Hardware & Mechatronics Undergraduate Review

My role in the transmissions squad is within the Design & Release chapter. This means that I review test data, identify issues, conduct further investigations to identify the root cause of the issues and then help implement test and design changes. I will regularly go to inspect parts that have completed testing and send these on for appropriate further analysis.

Yes, in fact I would say it was one of the stand out features of my placements. I was given responsibility for investigating issues relating to a critical component and I was required to work with multiple teams across the business to troubleshoot the problem and implement a solution. I then gathered together the evidence I had collected and presented it to seniors in order to have the solution signed off to prevent delays in the program.

I have developed a lot of skills, certainly in the area of problem solving. Using methods such as Six Sigma and 8D I have learnt to conduct logical and systematic analysis of test data as well as developing software tools to enhance these processes. There has also been the opportunity to build on my technical skills such as in reliability and fatigue analysis alongside power and wear calculations for different components.

Overall I would say I was given the exact amount of support and guidance I required. At the beginning of my year I was looked after by some of the newer members of the team who helped me to settle in and learn the basics. I was talked through the tasks I would start working on and presented these at regular intervals.
As my year progressed my next tasks were more guided by my own findings and I was given the independence to pursue topics in my own way but I could always ask if I needed guidance on what to do next or how to do it.

The company culture is fantastic, certainly for early careers! Across the undergraduates, graduates and apprentices there are a lot of early careers employees and accordingly there are regular events run by a committee which allow you to get to know your wider colleagues.
Outside of early careers there are also regular company wide events/competitions and each team gets an annual budget to spend on team building activities which are always great fun! We recently went to our off-road test facility for our social and it was great to hammer around in Defenders!!

I have thoroughly enjoyed my placement year and it has well exceeded my expectations. I have learnt a huge amount about engineering and personal/professional development as well as making lots of friends along the way! To be able to put two years of uni study to use has been invaluable and I feel I have a much deeper understanding of the topics I have been exposed to this year. I hope to return as a graduate!

Yes