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For Companies At a Glance
- Tasks: Work on real-world projects in radar and electro-optic product development.
- Company: Join Leonardo, a leader in innovation and global safety.
- Benefits: 25 days annual leave, pension scheme, mental health support, and online learning access.
- Why this job: Gain hands-on experience and make an impact in cutting-edge technology.
- Qualifications: Enrolled in an IMechE accredited Mechanical Engineering degree with relevant experience.
- Other info: Inclusive workplace with opportunities for personal and professional growth.
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
Summer Placement Mechanical Engineer employer: Leonardo SpA
Contact Detail:
Leonardo SpA Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Summer Placement Mechanical Engineer
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to current or former employees on LinkedIn, and don’t be shy about asking for advice or insights about the company. A friendly chat can sometimes lead to opportunities that aren’t even advertised!
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by practising common questions and showcasing your technical skills. Use examples from your studies or previous experiences to demonstrate how you can contribute to the team at Leonardo.
✨Tip Number 3
Don’t forget to research Leonardo’s projects and values! Showing that you understand their mission and how you can fit into their culture will definitely make you stand out during the interview process.
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website for the best chance of landing that summer placement! It’s the most direct route, and we love seeing applications come in through our platform. Plus, it shows you’re genuinely interested in being part of our team!
We think you need these skills to ace Summer Placement Mechanical Engineer
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV reflects the skills and experiences that are relevant to the Summer Placement Mechanical Engineer role. Highlight any projects or coursework that align with radar, laser, or thermal analysis to catch our eye!
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to explain why you're passionate about mechanical engineering and how you can contribute to our team. Be genuine and let your enthusiasm for the role come through.
Showcase Your Teamwork Skills: We love seeing evidence of teamwork in applications. Share examples from your studies or previous work experiences where you collaborated effectively with others. It’s all about showing us you can thrive in a team environment!
Apply Through Our Website: Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets to us directly. Plus, you’ll find all the details you need about the role and our company there.
How to prepare for a job interview at Leonardo SpA
✨Know Your Stuff
Before the interview, make sure you brush up on your mechanical engineering fundamentals. Understand the basics of radar and electro-optic products, as well as any relevant CAD tools like PTC Creo. This will show that you're not just a student but someone who is genuinely interested in the field.
✨Showcase Your Projects
Be ready to discuss any relevant projects or internships you've completed. Highlight your role, the challenges you faced, and how you overcame them. This will demonstrate your practical experience and problem-solving skills, which are crucial for the Summer Placement Mechanical Engineer role.
✨Ask Smart Questions
Prepare thoughtful questions about the team you'll be working with, the projects you'll be involved in, and the technologies used at Leonardo. This shows your enthusiasm and helps you gauge if the company culture aligns with your values.
✨Emphasise Teamwork
Since teamwork is key in this role, be ready to share examples of how you've successfully collaborated with others in past experiences. Whether it's group projects at university or previous placements, highlight your ability to work well within a team.