Summer Placement Mechanical Engineer

Leonardo UK Ltd; Easter Howgate; Hybrid; GBP 20,000 - 30,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading technology firm in Scotland is seeking Summer Placement Mechanical Engineers to support the design and development of radar systems. The role involves working in teams, gaining hands-on experience, and contributing to innovative projects. Ideal candidates are pursuing relevant degrees and have some previous engineering experience. This position offers a hybrid working model and a comprehensive benefits package, enhancing both professional growth and work-life balance.

Benefits

25 days annual leave

Up to 15% employer pension contribution

Access to mental health support

Free online courses

Qualifications

• Enrolled in an IMechE accredited degree course.
• Relevant mechanical engineering work experience such as internships.
• Evidence of working in a team.

Responsibilities

• Contribute to development of Radar and Electro-optic products.
• Receive tailored technical training.
• Deliver specific project tasks.

Skills

Analytical skills

Modelling skills

Teamwork

Technical writing

Education

Bachelor’s/Integrated Master’s in Mechanical Engineering

Computer Aided Mechanical Engineering

Aero-Mechanical Engineering

Aeronautical Engineering

Product Design Engineering

Tools

PTC Creo

Job description

Job Description

Your impact

Are you ready to make an impact and gain hands‑on experience working on real‑world projects from day one?

At Leonardo, we’re looking for summer placement students who want to be part of something bigger—shaping innovation, advancing technology, and enhancing global safety.

Our placements are designed to help you apply your studies in a practical setting, develop your technical skills, and gain valuable insight into how our business operates.

We have an opportunity for undergraduate students to join the Radar and Advanced Targeting line of business as Summer Placement Mechanical Engineers working in either our design or analysis teams for a period of 13 weeks (starting 1st June 2026). In this role, you will support the design and development of our world leading radar and electro‑optic products under the guidance of experienced Mechanical Engineers. You will be introduced to utilising state‑of‑the‑art methods, technology and tools to explore all aspects of the development lifecycle, which may include requirements analysis, design, implementation, test, build and product support.

As a Summer Placement Mechanical Engineer you will

• Contribute directly to the development and delivery of our cutting edge Radar, Laser and Infra‑red countermeasure products as either a member of one of our Integrated Project Teams (IPTs) or as a member of our central analysis team. This could be undertaking conceptual design, detailed design, stress or thermal analysis, and problem solving of technical issues across the product lifecycle.

• Receive training in the technical skills which are tailored to the particular role and area of the business you are in, and the opportunity to gain wider business knowledge through various awareness sessions.

• Be given responsibility for delivering a specific project task, with support from more senior Mechanical Engineers.

• Be given opportunities to apply the technical and soft skills you have gained from your degree course to date in industry.

What you’ll bring

• Be enrolled on a Bachelor’s/Integrated Master’s degree from an IMechE accredited degree course.

• Relevant Mechanical engineering work experience, such as summer placements or internships.

• Experience with technical writing and project planning.

• Strong analytical, modelling skills and laboratory skills.

• Evidence of successfully working in a team.

• Experience of CAD modelling tools such as PTC Creo or similar parametric modellers are desirable.

For the Summer Placement Mechanical Engineer role, the acceptable degree programmes are typically:

• Mechanical Engineering

• Computer Aided Mechanical Engineering

• Aero-Mechanical Engineering

• Aeronautical Engineering

• Product Design Engineering

This is not an exhaustive list, and we are keen to hear from you even if you might not have experience in all the above. The most important skill is a good attitude and willingness to learn.

Security Clearance

This role is subject to pre‑employment screening in line with the UK Government’s Baseline Personnel Security Standard (BPSS). An additional range of Personnel Security Controls referred to as National Security Vetting (NSV) may apply, this could include meeting the eligibility requirements for The Security Check (SC). For more information and guidance please visit: https://careers.uk.leonardo.com/gb/en/security-and-vetting

Why join us

At Leonardo, our people are at the heart of everything we do, key contributors in shaping innovation, advancing technology, and enhancing global safety.

We offer a comprehensive benefits package that supports your wellbeing, learning and development, and work–life balance:

• Time to recharge: Our employees are entitled 25 days of annual leave plus bank holidays. As a Summer Placement student you will receive this allowance pro rata.

• Secure your future: Award‑winning pension scheme with up to 15% employer contribution

• Your wellbeing matters: Free access to mental health support, financial advice, and employee‑led networks championing inclusion and diversity (Enable, Pride, Equalise, Armed Forces, Carers, Wellbeing and Ethnicity)

• Never stop learning: Free access to 4,000+ online courses via Coursera and LinkedIn learning.

For a full list of our company benefits please visit: https://careers.uk.leonardo.com/gb/en/company-benefits

We are committed to building an inclusive, accessible, and welcoming workplace. We believe that a diverse workforce sparks creativity, drives innovation, and leads to better outcomes for our people, communities, and customers. If you have any accessibility requirements to support you during the recruitment process, just let us know.

Be part of something bigger - apply now!

Primary Location: GB - Edinburgh

Additional Locations: GB - Newcastle

Contract Type: Fixed term

Hybrid Working: Hybrid