Placement Student – Materials Engineer Metallurgist

targetjobs UK; Huddersfield; On-site; GBP 20,000 - 25,000; Full time

Job summary

A global engineering organization is seeking an enthusiastic Materials Engineering Student for a placement in Daventry. This on-site role focuses on quality within metallurgical laboratories and will commence in Summer 2026. The successful candidate will support various quality and engineering teams, conduct metallurgical investigations, and engage in health and safety initiatives. A strong educational background in metallurgy or materials engineering is required.

Qualifications

• Studying towards a Engineering Degree or equivalent in Metallurgy or Materials Engineering.
• General knowledge of physical metallurgy, processes such as steel making, casting, forging, etc.
• Preferably have some practical Laboratory experience.

Responsibilities

• Work within the Quality Department reporting to the Materials Laboratory Supervisor.
• Liaise with Quality, Engineering and Production Teams on metallurgical issues.
• Carry out metallurgical investigations and write reports.
• Support problem solving relating to Engine Testing and Customer Quality Issues.
• Contribute to lab process improvements and housekeeping.
• Engage in Health and Safety initiatives.

Skills

Analytical capabilities

Communication skills

Organizational skills

Can-do attitude

Education

Engineering Degree or equivalent in Metallurgy or Materials Engineering

Tools

Scanning Electron Microscope (SEM)

Job 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 adaptability for you to explore your passions while making an impact through meaningful work within our inclusive workforce.

We are looking for an enthusiastic Materials Engineering Student to join our team specializing in Quality for our Metallurgical Laboratories 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 ON-SITE role is available to candidates who qualify for a placement year and will commence Summer 2026.

External Qualifications And Competencies

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

• Working within the Quality Department reporting to the Materials Laboratory Supervisor
• Liaise with Quality, Engineering and Production Teams on metallurgical issues affecting the Plant
• Carry out metallurgical investigations and write reports on engine components to help support root cause failure analysis and drive corrective actions
• Support the Quality Test and Quality Customer Teams with problem solving relating to Engine Testing and Customer Quality Issues
• Contribute to smooth running of laboratory by ordering consumables and sub-contract work, and continuous improvements to lab processes and housekeeping
• Engage in Health and Safety initiatives related to the Laboratory such as Risk Assessments

Additional Responsibilities Unique To This Position

To be successful in this role you will need the following:

• Studying towards a Engineering Degree or equivalent in Metallurgy or Materials Engineering
• General knowledge of physical metallurgy, ferrous and non-ferrous metallurgy, and processes such as steel making, casting, forging, heat treatment, welding and joining
• Experience of using a SEM would be beneficial but not mandatory as training will be provided
• Have a can-do attitude, sound analytical capabilities, and preferably have some practical Laboratory experience, with good organisational and communication skills

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, colour, 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. Your journey with us matters!

Cummins is an equal opportunity employer. Our policy is to provide equal employment opportunities to all qualified persons without regard to race, sex, colour, disability, national origin, age, religion, union affiliation, sexual orientation, veteran status, citizenship, gender identity, or other status protected by law.