Working student within Prototyping Engineering (d/f/m)

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: Working student within Prototyping Engineering (d/f/m)

Company: Airbus

Location: Bremen, Germany

Job Type: Part-Time

Category: Engineering Operations / Prototyping

Date Posted: June 18, 2026

Experience Level: Student (0-2 years)

Remote Status: On-site

🚀 Role Summary

• This is a part-time working student position focused on Prototyping Engineering within Airbus Operations.

• The role involves hands-on experience in designing and building prototype parts, contributing to experimental setups.

• Candidates will support the Protospace department, gaining exposure to windtunnel testing and advanced manufacturing techniques.

• This position offers a unique opportunity for full-time students to integrate practical engineering skills with academic studies, focusing on innovation and product development.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role is specifically for a student, emphasizing practical application of academic knowledge in a real-world engineering environment. The focus on "Prototyping Engineering" and "Protospace department" indicates a highly practical, hands-on role within Airbus's innovation and development lifecycle, rather than a traditional operations support function.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

• Design and model prototype components using CAD software, translating conceptual designs into manufacturable parts.

• Fabricate prototypes utilizing a variety of manufacturing techniques and materials, including 3D printing and potentially woodworking.

• Document experimental results, technical findings, and provide recommendations for design improvements and process optimization.

• Collaborate with stakeholders to understand customer needs and translate them into effective technical approaches for prototype development.

• Perform routine maintenance and minor repair tasks on prototyping machinery and equipment to ensure operational readiness.

• Assist in the setup and execution of windtunnel tests, contributing to data collection and analysis.

• Support the integration of basic electronic components and micro-controllers into prototypes as required.

📝 Enhancement Note: The responsibilities highlight a blend of design, fabrication, documentation, and basic maintenance, all within a prototyping context. The emphasis on "customer needs" and "technical approach" suggests an application-oriented role where engineering solutions are developed and tested.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education: Currently enrolled as a full-time student in Aerospace Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, or a closely related technical field. A Bachelor's degree is the minimum academic pursuit.

Experience: While formal work experience is not expected, demonstrated practical application of skills through academic projects, internships, or personal projects is highly valued.

Required Skills:

• Proficiency in at least one CAD software package (e.g., CATIA, SolidWorks, AutoCAD).

• Hands-on experience with 3D printing technologies and processes.

• Basic understanding of programming principles and electronic components (e.g., micro-controllers, IoT devices).

• Ability to work independently and manage tasks in a structured manner.

• Fluency in both English and German (written and verbal communication). Preferred Skills:

• Experience with woodworking for prototype fabrication.

• Familiarity with windtunnel testing procedures and data acquisition.

• Basic knowledge of machine maintenance and repair.

• Creative problem-solving abilities and a pragmatic approach to engineering challenges.

📝 Enhancement Note: The qualifications emphasize a strong technical foundation in core engineering disciplines relevant to aerospace and prototyping, coupled with essential soft skills like independence and communication. The inclusion of programming and electronics suggests a move towards more integrated and smart prototypes.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

• Showcase of CAD models and designs, demonstrating proficiency in creating detailed and manufacturable parts.

• Examples of physical prototypes built, illustrating fabrication techniques and material application.

• Documentation examples that clearly present test results, analysis, and actionable recommendations.

• Projects that highlight an understanding of customer requirements and the development of technical solutions. Process Documentation:

• Examples of workflow design for prototype development, from concept to final build.

• Documentation of fabrication processes, including materials used and manufacturing methods.

• Records of experimental setup, data collection, and analysis methodologies employed.

📝 Enhancement Note: For a working student role, the "portfolio" will likely be demonstrated through academic projects, personal creations, and detailed explanations during the interview process, rather than formal, polished case studies. The focus is on showcasing practical skills and the ability to document technical work.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range: A collectively agreed salary of at least €19.10 per hour is guaranteed, with potential for adjustment based on the specific role and candidate qualifications.

Benefits:

• Attractive salary and vacation pay.

• Flexible working hours (flexitime) within an 18-hour work week, promoting excellent work-life balance.

• Opportunity for a final thesis project within the department, subject to consultation.

• Access to a global, international environment for networking and professional development.

• Hands-on experience with modern and diversified technologies.

• Active participation in weekly team meetings and direct engagement with project interfaces.

• Membership in the Generation Airbus Community for expanded networking opportunities.

Working Hours: Approximately 18 hours per week, with flexitime options available to accommodate academic schedules and personal commitments.

📝 Enhancement Note: The salary is explicitly stated as a minimum hourly rate, aligning with German collective bargaining agreements for working students. The benefits are comprehensive for a student role, emphasizing practical learning, networking, and flexibility.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: Aerospace Manufacturing and Defence. Airbus is a global leader in designing, manufacturing, and delivering aerospace products, services, and solutions across the commercial aircraft, helicopter, defense, space, and transportation sectors.

Company Size: Airbus is a multinational corporation with tens of thousands of employees globally, indicating a large, structured, and resource-rich organization. This provides opportunities for exposure to diverse projects and extensive resources.

Founded: Founded in 1970, Airbus has a long history of innovation and engineering excellence, evolving into a dominant force in the aerospace industry. This legacy suggests a culture that values heritage, continuous improvement, and forward-thinking engineering.

Team Structure:

• The Protospace department likely comprises experienced engineers, technicians, and potentially other working students or interns.

• Reporting lines are expected to be clear, with a dedicated supervisor or mentor overseeing the working student's activities.

• Collaboration is integral, involving close interaction with design engineers, test engineers, and potentially project managers to bring prototypes to life. Methodology:

• Data-driven approaches are fundamental, with an emphasis on rigorous testing, analysis, and documentation of experimental results.

• Workflow optimization and process efficiency are key in a fast-paced prototyping environment.

• Automation and the use of advanced technology, including CAD and 3D printing, are core to the department's operations.

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

📝 Enhancement Note: Airbus's global scale and established presence in aerospace imply a professional, process-oriented, yet innovative work environment. The "Protospace" department specifically suggests a dynamic, hands-on team focused on rapid iteration and advanced development.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: This role is positioned at the "Student" or "Entry-Level Intern" equivalent within an engineering context. It serves as an foundational experience, providing practical exposure to core engineering processes and technologies used in aerospace prototyping.

Reporting Structure: The working student will report to a designated mentor or team lead within the Prototyping Engineering department, who will provide guidance, supervision, and feedback on tasks and projects.

Operations Impact: While not directly managing revenue-generating operations, the work in prototyping has a critical indirect impact by enabling the development and validation of new technologies and aircraft components. Successful prototyping leads to improved product design, reduced development time, and enhanced performance of future Airbus products.

Growth Opportunities:

• Skill Development: Deepen expertise in CAD software, 3D printing, and various manufacturing techniques relevant to aerospace. Gain practical experience in experimental setup and data analysis.

• Industry Exposure: Gain invaluable insights into the aerospace industry, windtunnel testing, and the product development lifecycle at a leading global company.

• Networking: Build professional connections within Airbus through team meetings, the Generation Airbus Community, and interactions with experienced engineers.

• Academic Integration: Potential to complete a final thesis related to prototyping or experimental engineering, leveraging the company's resources and expertise.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role is primarily an educational opportunity designed to provide practical experience. Growth is measured by skill acquisition, understanding of industry processes, and the ability to contribute meaningfully to projects, rather than direct career advancement within Airbus during the student tenure.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: This is an on-site role based within Airbus facilities in Bremen, Germany. The work environment will likely include office spaces for design and documentation, as well as workshop or lab areas for prototype fabrication and testing.

Office Location(s): Bremen, Germany. This location offers a blend of industrial activity and cultural offerings, with proximity to the North Sea coast.

Workspace Context:

• A collaborative setting where students work alongside experienced professionals, fostering knowledge exchange and mentorship.

• Access to modern prototyping equipment, including CAD workstations, 3D printers, and potentially specialized testing apparatus.

• Opportunities for regular interaction with team members during meetings and day-to-day tasks, promoting a cohesive working environment.

Work Schedule: Approximately 18 hours per week with flexitime, allowing for flexibility to balance academic commitments with work responsibilities. This structure is designed to facilitate a healthy work-life balance for students.

📝 Enhancement Note: The on-site requirement is typical for hands-on engineering roles where access to specialized equipment and direct collaboration are essential. The flexitime aspect is a significant benefit for students managing their academic workload.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

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

• Technical Interview: Discussion focused on CAD skills, 3D printing experience, programming/electronics knowledge, and understanding of engineering principles. May involve a brief technical challenge or problem-solving scenario.

• Team/Mentor Interview: Assessment of cultural fit, work ethic, ability to work independently and collaboratively, and motivation for the role. Discussion about academic projects or personal creations that demonstrate relevant skills.

• Final Assessment: May involve a brief presentation or walkthrough of a relevant academic project or a hypothetical prototyping scenario.

Portfolio Review Tips:

• Organize and clearly present examples of CAD designs, highlighting complexity and design intent.

• Showcase physical prototypes with descriptions of materials, manufacturing processes, and challenges overcome.

• For academic projects, clearly articulate the problem statement, your approach, the results, and any lessons learned.

• Be prepared to discuss your understanding of customer needs and how your designs address them.

• If you have relevant programming or electronics projects, be ready to explain their function and your role in their development. Challenge Preparation:

• Review fundamental CAD operations and common design principles for prototyping.

• Familiarize yourself with different 3D printing technologies and their applications.

• Brush up on basic electronics concepts (micro-controllers, sensors) and simple programming logic.

• Practice articulating technical concepts clearly and concisely, as if explaining them to a non-expert.

• Research recent advancements in aerospace prototyping and additive manufacturing.

📝 Enhancement Note: The interview process will likely focus on practical skills and potential, rather than extensive experience. A portfolio is less about formal case studies and more about demonstrating tangible output from academic or personal projects.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

• CAD Software: CATIA, SolidWorks, AutoCAD (candidates are expected to have basic knowledge of at least one).

• 3D Printing: Various FDM, SLA, or SLS printers (familiarity with common types and materials).

• Prototyping Equipment: Access to workshop tools, potentially CNC machines, laser cutters, and assembly stations.

Analytics & Reporting:

• Documentation Software: Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, PowerPoint) for reports, data analysis, and presentations.

• Data Analysis Tools: Basic proficiency in Excel for data manipulation and visualization is likely expected.

CRM & Automation:

• Not directly applicable to this hands-on prototyping role, but awareness of project management tools may be beneficial.

• Electronics/Programming: Micro-controllers (e.g., Arduino, Raspberry Pi), IoT platforms.

📝 Enhancement Note: The technology stack is heavily weighted towards design and fabrication tools. The emphasis is on practical application of these tools in a prototyping context.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

• Innovation: A strong drive to explore new ideas, technologies, and manufacturing methods to push the boundaries of aerospace engineering.

• Excellence: Commitment to high standards in design, fabrication, and testing to ensure the quality and reliability of prototypes.

• Collaboration: A strong emphasis on teamwork, open communication, and mutual support within the department and across functions.

• Efficiency: A focus on optimizing processes and resource utilization to deliver prototypes effectively and within timelines.

• Continuous Learning: Encouragement for team members to stay updated with the latest technologies and best practices in prototyping and aerospace engineering.

Collaboration Style:

• Cross-functional integration is key, with regular interaction among students, engineers, and technicians.

• A culture of constructive feedback and knowledge sharing, where team members learn from each other's experiences.

• Openness to experimentation and iterative development, fostering an environment where ideas can be tested and refined.

📝 Enhancement Note: Airbus's culture, particularly within an innovative department like Protospace, will likely value a blend of rigorous engineering discipline and a forward-thinking, collaborative spirit.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

• Rapid Iteration: The fast-paced nature of prototyping requires quick adaptation to design changes and a willingness to iterate on solutions.

• Material & Process Selection: Choosing the right materials and manufacturing techniques for specific prototype requirements can be complex and requires careful consideration.

• Troubleshooting: Diagnosing and resolving issues that arise during fabrication or testing requires strong problem-solving skills and technical acumen.

• Balancing Academics and Work: Effectively managing time and workload to excel in both academic studies and the working student role.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

• Technical Specialization: Opportunity to develop deep expertise in specific areas like advanced CAD modeling, additive manufacturing, or embedded systems.

• Industry Best Practices: Learning about industry standards, regulatory requirements, and best practices in aerospace engineering and prototyping.

• Mentorship: Receiving guidance from experienced professionals who can share their knowledge, career advice, and insights into the aerospace industry.

• Project Contribution: Gaining satisfaction from contributing to tangible projects that may influence future aircraft development.

📝 Enhancement Note: The challenges are inherent to hands-on engineering and prototyping roles, offering valuable learning experiences. The growth opportunities are focused on skill enhancement and industry immersion.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

• "Describe a complex part you designed in CAD. What were the key considerations, and how did you ensure manufacturability?" (Assesses CAD proficiency and design thinking).

• "Tell me about a time you encountered a problem during a project (academic or personal) and how you solved it." (Evaluates problem-solving skills and resilience).

• "How would you approach understanding the technical requirements for a new prototype based on a set of customer needs?" (Tests comprehension and technical translation skills).

• "What interests you specifically about prototyping in the aerospace industry, and why Airbus?" (Gauges motivation and alignment with the company/role). Company & Culture Questions:

• "What do you know about Airbus and its role in the aerospace industry?" (Assesses research and interest).

• "How do you approach working in a team, especially when collaborating with individuals with different expertise?" (Evaluates collaboration and communication style).

• "Describe your ideal work environment for a student position." (Helps assess fit with Airbus's culture). Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

• Prepare to walk through 2-3 key projects from your academic or personal work that best demonstrate your CAD, 3D printing, or problem-solving skills.

• For each project, clearly articulate the objective, your role and contributions, the tools/techniques used, the outcome, and any lessons learned.

• Be ready to answer technical questions about your designs and fabricated parts.

• Highlight any instances where you had to adapt designs based on manufacturing constraints or testing feedback.

📝 Enhancement Note: The interview will likely test practical skills, problem-solving abilities, and cultural fit. Demonstrating enthusiasm for aerospace and a proactive learning attitude will be crucial.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this working student position:

• Submit your comprehensive application through the provided link, ensuring all required documents are attached: cover letter, CV, relevant transcripts, and enrollment certificate.

• Tailor your cover letter to specifically address your interest in Prototyping Engineering at Airbus, highlighting relevant academic projects and skills in CAD, 3D printing, and programming/electronics.

• Optimize your CV to clearly showcase your technical proficiencies, academic achievements, and any practical experience gained through coursework, personal projects, or previous internships, using keywords from the job description.

• Prepare to articulate your technical skills and project experience confidently, as you may be asked to present examples from your portfolio or discuss hypothetical scenarios during the interview.

• Thoroughly research Airbus, its current projects, and its values, particularly within the aerospace and prototyping sectors, to demonstrate genuine interest and alignment during your 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.

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