Role Profile 2026-27
Company Name: PCS Instruments
Job Title: Year in Industry Placement – Tribology R&D
No. of students required: 1
Student Type: Undergraduate
Department: R&D
Salary: Competitive, TBC
Location: PCS Instruments, Acton, London, W3 7SZ
Line Manager/Reports to: Senior R&D Tribologist
General Terms & Conditions: 35 Hours per week
Placement Start date / Duration: Flexible, October 2026, 1 year
Interview Timeline: July 2026, initial online interview, final round in person
Company Background & Website
PCS Instruments is a leading manufacturer of test instruments in the field of Tribology – the science of friction, wear and lubrication. Our instruments are used across the globe, to discover, optimise and benchmark new fuels and lubricants, and for academic research in this fascinating, multidisciplinary field. We are constantly adapting to new challenges, ensuring our technology continues to advance the frontier of knowledge.
Website: https://pcs-instruments.com/
Description of Role
The project involves prototyping, implementing and evaluating optical techniques to increase both the resolution and robustness of 3D optical interferometry applied to experimental elastohydrodynamic systems. There are some particularly exciting unexplored avenues, which require skills spanning mechanical design, optics, data science, and software engineering. The successful candidate will work as part of a multidisciplinary team of experienced engineers and technicians, but the project will be their own to scope, manage and execute. We expect the work to be both interesting and rewarding, and to present several exciting technical challenges.
What we can offer
- Competitive Salary and Benefits
- An environment tailored for continuous learning and professional development.
- Real Project ownership, empowering you to drive impactful solutions.
Key Competencies
- Excellent performance in A-level (or equivalent) Mathematics, Further Mathematics and Physics
- Studying for a degree in Physics, Engineering, Robotics, Applied Mathematics or similar
- Working knowledge of mechanical design principles, and key mathematical concepts expected at second year undergraduate level, including complex analysis, Fourier theory, linear algebra, numerical methods, calculus etc.
- Strong programming skills, prepared to work in Python, C++, or C#
- Critical thinking and questioning the status quo
- Independent study with support from the R&D team
- Resilience and navigation of the nonlinear nature of research and development
- Clear communication, in person, informal writing, and technical writing
- Interest in the project and readiness to take on a technical challenge
- Availability to work full-time, understand terms to be agreed, from October 2026-September 2027 (approx., start and end dates negotiable)
Optional (but also valuable)
- Working knowledge of optics
- Experience with CAD software, rapid prototyping, engineering drawings, and common machine elements
- Evidence of group working in an engineering design or analysis capacity e.g. group design projects, previous industrial experience, labs
- Experience in, or preparation to learn, technical presentation skills
- Interest in the wider field of tribology and appreciation of the relevance of this project to scientific research in this field
- Preparation for a career in scientific research or engineering
Year in Industry Project – R&D – 2026/2027 employer: PCS-I
PCS Instruments is an exceptional employer, offering a dynamic and supportive environment for students eager to dive into the world of Tribology R&D. With a focus on continuous learning and professional development, employees are empowered to take ownership of their projects, driving impactful solutions while collaborating with a multidisciplinary team in the vibrant setting of Acton, London. This role not only promises competitive remuneration but also presents unique opportunities to tackle exciting technical challenges that contribute to advancements in scientific research.
