Originally Posted by
portsharbourflyer
Airbus always have a reasonble intake of graduate engineers each year to the DEG scheme, but it is very unlikey to lead to you getting into the exact department you want to. So while a masters would probably give you a shot a getting onto the Airbus Direct Entry Graduate Scheme , it is very unlikey you would end up in the department that would allow you to do the role you have decribed.
Although a lot of new FTEs probably do start now via graduate entry schemes. So looking to graduate entry at organisations who do significant flight testing (Airbus, Qinetiq, Westlands, BAeS for example) would not be a bad place to start if hoping to become an FTE.
A graduate entry aeronautical engineer with some form of flying licence (I really don't think it matters too much which type of flying - I came in as a microlight pilot, and I know a department head at BDN who came in as a keen glider pilot) and a strong personal interest in flight test, is probably as well placed as anybody can be to move towards becoming an FTE. Although I still think that an MSc would be an advantage, if it is the right MSc.
G