At a Glance
- Tasks: Support the design and development of spacecraft hardware and assist with testing activities.
- Company: Join Open Cosmos, a leader in making space accessible for everyone.
- Benefits: Gain hands-on experience in the space industry and develop practical engineering skills.
- Other info: Dynamic environment with opportunities for growth and collaboration.
- Why this job: Work on real satellite programmes and tackle global challenges like climate change.
- Qualifications: Studying Mechanical or Aerospace Engineering with a passion for the space industry.
The predicted salary is between 20000 - 30000 £ per year.
Aim high, go beyond! At Open Cosmos, we're making space more accessible. We design, build and operate satellites that help tackle some of the world's biggest challenges, from climate change and sustainability to disaster response and resource management. We're looking for a Mechanical Engineering Intern to join our engineering team for a three-month placement. This is an opportunity to gain hands‑on experience within the space industry, working alongside experienced engineers on real spacecraft programmes. You’ll be part of a multidisciplinary team contributing to the design, manufacture, integration and testing of satellite hardware while developing practical engineering skills in a fast‑paced environment.
What you'll be doing
- Supporting the design and development of spacecraft mechanical hardware
- Assisting with CAD modelling, drawings and design documentation
- Contributing to the development of components and assemblies from concept through to manufacture
- Supporting laboratory, cleanroom, integration and testing activities
- Assisting with mechanical assembly and inspection activities
- Supporting structural analysis, data analysis and technical investigations
- Collaborating with Systems, Electronics, AIT and other engineering teams
- Participating in design reviews, technical discussions and problem‑solving activities
- Helping improve processes, documentation and engineering ways of working
What you'll learn
- Gain exposure to the full spacecraft development lifecycle
- Work alongside experienced engineers and technical specialists
- Develop practical engineering experience on real satellite programmes
- Learn how multidisciplinary teams collaborate to deliver space missions
- Build experience in a growing space company
We’d love to hear from you if you:
- Are currently studying Mechanical Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, or a related engineering discipline
- Have a strong interest in the space industry and satellite systems
- Enjoy solving technical problems and learning new skills
- Can work both independently and collaboratively
- Are comfortable working with 3D modelling and Solidworks
- Have good organisational and communication skills
- Are comfortable working in a fast‑moving engineering environment
- Bring curiosity, enthusiasm and a willingness to learn
This role is based in our facilities in Harwell, UK.
Why join Open Cosmos?
You’ll be joining a team that is passionate about making space accessible and using space technology to solve real‑world problems. This internship offers the opportunity to gain meaningful industry experience, contribute to genuine engineering challenges, and develop skills that will support your future career.
Equal opportunity employer
At Open Cosmos, we are dedicated to fostering a workplace built on respect, dignity, and belonging. As an equal opportunity employer, we actively challenge bias to ensure every candidate and employee feels truly welcome. We celebrate diversity in all its forms and are committed to maintaining an inclusive environment where everyone has the opportunity to thrive.
Mechanical Engineering Intern in Harwell employer: Open Cosmos Ltd.
At Open Cosmos, we pride ourselves on being an exceptional employer, offering a dynamic work culture that fosters innovation and collaboration. Located in Harwell, UK, our team is dedicated to making space accessible while providing interns with hands-on experience in the exciting field of satellite engineering. With a strong commitment to employee growth and inclusivity, we ensure that every intern has the opportunity to develop their skills and contribute to meaningful projects that address global challenges.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Mechanical Engineering Intern in Harwell
✨Get Hands-On Experience
Before even applying, check out local competitions or engineering fairs. Joining clubs or societies at your university can also help you work on real projects, which is something employers love to see in your application.
✨Tap into University Networks
Don’t forget to leverage your university’s career services! Get in touch with your professors or look for mentorship programmes. They often have connections in the mechanical engineering industry and can guide you towards summer internships.
✨Join Engineering Communities
Get involved in online forums or local meetups specific to mechanical engineering. Platforms like LinkedIn and professional bodies often have groups that can help you connect with industry professionals and learn about internship opportunities.
✨Be Ready for Interviews
Brush up on your technical knowledge and be prepared to discuss your projects. Do your research on companies like Open Cosmos Ltd. and come with a few questions about their work. Show them you're not just interested in any internship, but specifically in what they do!
We think you need these skills to ace Mechanical Engineering Intern in Harwell
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Off Your Projects:For the mechanical engineering internship at Open Cosmos Ltd., we want to see how you’ve applied those engineering skills in real-world projects. Include details about any relevant projects from your studies or personal projects that demonstrate your technical abilities and hands-on experience. This can really set you apart!
Tailor Your CV for Engineering:When crafting your CV, emphasise your engineering coursework, relevant software proficiency (like CAD tools), and any certifications related to mechanical engineering. List these clearly, as they show us your foundation in the field and ability to engage with specific engineering tasks.
Craft a Passionate Cover Letter:In your cover letter, express your motivation for applying to Open Cosmos Ltd.. Highlight what you hope to learn during this internship and how it aligns with your career goals. We’re keen to see your enthusiasm for mechanical engineering and how you see this opportunity fitting into your journey!
Highlight Team Projects:Collaboration is key in mechanical engineering, so be sure to mention any team projects you’ve worked on. Give us insights into your role, how you contributed, and what you learned from working with others. This shows that you not only have the technical know-how but can also thrive in a team setting.
How to prepare for a job interview at Open Cosmos Ltd.
✨Showcase Your Projects
Bring along your portfolio or project reports that showcase any engineering projects you've worked on. Whether it's coursework, a hobby project, or something from a university club, having tangible examples will impress your interviewers at Open Cosmos Ltd. and show them your hands-on experience.
✨Get Technical with Your Knowledge
Brush up on core mechanical engineering principles, particularly those relevant to the projects or products at Open Cosmos Ltd.. Be prepared to discuss concepts like thermodynamics, fluid mechanics, or materials science, and don’t be surprised if they throw you some technical questions during the interview!
✨Express Your Eagerness to Learn
As an intern, they're looking for motivation and the potential to grow. Be ready to talk about how you're excited to learn new skills and contribute to the team at Open Cosmos Ltd.. Mentioning how you stay updated with the latest in mechanical engineering through courses or workshops can really help show your enthusiasm.
✨Familiarise Yourself with Software Tools
Many mechanical engineering roles involve using design software like SolidWorks or AutoCAD. If you have experience with these tools, be clear about it. If not, make sure to mention any relevant software you're comfortable with and demonstrate a readiness to pick up new programmes quickly.
