Mechanical Project Coordinator Undergraduate Placement

Job Details

Mechanical Project Coordinator Undergraduate Placement

We have an exciting opportunity for students who are currently undertaking a degree in Mechanical, Aeronautical, Mechatronic Engineering, or a related subject to join our Research & Development function, based in Southampton, on a 12-month undergraduate placement.

This placement is with our Manufacturing Innovations Group team and will focus on developing and delivering commercial manufacturing solutions for new-to-world, or new-to-group technologies and products. At any point, there may be 10+ major projects live within the department. The current programme of projects covers innovations across the potentially reduced risk spectrum, including vapour devices and tobacco heating products (THP). As well as many opportunities to develop engineering skills in a professional environment, the multi-faceted nature of the Organisation will offer you opportunities to hone many other professional skills that will be useful throughout your career. The undergraduate placement scheme will enable you to develop your transferable skills in addition to gaining practical and technical experience in a scientific discipline. Training and development will be provided throughout your placement.

What you will do during the placement

• Taking part in many of the group’s live projects and taking part in all aspects of a project’s lifecycle from Ideation to Delivery
• May visit suppliers in Europe and travel within the UK
• Working in an industrial setting, writing reports, and improving/developing presentation skills
• Working with a range of internal and external stakeholders (Next Generation Products, Research & Development, Strategic Machinery & Technology Department, Procurement, Operating Factories, Patents Department, Original Equipment Manufacturers, Materials Suppliers, External Consultants)
• Cross functional/department working and participation in other research activities will be encouraged, where appropriate

What you will bring to the role

• Working towards a degree in Mechanical/Aeronautical/Mechatronic Engineering (or a related subject)
• Have a working knowledge of CAD and its applications
• Self-motivated to work both independently and in a team
• Strong communication skills
• An intuitive designer
• Strong presentation and report writing skills
• Knowledge of project planning tools
• Ability to work with speed and precision and deliver against agreed priorities

What you will receive  

• Salary of £24,000 per annum
• Subsidised on-site gym membership
• Subsidised lunches
• 25 days annual leave
• Free on-site parking
• Participation in the Discretionary Company Bonus Scheme
• Participation in the Company Share Reward Scheme
• Participation in the Company Pension Scheme
• Private Healthcare Cover
• Eligibility for Company Flexible Benefits Scheme
• Employee Assistance Programme
• Access to online learning platforms and personalised growth programs to nurture your leadership skills

A bit more about BAT and our undergraduate placement scheme

We make significant investments in Research and Development to deliver innovations that satisfy or anticipate consumer needs and generate growth for the business. We conduct cutting-edge research to evaluate our Potentially Reduced Risk Products (PRRPs) and apply the highest standards for product safety and quality. Successful applicants will be involved in our extensive scientific research program which spans a broad spectrum of scientific fields - including molecular biology, human biology, toxicology, chemistry, biomedical sciences, psychology, neuroscience, sensorial science, data science, computer science, product design, and engineering disciplines.

In the UK, we offer 12-months placement opportunities (starting on 1st September 2025) to undergraduate students looking to gain practical experience within a vibrant and innovative industrial setting. As part of the scheme, you will be partnered with a mentor, have regular reviews with your Line Manager and work on projects that impact the business.

BAT has an established placement programme, with a dedicated Placement Team, which provides training and development throughout the placement. This includes sessions for onboarding, presentation skills, critical thinking, scientific poster presentations and ‘speed networking’ with senior management. Successful applicants are provided with multiple opportunities to develop transferable skills in addition to gaining ‘hands on’ experience in a technical discipline.

As part of the scheme students get a chance to cultivate their independent thinking and problem-solving skills in addition to working in and contributing to a team. Cross functional/department working and participation in other research activities is also encouraged, where appropriate. Previous work experience in a practical ‘hands-on’ role would be useful but not essential.

How to apply

To apply for this role and to find out more, please click on the apply button.

Please note that applications may close before the application deadline, so apply early to avoid disappointment.