Materials Engineering Student Placement

Red Bull Powertrains; Milton Keynes; On-site; GBP 25,000 - 35,000; Full time

Job summary

A cutting-edge motorsport engineering firm is offering a year-long student placement in its Materials Engineering Team. This hands-on role involves developing and testing components for high-performance F1 power units. Ideal candidates will have experience in materials science and a passion for engineering challenges. You’ll receive a competitive salary and perks, including private healthcare and a gym.

Benefits

Bonus scheme

Private healthcare

Pension scheme

On-site gym

Free daily food allowance

Qualifications

• At least one year of undergraduate study in Material Science or Material Engineering.
• Knowledge of materials testing and characterization techniques.
• Experience handling data from materials testing.

Responsibilities

• Contributing to engineering processes from design to testing.
• Preparing risk assessments and ensuring safety procedures.
• Collaborating with technical teams to provide engineering solutions.

Skills

Materials analysis techniques

Technical report writing

Problem-solving

Communication skills

Education

Material Science or Material Engineering degree

Tools

Microscopy

SEM

Job description

For many fans of Formula One, the sport exists between lights and chequered flag on a Sunday afternoon. It begins and ends with the exploits of the drivers on the track. But this is merely the tip of the spear. The reality of modern F1 is that of a complex and intertwined operation, every part of which needs to perform near its limit if success is to be achieved. From the pit crew searching for the ultimate repeatable pit stop, to the inspiration of the designers, the application of engineers and the herculean efforts of an army of fabricators and machinists. Much of our success is thanks to the diversity of thought and spectrum of skill sets held within the team, our ability to recognise unique contributions from individual team members is just a part of why we love what we do.

Job Description

Red Bull Powertrains are offering a year-long placement opportunity within our Materials Engineering Team. In these hands-on roles you will be emersed into the heart of our state-of-the-art Technical and Testing facilities where we drive engineering and innovation to the limit to develop cutting-edge Formula 1 power units. Pushing boundaries is in our DNA!

If you're a passionate engineer, technical specialist, or problem-solver, this is your opportunity to help shape the future of high-performance motorsport. Ready to make your mark?

The Red Bull Powertrains Materials Engineering team is the backbone of performance and reliability. They develop, test, and select cutting-edge metals, composites and coatings to ensure every engine component is as light, strong, and heat-resistant as possible. The department pushes material science to its limits—balancing durability with performance—so the power unit can deliver maximum speed, efficiency, and consistency under the extreme demands of Formula 1.

Your responsibilities will include:

• Contribute to all stages of the engineering process—from conceptual design, through manufacturing reviews, to live testing on our in-house state-of-the-art facilities
• Applying engineering design principles using tools and techniques to develop real Power Unit components
• Create and update procedures
• Failure mode analysis to identify root causes
• Prepare risk assessments and follow safety procedures to ensure a safe working environment
• Interpreting and reporting data through technical documentation and presenting insights to both technical and non-technical stakeholders
• Collaborating closely with all the Technical and Testing teams to deliver world-class engineering solutions
• Gaining direct exposure to the 2026 Formula 1 season and contributing to the future of Red Bull Powertrains

We’re looking for passionate, curious, and driven undergraduates who are eager to push the limits of engineering innovation in a fast paced, high-performance environment. If you're ready to take on real responsibility, solve real-world engineering challenges and contribute to the future of Red Bull Racing’s success on track—this is your opportunity.

Expected knowledge, experience & attributes of the successful candidates:

• Knowledge and experience from at least one year of undergraduate study on either a Material Science or Material Engineering degree
• Practical knowledge of materials analysis techniques such as metallography, microscopy, and SEM
• Knowledge of materials testing and characterisation such as tensile testing and thermal property measurement
• Familiar the Materials Engineering of electronic systems and components
• An understanding of the Materials Engineering of battery systems such as cells, battery management systems, DC-AC inverters, and high voltage switches
• Confident with writing and preparing technical reports and documentation
• Experience of handling, processing, and understanding data from either virtual or physical testing
• Positive, can-do, attitude and willingness to learn new skills
• Ability to follow best practice and work on multiple tasks simultaneously
• Excellent communication skills and experience working in a team environment
• Ability to break complex technical problems down to fundamental principles and understand the contributing physics
• Ability to demonstrate a genuine passion for engineering through involvement in extra-curricular projects, previous placements, or work experience

The placement will be for 1 year, starting July 2026. To be considered for this Student Placement, please apply to this advert and submit both your CV and a one-page Cover Letter.

At Red Bull Powertrains, we believe that success isn’t just about speed—it’s about the team behind the victory. We trust, support, and challenge each other, always pushing for better. If you love solving complex problems, thinking fast, and making a real impact, this is the place for you. Alongside a competitive salary, you’ll enjoy:

• Bonus scheme
• Private healthcare
• A pension scheme
• On-site gym
• Free daily food allowance
• And many more!

Most importantly, you’ll play a key role in powering championship-winning cars. If you're ready to be part of something extraordinary, apply now and help shape the future of F1.