Hardware & Mechatronics Undergraduate Engineer Review

During my placement, I worked in the Battery Pack Integration team. My role involved supporting the design and integration of the battery systems ensuring that components and systems operate effectively from thermal, electrical, and mechanical perspectives while integrating seamlessly with the other components and wider vehicle. On a day‑to‑day basis, I worked primarily with CAD to review updated designs, investigate integration issues, support ongoing engineering changes, and complete coherent benchmarking of competitors. I regularly attended design review meetings, where I worked with engineers from different teams to discuss technical challenges and contribute to solutions. My role also included assisting with validation activities, supporting engineering assessments, and contributing to general team tasks that helped maintain progress across the programme. Alongside this, I was involved in smaller projects and process improvement tasks, allowing me to develop my problem‑solving and technical skills. Overall, my day‑to‑day work involved a mix of technical tasks, collaboration with colleagues, and continuous learning, with increasing responsibility as I became more familiar with the role.

Yes, I was given a good level of responsibility throughout my placement, which increased as my confidence and capability developed. Initially, I supported the team with smaller tasks while learning the systems and processes, but over time I was trusted to take ownership of more meaningful pieces of work. This included managing my own tasks, contributing to design activities, and supporting engineering decisions within the team. I was also given the opportunity to work on independent projects and process improvements, where I was responsible for planning, progressing, and delivering outcomes with guidance from my manager when needed. I definitely felt that I was treated as a valued member of the team rather than just a placement student, which allowed me to develop both technically and professionally.

Yes, I have developed both new skills and strengthened existing ones throughout my placement. Technically, I have significantly improved my CAD skills, particularly using CATIA V6, and developed a stronger understanding of battery systems and integration. I also gained experience in applying engineering principles to real-world problems, which helped bridge the gap between academic learning and industry practice. In addition, I developed problem-solving skills through working on a range of tasks and projects, including process improvements and design activities. I also improved my ability to analyse complex information and make informed engineering decisions. Alongside technical skills, I strengthened my communication and teamwork abilities by collaborating with different teams, participating in design reviews, and working with a range of stakeholders. Overall, the placement has helped me become more confident, independent, and capable as an engineer.

I received a very good level of support and guidance throughout my placement. My manager and team were particularly supportive, providing regular direction, feedback, and encouragement, which helped me develop confidence and take on increasing responsibility over time. In addition, the Early Careers team at JLR offered structured support through training, development sessions, and check-ins, which contributed to both my professional and personal development. The Young Professionals Network also provided valuable opportunities to attend events and workshops, helping me build connections and develop broader skills beyond my day-to-day role. Overall, I felt well supported throughout my placement, with a strong balance between guidance and independence.

The company culture at JLR was very positive and welcoming. The organisation strongly promotes its 5 Creator’s Codes (Unity, Customer Love, Integrity, Impact, and Growth) and I found that these values were genuinely reflected in how people worked and interacted on a daily basis. Everyone I worked with was friendly, approachable, and willing to help, regardless of role or experience level. There was a strong sense of collaboration within my team and across the wider organisation, which made it easy to ask questions, share ideas, and learn from others. Overall, the atmosphere was supportive, inclusive, and motivated, which made it an enjoyable and encouraging environment to work in.

I thoroughly enjoyed my placement at JLR. It was a very rewarding experience both technically and personally, and I found the work engaging and meaningful throughout the year.
I particularly enjoyed being part of such a supportive and collaborative team, which made the working environment both enjoyable and motivating. The combination of interesting engineering work, opportunities to develop my skills, and the positive company culture meant that I consistently felt engaged and valued. I genuinely really enjoyed my time at JLR and found it to be a very positive and fulfilling experience.

Yes