Mechanical, Material & Process Engineering Placement 2027

BAT; Southampton; On-site; GBP 23,000 - 31,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

On-site gym

Subsidised lunches

25 days annual leave

On-site parking

Discretionary bonus scheme

Share reward scheme

Pension scheme

Private healthcare

Flexible benefits

Employee Assistance Programme

Online learning access

Job summary

British American Tobacco UK is offering an undergraduate placement in Mechanical, Materials & Process Engineering in Southampton for a 12-month fixed-term placement starting in September 2027. You will join the Mechanical, Material and Process team to invent, design and develop next-generation reduced harm products using CAD and prototyping.

You will collaborate with prototyping, testing and systems integration teams, gaining hands-on experience and regular mentoring.

Qualifications

• Students working towards an undergraduate degree in Mechanical Engineering, or a closely related subject.
• Motivation to build on theoretical knowledge and translate into a fast-paced engineering environment.
• Appreciation of mass manufacture and assembly.
• Engineering curiosity, innovative mindset and critical thinking.
• Collaborative attitude and ability to communicate with engineers and non-engineering audiences of all levels.

Responsibilities

• To have accountability for the delivery of assigned activities across a portfolio of projects within the New Categories product development portfolio.
• To be accountable for concept, CAD design work including modifications, jig and fixture design and mocks ups.
• To understand lab and testing technique or required prototyping capabilities to perform tasks in the required time frames.
• To minimise risk through awareness of best practices and compliance using technical knowledge and broad scientific principles.
• To assist and work closely with the more senior team to upskill technical knowledge in new categories product development.

Skills

3D CAD

Prototyping

Collaboration

Analytical thinking

Education

Undergraduate degree in Mechanical Engineering or related subject

Tools

SolidWorks

Siemens NX

MS Office

Job description

British American Tobacco UK has an exciting opportunity for an UNDERGRADUATE INTERN – Mechanical, Material & Process Engineering in Southampton – Fixed-term (12 months)

We have an exciting opportunity for students who are currently undertaking a degree in Mechanical Engineering, (or a related subject) to join our Research & Development function, based in Southampton, on a 12-month undergraduate placement.

This placement is with our Mechanical, Material and Process team and will focus on inventing, designing, and developing the next generation of reduced harm products such as Vaping and Tobacco Heating devices as well as novel world-class technology developments. You will be part of a diverse Mechanical, Material and Process Engineering team within the New Categories R&D department that targets to deliver the best overall experience to our consumers. Working closely with other teams including the prototyping, testing and systems integration teams, you will be performing a wide range of tasks from 3D CAD and simulation to building prototypes and custom self-designed test equipment focused on innovation delivery.

This role will utilise knowledge of design, mechanical and/or scientific principles to work with a team of engineers of all levels in executing elements of product and technology development plans, whilst using your experience and expertise to help build out team capabilities and bring unique insights in all areas.

A bit more about BAT and our undergraduate placement scheme

In the UK, we offer 12-months placement opportunities (starting on 1st September 2027) 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 field.

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.

This role is due to start in September 2027, and we will be shortlisting applications and carrying out video/ online interviews whilst the advert is live. We will look to make an offer to the successful candidate as close to the closing date as possible. However, the vetting and onboarding processes for successful candidates won’t begin until the role is opened in our system, which is likely to be later in 2027, so we will contact successful candidates again to commence these processes when the position opens.

We reserve the right to close this advert before the 31st of December if we have a high level of applications.

Your key responsibilities will include

• To have accountability for the delivery of assigned activities across a portfolio of projects and activities within the New Categories (Vapour, THP, new emerging technologies) product development portfolio.
• To be accountable for concept, CAD design work including modifications, jig and fixture design and mocks ups.
• To understand lab and testing technique or required prototyping capabilities to perform assigned tasks in the required time frames to contribute to the testing of new products and technology.
• To minimise risk through awareness of best practices and compliance using technical knowledge and broad scientific principles to ensure effective delivery of an appropriate given task.
• To assist and work closely with the more senior team with a focus on upskilling personal breadth and depth of technical knowledge in new categories product development.
• To accurately record and store data generated by assigned activities.

What are we looking for?

• Students working towards an undergraduate degree in Mechanical Engineering, or a closely related subject.
• Motivation to build on theoretical knowledge and translate into a fast-paced engineering environment.
• Appreciation of mass manufacture and assembly.
• Engineering curiosity, innovative mindset and critical thinking.
• Collaborative attitude and ability to communicate with engineers and non-engineering audiences of all levels.
• Familiar with creating 3D CAD and Technical Drawings (Preferably using SolidWorks or Siemens NX).
• Strong Microsoft Office skills.

What you will receive

• Salary of £26,700 per annum
• Subsidised on-site gym membership
• Subsidised lunches
• 25 days annual leave
• Free on-site parking
• Participation in the Discretionary Company Bonus Scheme
• Participation in the Company Share Reward Scheme
• Participation in the Company Pension Scheme
• Private Healthcare Cover
• Eligibility for Company Flexible Benefits Scheme
• Employee Assistance Programme
• Access to online learning platforms and personalised growth programs to nurture your leadership skills

What we offer you?

• We offer a market leading annual performance bonus (subject to eligibility)
• Our range of benefits varies by country and includes diverse health plans, initiatives for work-life balance, transportation support, and a flexible holiday plan with additional incentives
• Your journey with us isn't limited by boundaries; it's propelled by your aspirations. Join us at BAT and become a part of an environment that thrives on internal advancement, where your career progression isn't just a statement – it's a reality we're eager to build together. Seize the opportunity and own your development; your next chapter starts here.
• You'll have access to online learning platforms and personalized growth programs to nurture your leadership skills
• We prioritise continuous improvement within a transformative environment, preparing for ongoing changes
• Benefits:
• Meal Voucher/ Canteen as per location
• Private Pension
• Life & Health Insurance
• Yearly bonus based on the ABS
• Family support policy
• Office perks
• Flexible policy as per agreed Second Level agreement.

WHY JOIN BAT?

We’re one of the few companies named as a Global Top Employer by the Top Employers Institute – certified in offering excellent employee conditions.

Collaboration, inclusion and partnership underpin everything we do here at BAT. We are looking forward to enabling every individual to thrive, regardless of gender, sexual orientation, marital or civil partnership status, gender reassignment, race, religion or belief, colour, nationality, ethnic or national origin, disability, age, skills, experience, education, socio-economic and professional background, veteran status, perspectives and thinking styles. We know that embracing talent from all backgrounds is what makes us stronger and best prepared to meet our business goals.

We see the career breaks as opportunities not obstacles. Through The Global Returners program, we support professionals looking to restart their careers after an extended absence from the workforce (e.g. time out caring for family, parental leave, national service, sabbatical and/or starting an own venture).

Come bring your difference and see what is possible for you at BAT. Learn more about our culture and our award winning employee experience here.

Apply

If you require any reasonable adjustments or accommodations to help you perform at your best during the recruitment process, you are encouraged to notify us. We are fully committed to support you by making appropriate arrangements for you to demonstrate your full potential.