Network Engineer Industrial Placement 2027 in Exeter

The Met Office is delighted to open our advertising for Industrial Placements 2027.

This is an exciting opportunity to join the Met Office on a 12-month Year in Industry placement, commencing at the start of July 2027, developing your skills and knowledge and ensuring you gain the most value possible from your experience with us.

You will have the opportunity to network with our cohort of Industrial Placements all over the Met Office andlearn what career opportunities are on offer at the Met Office after you graduate.

We’re looking for Network Engineer Industrial Placement 2027to help us make a difference to our planet.

As our Network Engineer Industrial Placement 2027, the job may be suitable for hybrid working, enabling you to work part of the week in the office and part of the week from home.This is a voluntary, non-contractual arrangement and the location advertised will be your contractual place of work. As an Industrial Placement in Network Services, we would expect you to attend the office three days a week as a minimum.

Our opportunity is full time, 37 hours per week. Our people are at the heart of what we do and we'll do our best toagreea working pattern that works for everyone.

World changing work

From science to technology, from meteorology to management, and from planning to communication, our expertise helps us stand out as the authority on weather accuracy and climate prediction. We help individuals, industries and government to make better decisions to stay safe and thrive. This is the Met Office. This is who we are.

• We’reaforcefor good- focusing on our environmental and social impact
• We’reexperts by nature- always learning and developing to do things better
• We live and breathe it- putting our purpose at the heart ofdecision-making
• We’rebettertogether-understandingpartnerships and inclusivity make usgreater
• We keep evolving- pushing boundaries to make tomorrow better for our customers

Your world of expertise

Our Industrial Placement scheme offers ambitious and capable undergraduates the opportunity to gain valuable experience and work alongside diverse and highly skilled experts in their field. You’ll be working on projects that really matter and will make a difference.

Best-in-class technology expertise: As a Network Engineer Industrial Placement, you will gain hands‑on experience with cutting‑edge technologies, helping to deliver secure and reliable connectivity across the Met Office and enabling world‑leading science and operational services. (We keep evolving)

High-quality teamwork: As part of a team of around 20 skilled Network Engineers, you will work closely with colleagues across the organisation, contributing to a culture of knowledge sharing, collaboration, learning, and continuous improvement. (Better Together)

Exciting projects : you will get involved with a mix of complex, technical activities, and large‑scale life cycle projects ranging from data centre networking, next generation firewalls, cloud‑based security solutions to SD‑WAN.

• Install, document, maintain and troubleshoot networking equipment.
• Assist in the supervision of network engineering works at Exeter HQ and remotely.
• Respond to and resolve incidents, investigate and diagnose network problems and work with users, other technical staff and suppliers as appropriate.
• Implement changes as required by the business to meet the demands of systems delivery, including switch, load balancer and firewall configuration.
• Maintenance of local and wide area networks for the delivery of weather data and enterprise communications.
• Work closely with experts and leading network specialists within the Met Office.

Our work is life‑changing, often life‑saving and always life‑enhancing.The Met Office is Great Place to Work UK certified. We are also featured on their ‘Best Workplaces in Tech’ 2023, 2024, 2025 and 2026 lists, as well as their ’54 Best Workplaces for Women’ 2023 list.

Your package includes:

• Your salary will be £27,170
• Annual Leave starting at 27.5 days
• Access to discounted shopping, inclusive of retail, leisure and lifestyle brands

Whilst this is a temporary position until July 2028, there may be an opportunity to apply for our Graduate Development scheme upon completion of your university studies. However, this is not guaranteed and would be subject to programme availability and a successful application.

Essential criteria, skills and experience:

• Lead Criteria: Currently studying for an undergraduate degree in a relevant discipline with a significant networking, telecommunications or IT infrastructure component. (Expert by nature)
• Demonstrates a genuine interest in information technology and networking, with a willingness to continually develop knowledge of current and emerging technologies. (Keep evolving)
• Applies analytical thinking and problem‑solving skills to investigate issues, identify solutions, and learn from experience.
• Able to plan, prioritise, and organise work effectively, using initiative and taking responsibility for delivering agreed tasks.
• Communicates clearly and effectively, both verbally and in writing, building positive relationships and working collaboratively with others. (Better together)
• Has awareness of at least one programming or scripting language, such as Python or PowerShell, and an interest in using automation to improve efficiency.

(The panel may perform a preliminary sift of the lead criteria as indicated above.)

Closing date:23:59 on 8th November 2026. Please note we often receive a high volume of applications, but we will contact everyone who applies once the closing date has passed.

Interviews will be completed by 16th December 2026.

Using AI in your application

We welcome applications that use AI tools for support in drafting or refining, as long as they accurately reflect your own skills and experience. All hiring decisions at the Met Office are made by people, not AI. For more details, visit our approach to recruitment .

How we can help

If you have any questions or would like to discuss this opportunity further, please contact us at careers@metoffice.gov.uk .

If you’re considering applying and need support to do so, please get in touch. You can request adjustments either within your application or by contacting us.Should you be offered an interview, please be aware there may be a selection exercise which could include a presentation, written test or a scenario‑based activity. You can select in your application to be considered under the DisabilityConfidentScheme. To be invited to interview/assessment under this scheme, your application must meet the essential criteria for the role.

Weunderstand that great minds don’t always think alike and as an equal opportunities employer we welcome applications from those with all protected characteristics. We recruit on merit, fairness, and open competition in line with the Civil Service Code.

We can only accept applications from those eligible to live and work in the UK - please refer to GOV.UK for information.We require Security clearance without caveats and/or restrictions for this role, for which you need to have resided in the UK for at least 3 of the last 5 years to be eligible, 2 of these years must be immediately preceding the point of your application.

If you feel that your application has not been treated in accordance with the Recruitment Principles, and wish to make a complaint, then in the first instance you should contact us at: careers@metoffice.gov.uk If you are not satisfied with the response that you receive, then you can contact the Civil Service Commission at: info@csc.gov.uk

Our rewards and benefits are as varied as our customers and our people, depending on your role, and which part of the business you join. The one thing they have in common is that they’re designed to recognise your contribution to our success.

Starting at 27.5 days and rising to 32.5 days after five years of service (both figures exclude bank holidays). As well as the flexibility to buy or sell annual leave annually.

You’ll automatically qualify to join our alpha pension scheme, part of the Civil Service Pension arrangements. The scheme is recognised as one of the most generous occupational pensions.

Lifestyle support

Whether you wish to utilise our excellent family‑friendly schemes, be paid up to 3 days for volunteering with your chosen organisation, have the reassurance of a generous sickness pay scheme or be part of an organisation that is happy to pro‑actively talk about flexible working the Met Office wants you to have a great work and lifestyle balance.

Established hybrid working

We have bases all over the UK and some roles allow for you to work abroad so there is the option to travel for work also, we have established amazing hybrid working practices across all of our offices and have enhanced technology to enable office and home‑based meetings. We work with employees to agree on a suitable working pattern that works for us both and have various working patterns in place.

Investing in your development

The world around us is constantly changing. New technologies, shifting climate patterns, artificial intelligence. These factors and more shape the need for us to develop our skills and knowledge as a business and as individuals. Our investment in learning and development is testament to this and we have partnered with external bodies in each profession to help shape the way we develop the incredible talent right across the Met Office. We help everyone to understand their strengths and opportunities and tailor learning programmes that match their career. For us, this is world‑leading learning and development.

The people are supportive and no matter who you speak to, everyone makes you feel seen and heard. There are so many opportunities that make you think more widely about what you want to do, and if you see something that sparks your interest, you’re encouraged and supported to explore it. I’ve been given the time and opportunities to figure out my goals for this year and the start of my career.

No matter the problem, there was always someone willing to help. I was lucky to work across different teams, so I had a great support network. On the rare occasion my team didn’t have an answer, there were always others who could help. Read my story

Freya Lewin

My placement helped me to grow in three key areas: confidence, communication, and analysis. These are all transferable skills that will benefit me both when I return to university as well as my future career. Read my story

Everyone I have come across so far has been welcoming, easily approachable and happy to help, which has been crucial for me and the other placement students - who are all new to the working world. To have felt like a respected and trusted member of a team brimming with experts in their field has been an incredible experience. I think there is quite a kudos to being able to tell someone you work in science at the Met Office. Both in the brand itself and the global impact of the work.

Edith Warne

I’ve had so many brilliant opportunities, I’ve been able to lead my own project, creating a data catalogue, which was so rewarding and gave me a great sense of achievement to see it through from start to finish. This enabled me to develop relationships as I have collaborated with people across the office in workshops and meetings. I have also been given the opportunity to undertake a six‑week secondment with the Communications and Engagement team.

Emily Inganni

People are often quite surprised when I tell them I work at the Met Office, especially if they know I am doing a politics degree. For most people, the only part they really see is the forecasting, but there’s so much more going on. No matter your background, you’ll be made to feel very welcome here. I live with two other industrial placements and the breadth of what the three of us are involved in is astounding.

Rhea Basra

I’ve found the Met Office to be welcoming and accommodating of everyone, regardless of their background and circumstances, which has motivated me to succeed. Read my story .

With a reputation of being a great place to work and having values that really resonated with me, I felt the Met Office would be a fantastic environment to begin my career. Read my story .

The Met Office stands out as an exceptional workplace for several reasons. Firstly, the unwavering support from colleagues creates a collaborative and nurturing atmosphere, fostering both personal and professional growth. Secondly, the relaxed and flexible atmosphere is invaluable, especially for those stepping into their first full‑time roles, as it facilitates the development of a healthy work‑life balance. Finally, the breadth of work ensures that employees are engaged in diverse and impactful projects, making working here unique.

Something amazing is that there is such a huge variety of opportunities and departments, that you can really start a career in anything. It could be product management or marketing - you don't have to be an operational meteorologist to work here! And whatever you want to do, you’ll be supported to go for it. There is a culture of generosity and kindness, and people go above and beyond to help you.

The people are supportive and no matter who you speak to, everyone makes you feel seen and heard. There are so many opportunities that make you think more widely about what you want to do, and if you see something that sparks your interest, you’re encouraged and supported to explore it. I’ve been given the time and opportunities to figure out my goals for this year and the start of my career.

Our typical recruitment process

5. Assessment

Some roles may require you to attend an assessment day. Any job‑specific assessments will be outlined in the job advert and more details will be provided at the interview stage.

6. Offer

If you are successful following the interview, the hiring manager will contact you to offer the role. The Resourcing Team will then follow up with an offer letter and start your onboarding.

7. Onboarding

Before we can confirm a start date, we will first need to complete security clearance and reference checks. These usually take between eight to ten weeks to complete. We'll also discuss any workplace adjustments that you may need. So they are in place on your first day.

On your first day your new manager will introduce you to the team and you’ll start our online corporate induction. You’ll also be asked to update your details in our People Hub system including bank details ready for your first pay day.

For those living outside of the UK, there are some roles where we can sponsor Skilled Worker visas. However, you will need to pass security clearance which requires you to have resided in the UK for at least 3 of the last 5 years and 2 of these years must be immediately preceding the point of your application.

2. Application

Apply through our careers website. Each application will be assessed against the essential criteria detailed in the job advert. We recommend that you use the CARL or STAR method to answer the key questions. Evidence your answers and reference our values to bring your application to life.

3. Screening

The sift panel will assess all applications against our essential criteria. Our screening process usually takes one to two weeks following the closing date of the advert. After which, we'll be in touch to let you know whether your application has progressed to the next stage.

4. Interview

Most recruitment processes will include a single‑stage interview, some of which are virtual interviews and some may be in‑person. Our interviews tend to blend competency questions, which focus on the essential criteria, with values‑based questions.

5. Assessment

Some roles may require you to attend an assessment day. Any job‑specific assessments will be outlined in the job advert and more details will be provided at the interview stage.

6. Offer

If you are successful following the interview, the hiring manager will contact you to offer the role. The Resourcing Team will then follow up with an offer letter and start your onboarding.

7. Onboarding

Before we can confirm a start date, we will first need to complete security clearance and reference checks. These usually take between eight to ten weeks to complete. We'll also discuss any workplace adjustments that you may need. So they are in place on your first day.

On your first day your new manager will introduce you to the team and you’ll start our online corporate induction. You’ll also be asked to update your details in our People Hub system including bank details ready for your first pay day.

For those living outside of the UK, there are some roles where we can sponsor Skilled Worker visas. However, you will need to pass security clearance which requires you to have resided in the UK for at least 3 of the last 5 years and 2 of these years must be immediately preceding the point of your application.

#J-18808-Ljbffr