Placement Student - Applied Mechanics Engineer

Cummins Inc.; England; On-site; GBP 18,000 - 25,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading engineering firm in the UK seeks an enthusiastic Applied Mechanics Student for a placement in Power Systems Engineering. This role offers exposure to global operations and opportunities to collaborate on defining durability of power system components. The ideal candidate will be enrolled in an Engineering or related STEM degree and have a collaborative spirit. The placement will commence in Summer 2026 with a focus on hands-on instrumentation and teamwork.

Qualifications

• Enrolled in a degree program in Engineering, Mathematics, Physics, or Chemistry.
• Demonstrated community involvement and inclusive practices.
• Able to reflect critically and creatively on tasks.
• Comfortable working in teams across functions.

Responsibilities

• Define durability of components using test frames and shakers.
• Co-create tests with guidance from experienced engineers.
• Select suitable instrumentation for experiments.
• Collaborate and share findings globally.
• Grow capabilities in engineering mechanics and instrumentation.

Skills

Curiosity

Practical insight

Collaborative mindset

Education

Enrolled in an Engineering or related STEM degree

Job description

DESCRIPTION

Our culture believes in POWERING YOUR POTENTIAL. We provide global opportunities to develop your career, make your community a better place and work with today's most innovative thinkers to solve the world's toughest problems.

We believe in flexibility for you to explore your passions while making an impact through meaningful work within our inclusive workforce. That's what is all about.

We are looking for an enthusiastic Applied Mechanics Student to join our team specializing in Power Systems Engineering for our Power Systems Business segment in Daventry. During your placement with us, you will learn how a major global organization operates, gaining the tools and exposure you will need to become an expert in the industry and power your potential!

This role is available to candidates who qualify for a placement year and will commence Summer 2026.

RESPONSIBILITIES

In this role, you will make an impact in the following ways:

• As part of the UK Applied Mechanics department, you will contribute to defining the durability of components and systems used in Cummins power systems, using servo-hydraulic test frames, electromagnetic shakers, motor-driven rigs, and advanced telemetry.
• As a valued placement student, you will have access to our state-of-the-art test facilities and the chance to co-create your own tests with guidance and mentoring from our experienced and supportive engineering team.
• You'll collaborate with subject matter experts to select and apply the most suitable instrumentation, such as strain gauges, accelerometers, laser vibrometers, and motion amplification cameras, ensuring that your experiments meaningfully demonstrate the physics under test.
• Working within a globally connected function, you'll share your findings with colleagues around the world, strengthening your communication skills and building confidence in collaborative teamwork.
• You'll have the opportunity to grow your capabilities in engineering mechanics, digital signal processing, CAD, hands-on instrumentation, and rig development in a nurturing environment.
• The ideal candidate brings curiosity, practical insight, and a thoughtful approach to understanding how forces, temperatures, and pressures impact engineering structures, along with a collaborative and solution-focused mindset.

Qualifications

• Enrollment in a degree program in Engineering or a related STEM discipline (including Mathematics, Physics, or Chemistry).
• Experience in, and examples of, living Cummins' core values such as community involvement, volunteering, championing inclusive practices, or working to make a positive difference in others' lives.
• A clear and logical thought process, with the ability to reflect critically and creatively on tasks, challenges, and learning opportunities.
• A collaborative spirit: comfortable working with colleagues across engineering and other functions, contributing to team goals and helping create an inclusive, supportive working environment.
• Able to work with other engineering and cross-functional disciplines to resolve product issues and able to participate as a team member and actively contribute towards team goals.

WORKING AT CUMMINS

At Cummins, we are committed to fostering a diverse and inclusive workplace. We provide equal employment opportunities to all qualified individuals, regardless of race, gender, color, disability, national origin, age, religion, union affiliation, sexual orientation, veteran status, citizenship, gender identity, and/or expression, or any other status protected by law. As a disability confident employer, we strive to make our recruitment process as accessible as possible. If you require any reasonable adjustments to accommodate a health condition or disability, please let us know.