Undergraduate R&D Engineer Review

My day-to-day role involved assisting in manufacturing builds, conducting failure analysis and providing recommendations on how to improve the performance of new products. I also was able to design, prototype and develop new product designs and equipment in order to improve productivity of manufacturing processes. From the start of my placement, I was given the responsibility to make key decisions which made me feel a part of the team. The decisions made had to be supported by sufficient evidence gathered from failure analysis or observations.

I have developed a wide range of skills including project management, presentation skills and communication skills throughout my time on placement. One of the main technical skills I was able to develop was the ability to design and use solid works to a high level without any assistance. I learnt how to methodically analyse technical problems and plan logical approaches to solve the problem. I developed project management skills as I was given the opportunity to run my own small project to improve the productivity within the department. This project allowed me to present a range of decisions made within the project, which helped me improve my meeting management and time management skills.

From the start of my placement I was involved with major events based on developing and solving issues surrounding the project I worked on. I was always given the responsibility to design and develop new tooling and conduct failure analysis which would assist in the progression of the project. This always gave my work purpose. From the failure analysis conducted, I had to recommend sufficient counter measures to the team. As I was given the responsibility to conduct product builds and failure analysis, I always felt that I could have an impact on the project.

I was given a lot of support throughout my placement while working on a wide range of problems. Initially, I wasn't very comfortable working on solid works but the other engineers in the team taught me the basics and were always at hand when required. The engineers were happy to help if I required any advice or if I wanted to run through presentations. While trying to develop my soft skills, my meetings with my manager allowed me to ask for guidance on the most appropriate approaches to network at work. Overall my manager and engineers were very supportive and were happy to transfer their knowledge to me.

The company culture was fantastic, as I was able to work with all members of staff within the team and confidently approach other teams for their support and guidance. The environment was very collaborative and everyone in the team wanted to work together towards a common goal. Throughout my placement the workplace was very fast and agile allowing me to learn and develop skills quickly. I always was able to obtain support when required as the team was very welcoming and open to discuss my problems.

I completely enjoyed my placement as I was given responsibility from the first day onwards. The working environment was very fast paced and this allowed me to develop skills quickly. Training was provided when required and I was able to apply this training in a number of different tasks. I was able to learn a lot of project management and technical skills throughout my time at Pall which I will help me when I go back to university.

Yes

Make sure your CV and cover letter emphasise that your skill set meets the job description. Be prepared for interviews and assessment centres by completing prior research on the company and the ethos. Have a small understanding of Palls products but, you don’t need to have any prior knowledge in filtration. You just need to show you have a curious engineering mind and are open to learning new technical skills. Finally, in interviews or during the assessment centre just be yourself throughout the whole process and showcase your personality.