Chemicals and Materials Engineering Placement Student
MW Polymers is a market leader in industrial sealants, coatings, and adhesives. A family-owned business with an excellent reputation, we work with a wide range of customers in sectors including gas and water. We have been in business for over 40 years and continue to adapt to our customer’s needs, investing in research & development to ensure we remain at the forefront of this rapidly growing market. We are looking to recruit individuals with the right attitude, focus and enthusiasm to join our team.
About the role
We are seeking a motivated and enthusiastic student to join our Chemicals & Materials Engineering team for an industrial placement. This role offers hands‑on experience in a dynamic environment, supporting real‑world projects that contribute to the development, testing, and optimisation of chemical processes and advanced materials. Reporting directly to the Managing Director and working alongside our Chartered Engineer and Chairman, you will help develop existing and new products.
You will also get the opportunity to design and build amazing products used by some of the largest utility businesses in Europe; working closely with their research and innovation teams, you’ll help support strategic business objectives and drive impactful solutions.
You’ll need to understand how to transform raw materials into finished products, while carefully considering factors such as health and safety regulations, cost efficiency, and process sustainability.
Core Responsibilities
- Assist in the design, execution, and analysis of laboratory experiments related to chemical synthesis, materials testing, and process development.
- Create working prototypes using manufacturing equipment and CNC machines.
- Maintain accurate records of experimental procedures, results, and observations.
- Prepare technical reports and presentations to communicate findings and progress, such as manuscripts, proposals, and technical manuals for use by other scientists and requesters, such as sponsors, customers, partners, and potential partners.
- Operate test rigs to enable assessment of product performance.
- Apply practical engineering science and technology principles, techniques, procedures, and equipment to the design and production.
- Understand and predict physical principles and laws, their interrelationships, and applications to fluid, material, and atmospheric dynamics, and mechanical, electrical, atomic, and subatomic structures and processes.
- Determine ways to strengthen or combine materials or develop new materials with specific properties for use in a variety of products and applications.
- Participate in safety audits and ensure compliance with health, safety, and environmental regulations.
- Prepare reports and drawings for patent applications.
About You
The applicant must be practical, enthusiastic, flexible and hard‑working to work effectively alongside our friendly team.
Possess strong technical lab skills and an excellent understanding of materials are critical along with a passion to push the boundaries of material chemistry.
The right candidate will take pride in the projects they work on and help us maintain our high quality of work.
Keen to learn and understand company needs and will be happy to work to company standards, in a fast‑paced, interesting working environment.
A data‑driven person with the ability to apply basic concepts of algebra and geometry.
Adaptability and teamwork; you must be ready to adapt to changes, solve problems and engage in jobs that are outside of your job spec.
Working knowledge of laboratory safety including ability to follow risk assessments and COSHH assessments.
Ability to communicate with colleagues at all levels within the business.
Capable of standing on feet for long periods of time and carry out physical tasks, including lifting.
Driving licence and own transport essential.
Key Skills and Core Competencies
- Experience in polymers, foams and elastomers.
- Ability to design and develop polymer materials.
- Experience in AutoCAD/3D design software.
- Developed problem‑solving skills.
- Ability to deliver high‑quality results under pressure.
- A highly organised personality and ability to manage multiple projects at once.
- Excellent observational skills.
- Attention to detail, with the ability to maintain a high level of accuracy.
- Knowledge of solid‑state synthesis and chemical modification.
- Ability to deal with sensitive information with discretion and maintain confidentiality.
- Experience with Microsoft Word and Excel.
- Good hand skills and an eye for detail.
- Ability to work within a team.
- Self‑motivated to meet quality and delivery targets.
- Have a positive “Can Do” attitude to everyday operations and continual improvement initiatives.
- Work in line with Health & Safety site requirements.
Standard Working Hours
37.5 hours per week – Monday – Thursday 8:30am – 5:00pm. Friday 8:30am – 2:30pm.
Large and purpose‑built facilities; company pension scheme; early Friday finish; 23 days holiday per year plus statutory bank holidays; working with passionate, friendly and fun people.
Qualification and Experience
Currently enrolled in a relevant undergraduate degree (e.g., Chemical Engineering, Materials Science, Chemistry).
Seniority Level
Internship
Employment type
Full‑time
Job function
Engineering and Information Technology
Industries
Chemical Manufacturing
