2026 Summer Placement - Electrical Engineer - Reading

Hoare Lea; Reading; On-site; GBP 18,000 - 25,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading international engineering consultancy is seeking aspiring electrical engineers for summer placements in Reading. This opportunity allows students to work on live projects, gaining valuable skills and insights into the engineering design industry. Ideal candidates are currently studying relevant degrees and have a genuine interest in making an impact. The placement lasts 6-12 weeks, potentially leading to permanent positions after graduation.

Responsibilities

• Work within a design team on live projects.
• Gain insight into engineering systems design.
• Make an informed decision about your career path.

Skills

Genuine interest in engineering

Enthusiasm

Confidence

Creative spirit

Education

Electrical or Electronic Engineering degree

Power Systems, Control Engineering, Wireless Communications, or Electro-Mechanical degree

Job description

Are you an aspiring electrical engineer looking to make a difference to the world around you? Do you want the chance to grow, learn, and be supported by industry leaders?

This ever-changing world will be shaped by the buildings put into it; and we know it’s often the newest minds who have the brightest ideas.

As a leading international firm of consulting engineers, we didn’t build a 150-year legacy by standing still. The built environment is where our design-led work can carve out a better future for the planet and its people. For us, it’s about putting heart, soul, innovation, and sustainability into the buildings we work on. We play a major role in driving sustainable development. We help create some of the most innovative low‑carbon buildings, pushing the limit on what’s possible. Our projects cover almost every sector – from healthcare, residential, and retail, to defense, arts & heritage, and education – ranging from small studies and reports to large-scale developments valued at more than £4 billion.

What You’ll Be Doing

If you are looking to develop your skills and experience in the industry whilst on your summer break, then apply for a placement opportunity with us! Working on live projects, you’ll have a chance to make a real impact.

You’ll work within a design team gaining valuable insight into engineering systems design, improving your practical application of engineering theory, and gaining an introduction to the fast-moving world of construction and consultancy. By the end of your placement, you should be able to make a more informed decision about your career path.

Start your journey in a career that counts! Our summer placements typically last between 6‑12 weeks and can provide an excellent opportunity to secure a permanent position with us once you graduate.

What do you need?

Applications are welcomed from students who are currently studying towards an accredited Electrical or Electronic Engineering or Power Systems, Control Engineering, Wireless Communications, or Electro‑Mechanical degree, preferably in their penultimate year.

A genuine interest in developing a career within the sector, with fresh ideas, enthusiasm, confidence, and an entrepreneurial, creative spirit.

Why Hoare Lea?

We are an award-winning engineering consultancy with a creative team of engineers, designers, and technical specialists. We provide innovative solutions to complex engineering and design challenges for buildings.

At Hoare Lea, we ensure you receive the best placement experience in the industry, in order to set you up for a bright future. We also know that it’s not until you experience working in a certain specialism or field that you know whether it’s for you. So, we make sure all our apprentices get experience working on different projects, that way you can discover what suits you.

Joining our firm is the chance to play your part in the future of engineering design. Our projects span scales, styles, and geographies. We’re committed to sustainable design, innovation, and collaboration with forward‑thinking clients. Straight away you’ll experience working on live projects.

How to apply?

Visit our careers page here to apply for our Placement programmes. You will be asked to upload your CV. Please only apply for one location for your discipline.

Recruitment Timeline

• Applications close – March 2026
• Telephone Interview – March/April 2026
• Interview – April 2026
• Start Date – Summer 2026

Diversity, equity and inclusion

We are committed to being a place where underrepresented individuals and communities are not just included, but where marginalised knowledge and experience is valued, amplified, and harnessed. So, we strongly encourage applications from candidates of all backgrounds, including women, people of the Global Majority, LGBTQ+ individuals, disabled people, neurodivergent people, and those from all other underrepresented or marginalised groups. To learn more about our approach to diversity, equity and inclusion, see our DEI strategy.

Adjustments and accommodations

If there are adjustments or accommodations that we can put in place to ensure you can participate and give your best at any stage of the recruitment process (whether relating to disability, neurodivergence, or anything else) please let us know.

Flexible working

We are committed to enabling a healthy work‑life balance for all employees. So, we welcome applications from candidates seeking flexible working arrangements to suit their particular needs and lifestyle, including part‑time, term‑time‑only, and remote working.

Data privacy

We have updated our terms and conditions for candidates, click here to find out more.