environment.

πŸ“ˆ Primary Responsibilities

  • Support the development, maintenance, and continuous improvement of the software build, integration, and test toolchain for simulation control UI systems.

  • Contribute to the modernization of dependency and package management infrastructure, ensuring efficient and reliable software component handling.

  • Assist in enabling and optimizing cross-platform software builds, broadening the accessibility and deployment capabilities of simulation software.

  • Design, develop, test, and maintain software by writing clean, efficient, and maintainable code, adhering to established software development best practices.

  • Analyze and debug software issues, identifying root causes and implementing effective bug fixes to ensure system stability and performance.

  • Participate actively in weekly team meetings, contributing insights and collaborating with cross-functional teams on simulation system development.

  • Engage with modern and diversified technologies, staying abreast of industry advancements in simulation and software infrastructure.

πŸ“ Enhancement Note: The responsibilities highlight a strong emphasis on process optimization within the software development lifecycle. "Continuous improvement of the software build, integration and test toolchain" and "modernization of dependency and package management infrastructure" are core operational tasks aimed at enhancing efficiency and reliability. The mention of "cross-platform software builds" and "analyzing and debugging software issues" also points to operational problem-solving and system support.

πŸŽ“ Skills & Qualifications

Education:

  • Must be enrolled as a full-time student in Computer Science, or an equivalent field of study.

  • Bachelor's degree program is the typical academic level for this role. Experience:

  • Practical experience in C++ software development is required, demonstrating foundational programming skills.

  • Experience with software build, integration, and test toolchains is highly beneficial for immediate contribution. Required Skills:

  • Fluent English communication skills, both written and verbal, for effective collaboration in an international environment.

  • Strong problem-solving abilities and a methodical approach to debugging and issue resolution.

  • Proficiency in C++ software development.

  • Understanding of software development best practices, including clean code principles and maintainability.

  • Ability to work effectively in a team setting and participate in collaborative discussions. Preferred Skills:

  • Knowledge of Qt/QML for user interface development in simulation environments.

  • Experience with Python for scripting, automation, or toolchain development.

  • Familiarity with DevOps pipelines and tools such as CMake, Conan, and Jenkins.

  • Understanding of dependency and package management concepts.

  • Experience with cross-platform development challenges and solutions.

πŸ“ Enhancement Note: The emphasis on C++, Qt/QML, Python, and DevOps tools (CMake, Conan, Jenkins) points towards a need for candidates who can not only write code but also understand and contribute to the infrastructure that supports software development and deployment. This blend of development and infrastructure support is a hallmark of roles within a software operations or DevOps context.

πŸ“Š Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

  • Demonstrations of software development projects, showcasing proficiency in C++ and ideally Qt/QML or Python.

  • Examples of contributions to build, integration, or testing processes, highlighting an understanding of the software development lifecycle.

  • Projects that illustrate experience with cross-platform development or dependency management.

  • Code samples that reflect clean, efficient, and maintainable coding practices. Process Documentation:

  • Ability to document code, processes, and system configurations clearly and concisely.

  • Understanding of how to contribute to the improvement of existing workflows for build, integration, and testing.

  • Familiarity with the principles of version control and its role in managing software development processes.

πŸ“ Enhancement Note: For a working student role, a formal "portfolio" might be less extensive. However, candidates are expected to showcase their practical skills through academic projects, personal coding projects, or contributions to open-source initiatives. The emphasis on "clean, efficient, and maintainable code" and "software development best practices" suggests that the quality and systematic nature of their work will be evaluated, akin to process documentation in a professional setting.

πŸ’΅ Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range:

  • As a working student position in Germany, compensation will be based on industry standards for student roles, typically an hourly wage. While not explicitly stated, typical rates for technical working students in Germany, especially in aerospace, can range from €13 to €18 per hour, depending on experience and specific skills. For a 18-hour week, this would translate to approximately €936 to €1,296 gross per month. Benefits:

  • Attractive salary (hourly wage for working students).

  • Flexible working hours (flexitime) enabling a good work-life balance.

  • Opportunity for mobile working (hybrid) upon agreement with the department.

  • International environment with global networking opportunities.

  • Exposure to modern and diversified technologies.

  • Integration into the team as a valued member, not just for menial tasks.

  • Participation in the Generation Airbus Community for expanded networking. Working Hours:

  • Approximately 18 hours per week, allowing students to balance their studies with work commitments.

  • Flexitime arrangements are available, providing flexibility in scheduling.

πŸ“ Enhancement Note: The salary range is an estimation based on German working student compensation standards for technical roles in major corporations. The benefits listed are directly from the job description, highlighting Airbus's commitment to a positive work-life balance and professional development for its student employees.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏒 Company Culture

Industry: Aerospace & Defense. Airbus is a global leader in aircraft manufacturing, defense, space, and related services. This industry demands high standards of engineering, safety, and innovation.

Company Size: Airbus is a large, multinational corporation, employing over 130,000 people globally. This size offers extensive resources, diverse opportunities, and a structured corporate environment.

Founded: Airbus was founded in 1970. Its long history signifies stability, extensive experience, and a well-established presence in the aerospace sector.

Team Structure:

  • The role is within the Simulation UI Systems department, specifically supporting control stations for flight simulators.

  • The team likely comprises experienced engineers, software developers, and potentially project managers responsible for the design, development, and maintenance of simulation software.

  • Collaboration is expected with other engineering disciplines involved in aircraft development and simulation. Methodology:

  • The department focuses on developing high-fidelity engineering and training simulations, supporting the entire development lifecycle.

  • Emphasis is placed on modern technologies, software development best practices, and continuous improvement of toolchains.

  • Agile or iterative development methodologies may be employed given the focus on software development and continuous integration.

Company Website: https://www.airbus.com/en/careers

πŸ“ Enhancement Note: Airbus's large size and established presence in the aerospace industry suggest a culture that values precision, safety, and long-term vision. For operations roles, this translates to a need for robust processes, meticulous documentation, and a commitment to quality and compliance. The "Simulation UI Systems" department implies a focus on user experience and operational efficiency within complex systems.

πŸ“ˆ Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: This is a student-level position, providing foundational experience in software infrastructure and simulation development. It's an entry point into specialized technical fields within a large corporation.

Reporting Structure: The working student will report to a manager or lead engineer within the Simulation UI Systems department. They will be integrated into weekly team meetings, indicating direct interaction with team members and their work.

Operations Impact: While a student role, contributions to the software build, integration, and test toolchain have a direct impact on the efficiency and quality of simulation software development. This indirectly supports the GTM of aircraft by ensuring robust training and engineering tools.

Growth Opportunities:

  • Skill Development: Deepen expertise in C++, Qt/QML, Python, and DevOps tools through practical application and mentorship. Gain hands-on experience in software infrastructure management and simulation technology.

  • Networking: Benefit from working in an international environment and participating in the Generation Airbus Community to build a professional network.

  • Career Path: This role can serve as a stepping stone to internships, thesis projects, or even entry-level positions within Airbus's software development, engineering, or operations departments upon graduation.

πŸ“ Enhancement Note: The growth opportunities are framed around skill acquisition and professional development, which are key considerations for students. The mention of "Generation Airbus Community" and "international environment" emphasizes networking as a significant growth aspect, crucial for career advancement in a global company like Airbus.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: Hybrid. The job description states "Mobile working after agreement with the department," indicating a hybrid work model. The primary location is Manching, Germany.

Office Location(s): Manching, Germany. This location is situated north of Munich, offering a balance between rural living and proximity to a major city.

Workspace Context:

  • The workspace is within the Simulation UI Systems department at Airbus's Manching facility.

  • Opportunities for interaction with experienced professionals and participation in team meetings are highlighted.

  • Access to modern technologies and a diversified tech stack is part of the environment.

  • The company culture emphasizes treating students as valuable team members, implying a collaborative and supportive atmosphere. Work Schedule:

  • Approximately 18 hours per week, with flexible scheduling (flexitime) to accommodate study commitments.

  • Work is typically performed on-site, with potential for hybrid arrangements.

πŸ“ Enhancement Note: The hybrid nature of the role, combined with flexitime, suggests an environment that values work-life balance and employee autonomy, even for student positions. This flexibility is often beneficial for roles requiring focused analytical work, such as debugging and code development.

πŸ“„ Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

  • Initial Screening: Review of application documents (cover letter, CV, transcripts, enrollment certificate) to assess academic background and basic qualifications.

  • Technical Interview(s): Likely to involve discussions on C++ programming, problem-solving scenarios, and potentially questions related to Qt/QML, Python, or DevOps concepts if these are key skills. Candidates may be asked to walk through their projects.

  • Team/Cultural Fit Interview: An opportunity to discuss motivations, career aspirations, and how the candidate would integrate into the team and Airbus culture. Emphasis on collaboration and learning attitude.

  • Offer: Extension of an offer if the candidate meets all requirements and demonstrates strong potential.

Portfolio Review Tips:

  • Highlight Relevant Projects: Focus on academic or personal projects demonstrating C++ proficiency, experience with build/integration tools, or cross-platform development.

  • Showcase Code Quality: Prepare to discuss your approach to writing clean, efficient, and maintainable code. If possible, provide links to public repositories (e.g., GitHub) or be ready to discuss code samples.

  • Quantify Impact: For any project, try to articulate the outcome or benefit, even if it's academic. For example, "improved build time by X%" or "enabled functionality for Y platform."

  • Explain Your Role: Clearly define your specific contributions, especially if working on team projects.

Challenge Preparation:

  • Coding Exercises: Be prepared for basic C++ coding challenges or logic puzzles.

  • Scenario-Based Questions: Think about how you would approach common software development issues, such as debugging a complex bug or optimizing a slow build process.

  • Toolchain Knowledge: Refresh your understanding of common build systems (CMake) and CI/CD concepts (Jenkins), even if your experience is limited.

πŸ“ Enhancement Note: The application process emphasizes both technical skills and a willingness to learn and adapt. For a student role, the "portfolio" is less about formal project delivery and more about demonstrating potential and foundational knowledge through academic work and coding samples. The interview process will likely probe for problem-solving aptitude and a good cultural fit within Airbus's engineering environment.

πŸ›  Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

  • Programming Languages: C++, Python (preferred).

  • UI Development: Qt/QML (preferred).

  • Build & Integration: CMake (preferred), Conan (preferred).

  • CI/CD: Jenkins (preferred).

  • Version Control: Git (implied for modern software development).

Analytics & Reporting:

  • While not explicitly listed, standard tools for tracking build success rates, bug resolution times, and code coverage might be used internally. CRM & Automation:

  • Not directly applicable to this technical development role, but understanding how these tools interact with development pipelines could be a plus.

πŸ“ Enhancement Note: The technology stack is heavily geared towards software development and DevOps practices. Proficiency in C++ is essential, with Qt/QML and Python being significant advantages. The inclusion of CMake, Conan, and Jenkins points to a modern, automated build and integration infrastructure, common in large engineering organizations.

πŸ‘₯ Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

  • Precision & Quality: As part of Airbus, there's an inherent value placed on accuracy, reliability, and high-quality engineering, especially in simulation systems critical for training and development.

  • Innovation & Continuous Improvement: The role involves modernizing infrastructure and improving toolchains, reflecting a culture that embraces new technologies and seeks ongoing enhancements.

  • Collaboration & Teamwork: Working students are treated as valuable team members and are expected to participate in team meetings, fostering a collaborative environment.

  • Integrity & Compliance: Airbus, as a global corporation, emphasizes ethical conduct and adherence to compliance standards in all its operations.

Collaboration Style:

  • Cross-functional Integration: Expect to collaborate with other engineers and potentially subject matter experts within the Simulation UI Systems department and possibly other engineering teams.

  • Open Communication: Participation in weekly team meetings suggests an environment where ideas are shared, and feedback is exchanged.

  • Mentorship: As a working student, there will likely be opportunities for mentorship from more experienced team members, facilitating knowledge transfer and skill development.

πŸ“ Enhancement Note: The values align with a high-stakes engineering environment where meticulous work, continuous learning, and effective teamwork are paramount. The "working student" aspect implies a culture that invests in nurturing future talent and integrating them into the broader operational framework.

⚑ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

  • Learning Curve: Adapting to Airbus's specific toolchains, processes, and the complexity of flight simulator systems.

  • Balancing Studies and Work: Effectively managing time to meet both academic and professional commitments.

  • Technical Depth: Grasping the intricacies of simulation software infrastructure and cross-platform development within a short timeframe.

  • International Collaboration: Navigating communication and collaboration in a diverse, international team.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

  • Technical Skill Enhancement: Gaining practical experience with industry-standard tools and languages (C++, Qt/QML, Python, CMake, Jenkins).

  • Industry Exposure: Understanding the operational aspects of aerospace engineering and simulation development.

  • Networking: Building connections within Airbus and the broader aerospace community through the Generation Airbus Community.

  • Professional Development: Learning about corporate best practices, project management, and teamwork in a large multinational organization.

πŸ“ Enhancement Note: The challenges are framed in a way that highlights opportunities for growth. For instance, the "learning curve" is an implicit invitation to develop new skills, and "balancing studies and work" points to the development of time management and organizational skills.

πŸ’‘ Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

  • "Tell me about a challenging technical problem you solved." Prepare a concise example from your academic projects or personal coding that showcases your problem-solving process, the tools you used, and the outcome. Focus on your approach to debugging and analysis.

  • "How do you approach writing maintainable code?" Discuss principles like modularity, clear naming conventions, commenting, and adhering to coding standards. Relate this to the job description's emphasis on clean, efficient, and maintainable code.

  • "Describe your experience with C++ or other relevant languages/tools." Be ready to elaborate on your practical experience, projects, and any specific features or libraries you've worked with. If you have experience with Qt/QML, Python, CMake, or Jenkins, highlight it.

  • "Why are you interested in working at Airbus and in this specific role?" Connect your academic interests and career goals to Airbus's mission in aerospace and the technical challenges of simulation software infrastructure. Show enthusiasm for learning and contributing. Company & Culture Questions:

  • "How do you handle working in a team, especially in a hybrid or international environment?" Discuss your communication style, how you contribute to team discussions, and your approach to collaborating with diverse colleagues.

  • "What are your expectations from a working student position?" Align your expectations with the learning and development opportunities, emphasizing your desire to contribute and gain practical experience.

  • "How do you prioritize your tasks when balancing studies and work?" Demonstrate your organizational skills and ability to manage multiple responsibilities effectively. Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

  • Focus on Relevance: Select 2-3 projects that best demonstrate the required skills (C++, build/integration, cross-platform).

  • Explain Your Contribution: Clearly articulate your role and specific tasks performed, especially in team projects.

  • Highlight Technical Details: Be prepared to discuss the architecture, design choices, and technical challenges faced.

  • Quantify Results: If possible, present metrics or outcomes that show the impact of your work (e.g., efficiency gains, successful builds).

  • Showcase Code Quality: If presenting code, ensure it is well-formatted, commented, and demonstrates good programming practices.

πŸ“ Enhancement Note: Interview preparation for this role should focus on demonstrating a strong technical foundation in C++, a proactive learning attitude, and an understanding of software development processes. The ability to articulate technical concepts clearly and connect them to operational efficiency will be key.

πŸ“Œ Application Steps

To apply for this operations-focused software infrastructure position:

  • Submit your application through the provided link on the Airbus careers portal, ensuring all required documents (cover letter, CV, relevant transcripts, enrollment certificate) are uploaded.

  • Customize Your Cover Letter: Tailor your cover letter to specifically address how your C++ skills, any experience with Qt/QML, Python, or DevOps tools, and your academic background align with the responsibilities of supporting simulation control UI software infrastructure. Highlight your motivation for joining Airbus and your eagerness to learn.

  • Optimize Your CV: Ensure your CV clearly lists your C++ experience, any relevant projects (academic or personal), and any exposure to build, integration, or testing tools. Use keywords from the job description such as "C++," "Qt/QML," "Python," "DevOps," "CMake," "Conan," "Jenkins," "software build," and "integration."

  • Prepare Your Portfolio Walkthrough: Be ready to discuss specific projects that showcase your coding abilities and understanding of software development principles. Practice explaining your contributions, technical challenges, and solutions concisely.

  • Research Airbus and the Role: Understand Airbus's position in the aerospace industry, its focus on simulation technology, and the specific needs of the Simulation UI Systems department. This research will help you articulate your interest and fit during the interview.

⚠️ Important Notice: This enhanced job description includes AI-generated insights and operations industry-standard assumptions. All details should be verified directly with the hiring organization before making application decisions.

Application Requirements

Candidates must be enrolled as full-time students in computer science or a related field. Practical experience in C++ software development is required, with knowledge of Python and DevOps tools considered an asset.