Work Experience Programme – Engineering: Flight Assembly, PME & Stores

Please note: Due to COSHH‑related health and safety requirements, this placement is only open to applicants aged 18 or over. Proof of age will be required for all successful candidates.

Our Work Experience offers College Students the chance to spend one week, working alongside our experienced industry professionals to get an insight into the world of Space Engineering at SSTL, whilst gaining some new, invaluable skills for the future.

Dates for this work experience will be 1st June to 5th June 2026

We are thrilled to be able offer work experience here at SSTL for the summer of 2026. We are looking for students who are over 18 who have an interest in gaining valuable experience within the Space Industry.

During the week, students will get a full tour of SSTL and a real taste of what it’s like to work in the space industry. They will spend time in three exciting areas: Flight Assembly, PME and Stores.

In Flight Assembly, students will get up close to real satellite builds. They will learn why cleanrooms are so important, and experience the precision and teamwork needed to prepare hardware for space. They’ll see flight assembly technicians soldering under microscopes to ESA standard and watch machine automation.

In PME (Production, Manufacturing and Engineering), students will find out how satellite parts are designed, created and tested. From electronic boards to mechanical components, they’ll see the tools and techniques that turn engineering ideas into hardware ready to survive the harsh conditions of space.

In Stores, students will discover the behind‑the‑scenes world of handling space‑grade components. They’ll learn how specialist parts are tracked, protected and delivered to flight assembly and AIT, and why this careful process is vital to building a successful satellite.

SSTL do not expect applicants to have any prior knowledge or previous experience within engineering but showing a keen interest in this direction of career is desirable.

SSTL endeavour to offer work experience to as many students as possible, therefore due to the high number of applicants we are unable to accept applications from students who have previously completed the programme.

Location

Work experience will be based in our head office in Guildford and will be Monday to Friday. Our office provides free parking, secure bike lock and easy access via shuttle bus from Guildford town centre and train station. We have an onsite (card only) canteen and ample tea and coffee stations throughout.