At a Glance
- Tasks: Support R&D project managers and contribute to innovative projects across Europe.
- Company: Join Cummins, a global leader in innovation and sustainability.
- Benefits: Gain hands-on experience, flexible working, and develop your career in a supportive environment.
- Why this job: Make a real impact while learning from industry experts in a dynamic setting.
- Qualifications: Pursuing a degree in Business, Engineering, or Project Management with strong communication skills.
- Other info: 12-month placement starting Summer 2026 with hybrid working options.
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 Cummins is all about.
We are looking for an enthusiastic and self‑motivated Project Management Placement Student to join our Research & Technology (R&T) Europe team, supporting the development, management, and delivery of collaborative R&D and innovation projects in the UK and EU. 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 placement is a 12‑month full‑time opportunity commencing Summer 2026, based in Peterborough, UK, with hybrid working (typically 3 days on‑site per week). It is important that you can relocate or be within commutable distance to the site.
Responsibilities
- Support R&T project managers in the planning and delivery of collaborative R&D projects.
- Maintain and update key project management tools such as action trackers, risk registers, Gantt charts, and exploitation plans.
- Contribute to continuous improvement of PM processes, document templates, and data tracking systems.
- Participate in cross‑functional meetings across R&T, engineering, business development, and program teams.
- Assist in the coordination of external collaborations with universities, research organizations, SMEs, and industrial partners.
- Support internal technology scouting to identify Cummins innovations and competencies aligned with UK and EU funding priorities.
- Support external funding intelligence, monitoring sources such as Innovate UK, Horizon Europe, Clean Hydrogen Partnership, and the Advanced Propulsion Centre (APC) for new opportunities.
Qualifications
- Working towards a degree in Business/Engineering/Project Management, or a related discipline.
- Excellent communication skills to collaborate with a wide range of stakeholders on a global basis, using project management skills to aid with this.
- Strong data analysis skills including the use of Microsoft packages.
- Experience using SharePoint and Teams for document management and collaboration.
- Ability to analyze and synthesize information from diverse sources (funding databases, web searches, partner profiles).
- Proactive and self‑driven approach with good attention to detail.
Job Details
- Organization: Cummins Inc.
- Location: Peterborough, United Kingdom
- Job Type: Student – Cooperative/12‑Month Placement
- Employment Type: Full‑time
- Role Category: Hybrid
- Closing Date: Wednesday, 24th December 2025
Additional Information
- Seniority level: Internship
- Job function: Education and Training
- Industries: Manufacturing
Placement Student – Research & Technology Project Management in Peterborough employer: Cummins Europe
Contact Detail:
Cummins Europe Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Placement Student – Research & Technology Project Management in Peterborough
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to current or former employees at Cummins on LinkedIn. Ask them about their experiences and any tips they might have for landing the placement. Personal connections can make a huge difference!
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by practising common project management scenarios. Think about how you would handle specific challenges in R&D projects. This will show your enthusiasm and readiness to tackle real-world problems.
✨Tip Number 3
Show off your skills! Create a portfolio that highlights your relevant projects, coursework, or any experience with tools like Gantt charts and risk registers. This will help you stand out and demonstrate your capabilities.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen by the right people. Plus, it shows you’re serious about joining the Cummins team and powering your potential!
We think you need these skills to ace Placement Student – Research & Technology Project Management in Peterborough
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Enthusiasm: When writing your application, let your passion for project management and technology shine through. We want to see that you're excited about the opportunity to learn and contribute to innovative projects at Cummins!
Tailor Your CV and Cover Letter: Make sure to customise your CV and cover letter to highlight relevant skills and experiences that align with the role. We love seeing how your background fits into our mission of powering potential and making an impact.
Be Clear and Concise: Keep your application straightforward and to the point. We appreciate clarity, so make sure your key achievements and skills stand out without unnecessary fluff. This helps us quickly see why you’d be a great fit!
Apply Through Our Website: Don’t forget to submit your application through our website! It’s the best way for us to receive your details and ensures you’re considered for this exciting placement opportunity. We can’t wait to hear from you!
How to prepare for a job interview at Cummins Europe
✨Know Your Stuff
Before the interview, dive deep into Cummins' projects and values. Familiarise yourself with their R&D initiatives and how they align with your studies in Business or Engineering. This shows genuine interest and helps you connect your background to their goals.
✨Show Off Your Skills
Be ready to discuss your experience with project management tools like Gantt charts and risk registers. Prepare examples of how you've used data analysis in past projects, as this will demonstrate your capability to contribute effectively to their team.
✨Ask Smart Questions
Prepare thoughtful questions about the role and the team dynamics. Inquire about the types of projects you'll be involved in or how they measure success in R&D. This not only shows your enthusiasm but also helps you gauge if the placement is right for you.
✨Be Yourself
While it's important to be professional, don’t forget to let your personality shine through. Cummins values inclusivity and a proactive attitude, so being authentic can help you stand out as a candidate who fits their culture.