Register Your Interest - Mechanical Engineering

Register Your Interest - Mechanical Engineering

ABOUT ROLE

We are looking for students currently undertaking a degree in Mechanical Engineering, or a related subject, to join BAT Research & Development in Southampton for a year-long placement. Placement roles will offer students the following opportunities to apply and develop the knowledge and skills from their degree:

• Support in delivering prototype rigs, jigs, devices, fixtures and fittings.
• Scout for front end innovation technologies which are appropriate for use in prototyping environments, to support product development and design for both consumables and devices
• Develop and apply a working knowledge of CAD and its applications
• Understand and be involved in all aspects of a project’s lifecycle from Ideation to Delivery
• Collaborate with internal stakeholders and external suppliers/experts to develop test methods for new systems and test prototypes with sensory panellists
• Utilise project planning tools
• Develop strong presentation and report writing skills, presenting learnings to immediate team and across R&D
• Work on projects across multi-disciplinary teams (of both internal stakeholders and external suppliers/partners)
• Demonstrate and improve problem solving abilities

BENEFITS

We believe internships should be rewarding in every way. That’s why our program comes with a comprehensive package of financial perks and well-being benefits to support you during your journey with us.

Financial Benefits

• Competitive Salary: £24,000 per annum — a strong start to your professional journey.
• Discretionary Bonus: Get recognized through our Discretionary Bonus Scheme.
• Company Share Reward Scheme: Invest in your future and share in the company’s success.
• Pension Participation: Start building for tomorrow with our Company Pension Scheme.
• Group Personal Accident Insurance: To cover you if you suffer an accident anywhere in the world
• Financial Education Support: Find out how to improve your finances and meet your financial goals via the Money Talks hub, including accessing events, animation videos and calculators.

Wellness & Health

• Private Medical Insurance: Comprehensive cover to keep you feeling your best
• Eye Care Vouchers: Supports regular checkups and investing in quality glasses at a reduce cost.
• Doctor@Hand: 24/7 virtual GP access for fast, expert health advice.
• Employee Assistance Program (EAP): Mental health support, confidential counselling, and helpful health webinars.
• On-Site Gym Access & Gym Membership Discounts: Stay active with access to our in-house gym and local gym discounts.
• Subsidised On-Site Lunches: Nutritious, delicious meals at a fraction of the cost.
• 25 Days Paid Annual Leave (pro-rated)
• Flexible Hybrid Working: Embrace a balance of remote and in-office days.
• Extensive Wellbeing Policies: Designed to support employees through life’s changing moments
• Shopping Discounts and Cashback: Discounts on a variety of items from groceries to wellness products, travel and more, you can start saving more money right away, on things you’re already buying all year round.

ABOUT THE PLACEMENT SCHEME

BAT is a global multi-category consumer goods business, with brands sold in over 200 markets. Our employees come from diverse cultures and backgrounds, and our business benefits from the breadth of ideas and experiences they bring. Our heritage is in cigarettes. However, we recognise the world is changing. We now have a clear purpose to build A Better Tomorrow™ by reducing the health impact of our business.

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 2026) 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.