Undergraduate R&D Engineer Review

My main responsibility is contributing to a product development project for a gas filter testing apparatus. This encapsulates a wide range of tasks, including testing the software, testing filters for validation studies, analyzing and presenting the data to managers. A usual day is: - Daily morning meeting with the team - Project related meetings for planning/updates - Lab work (running tests and experiments) and/or data analysis

The placement provided plenty of opportunities to learn and develop skills such as project management, presentation, communication, report writing, good lab practices, statistical data analysis, and various equipment use. This was done though day to day activities, bespoke professional training and undergraduate program-specific activities

I was given a great deal of responsibility and autonomy during the placement, being the primary person in charge of running tests on a multi-minion dollar product development project as well as the sole person in charge of testing and reporting on a smaller validation task (under minimal supervision from the manager)

I was given a ample support in the early stages of the placement, until I familiarized myself with the team, projects, and industry. Beyond the early stages, support was available upon request and when facing new aspects of the projects/industry. Questions answered promptly and clearly. Managers ensured there would always be a senior member of the team working on site on any given day to provide guidance and support in person, if needed.

The atmosphere around the office is a relaxed one, everyone is friendly and happy to help when needed. There are occasional team building activities (all are optional), people bring cakes on their birthday (also optional), and people enjoy chatting about things outside of work. The professionalism you would expect from a large company is present when work-related topics are involved, but discussions are often left quite casual and relaxed.

I enjoyed my placement a great deal. I have had the opportunity to develop my skills, meet interesting people, expand my professional network, all while doing engaging tasks and working on very interesting projects

Yes

You don't need to have a relevant degree/experience in order to apply. It is far more important for you to have the critical thinking and attitude the team wants from you and you'll learn everything else as you go. Don't let the relatively niche aspect of the work disway you.