2026 Graduate - Mechanical Engineer - Cambridge

We believe in the power of ingenuity to build a positive human future. As strategies, technologies, and innovation collide, we create opportunity from complexity. Our teams of interdisciplinary experts combine innovative thinking and breakthrough technologies to progress further, faster. Our clients adapt and transform, and together we achieve enduring results. We are over 4,000 strategists, innovators, designers, consultants, digital experts, scientists, engineers, and technologists. And we have deep expertise in consumer and manufacturing, defence and security, energy and utilities, financial services, government and public services, health and life sciences, and transport. Our teams operate globally from offices across the UK, Ireland, US, Nordics, and Netherlands.

Power Your Curiosity at PA. Why consider joining us? Do you want to design a machine to detect 50-micron holes at 3000 bottles an hour? How do we make an autoinjector safely deliver drugs at home with a range of viscosities? Does the idea of making sustainable packaging with a 40-tonne press excite you? The mechanical engineering team at PA use their core engineering knowledge to help ask the right questions at every stage of the development process:

• We work with scientists to understand the fundamental of any new problem.
• Together we prototype, characterise and explore technologies and processes.
• By collaborating with designers and human factors experts we can pin down the form and function of new products.
• Engineers of all disciplines – mechanical, electronic, software (and some in between!) – will come together to design, test, and build new products and systems.
• We use our industry knowledge to inform future technical strategies for clients and work with others in PA to provide clients with wider business solutions.

What you can expect: The range of work performed at the Global Innovation and Technology Centre is broad and ever-changing. You might:

• Develop a new food safe material that can survive being submerged.
• Assemble prototype test rigs to prove a new process is possible.
• Observe user interactions with a product to ensure it is intuitive.
• Capture high speed video of fine sprays to characterise nozzle performance.

Assessment process:

• First Stage Assessments: Application form, Online Assessments, Shortlisting and/or Technical Assessments.
• Final Stage Assessments: Assessment Centre with Technical Assessments, Final Stage Interviews.

The Offer:

• A broad range of work that spans multiple sectors.
• The opportunity to experience all phases of development, from conceptualisation and theoretical design to hands‑on building/prototyping and testing in our workshops.
• The opportunity to work closely with experienced and knowledgeable colleagues from across the design, applied science, software and engineering disciplines as you design, test, and build new products and systems.
• Ability to manage your own time, with choice over which projects you work on.
• Be involved in creating future technology strategies, working with others across the wider PA, to provide clients with wider business solutions.

This role will start in Autumn 2026. Your work base will be our Global Technology and Innovation Centre, Melbourn. Salary Potential: £31,000 with additional £3,500 for transport allowance.

A career at PA is what you make of it — so power your curiosity and prepare to make an impact.

Qualifications:

• Undergraduate degree — studying towards, or completed an accredited degree in Mechanical Engineering (or related subject).
• Growth-oriented and curious — open to change, driven to succeed, hungry for new challenges, and eager to broaden your understanding of the world apply new technical skills and rapidly acquire domain expertise.
• You will be able to think creatively and laterally, applying existing knowledge to new problems.
• Collaborative and relationship-focused — thrive in dynamic teams, build strong relationships with clients and peers, and support others to succeed.
• Credible and communicative — comfortable in high-performance environments, with excellent communication skills, both written and verbal.
• Comfortable working with hands on work in both a workshop and a lab setting.
• Analytical and adaptable — demonstrate strong problem-solving abilities, innovative thinking, and the flexibility to adapt your style and approach.
• You will apply your engineering experience and knowledge gained through university, work or projects to help develop solutions to real-world problems.
• Professional and reliable — show strong workplace etiquette by being punctual, dependable, and respectful of business expectations and office conduct.

Technical experience – the following will also be beneficial but not essential:

• Practical industry experience in an engineering, development or scientific role.
• Proficiency in 3D CAD systems; preferably SolidWorks.

This is an exciting opportunity to apply engineering in situations which will ultimately lead to real-world innovation. We know the skill-gap and ‘somewhat need to tick every box’ can get in the way of meeting brilliant candidates, so please don’t hesitate to apply – we’d love to hear from you.

Please be aware that some of our UK roles at PA Consulting require a UK security clearance. All PA people are required to undergo background checks and to achieve the Baseline Personnel Security Standard however, some UK roles also require higher levels of National Security Vetting, where applicants must have at least 5 years of continuous residency in the UK. We therefore ask that you only apply if you meet the residency requirements (i.e. you are a British citizen or have been resident in the UK for the past 5 years), as this is the prerequisite for a security clearance. If you’re unsure about your eligibility, we encourage you to review the UK Government’s guidance on security vetting before applying.

Additional information: Life At PA encompasses our peoples' experience at PA. It's about how we enrich peoples’ working lives by giving them access to unique people and growth opportunities and purpose led meaningful work. Our purpose guides how we work with our clients and our teams, and support our communities, to deliver insight and impact, solving the world’s most complex challenges. We're focused on building a workplace that values human difference and diverse mindsets, and a culture of inclusion and equality that unlocks the potential in our people so everyone can be their best self. We are dedicated to supporting the physical, emotional, social and financial well‑being of our people.

If you join us, full time in a permanent role, check out some of our extensive benefits:

• Health and lifestyle perks accompanying private healthcare.
• 25 days annual leave (plus a bonus half day on Christmas Eve) with the opportunity to buy 5 additional days.
• Generous company pension scheme.
• Opportunity to get involved with community and charity-based initiatives.
• Annual performance‑based bonus.
• PA share ownership.
• Tax efficient benefits (cycle to work, give as you earn).

We’re committed to advancing equality. We recruit, retain, reward and develop our people based solely on their abilities and contributions and without reference to their age, background, disability, genetic information, parental or family status, religion or belief, race, ethnicity, nationality, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity (or expression), political belief, veteran status, or any other range of human difference brought about by identity and experience. We welcome applications from underrepresented groups.

Adjustments or accommodations: Should you need any adjustments or accommodations to the recruitment process, at either application or interview, please contact us.