2026 Summer Placement - Mechanical Engineer - Reading

Are you an aspiring mechanical engineer looking to make a difference to the world around you? Do you want the chance to grow, learn, and be supported by industry leaders? This ever-changing world will be shaped by the buildings put into it; and we know it’s often the newest minds who have the brightest ideas. As a leading international firm of consulting engineers, we didn’t build a 150-year legacy by standing still. The built environment is where our design-led work can carve out a better future for the planet and its people. For us, it’s about putting heart, soul, innovation, and sustainability into the buildings we work on. We play a major role in driving sustainable development. We help create some of the most innovative low-carbon buildings, pushing the limit on what’s possible. Our projects cover almost every sector – from healthcare, residential, and retail, to defense, arts & heritage, and education – ranging from small studies and reports to large-scale developments valued at more than £4 billion.

If you are looking to develop your skills and experience in the industry whilst on your summer break, then apply for a placement opportunity with us! Working on live projects, you’ll have a chance to make a real impact. You’ll work within a design team gaining valuable insight into engineering systems design, improving your practical application of engineering theory, and gaining an introduction to the fast-moving world of construction and consultancy. By the end of your placement, you should be able to make a more informed decision about your career path. Start your journey in a career that counts! Our summer placements typically last between 6-12 weeks and can provide an excellent opportunity to secure a permanent position with us once you graduate.

Applications are welcomed from students who are currently studying towards an accredited Mechanical Engineering degree, preferably in their penultimate year. A genuine interest in developing a career within the sector, with fresh ideas, enthusiasm, confidence, and an entrepreneurial, creative spirit.

We are an award-winning engineering consultancy with a creative team of engineers, designers, and technical specialists. We provide innovative solutions to complex engineering and design challenges for buildings. At Hoare Lea, we ensure you receive the best placement experience in the industry, in order to set you up for a bright future. We also know that it’s not until you experience working in a certain specialism or field that you know whether it’s for you. So, we make sure all our apprentices get experience working on different projects, that way you can discover what suits you. Joining our firm is the chance to play your part in the future of engineering design. Our projects span scales, styles, and geographies. We’re committed to sustainable design, innovation, and collaboration with forward-thinking clients. Straight away you’ll experience working on live projects.

Visit our careers page here to apply for our Placement programmes. You will be asked to upload your CV. Please only apply for one location for your discipline.

Applications close – March 2026

Telephone Interview – March/April 2026

Interview – April 2026

Start Date – Summer 2026

We are committed to being a place where underrepresented individuals and communities are not just included, but where marginalised knowledge and experience is valued, amplified, and harnessed. So, we strongly encourage applications from candidates of all backgrounds, including women, people of the Global Majority, LGBTQ+ individuals, disabled people, neurodivergent people, and those from all other underrepresented or marginalised groups.

If there are adjustments or accommodations that we can put in place to ensure you can participate and give your best at any stage of the recruitment process (whether relating to disability, neurodivergence, or anything else) please let us know.

We are committed to enabling a healthy work-life balance for all employees. So, we welcome applications from candidates seeking flexible working arrangements to suit their particular needs and lifestyle, including part-time, term-time-only, and remote working.