At a Glance
- Tasks: Manage electronic systems and collaborate on innovative Motorsport projects.
- Company: Prodrive, a leader in Motorsport innovation and excellence.
- Benefits: Gain hands-on experience with world-class engineers and cutting-edge technology.
- Other info: Unique opportunity to work on diverse projects and make a real impact.
- Why this job: Shape the future of Motorsport while developing your skills in a dynamic environment.
- Qualifications: Studying an accredited engineering degree, preferably in Automotive or Motorsport Engineering.
At Prodrive, we are committed to continuous innovation. We allow our Industrial Placement students to explore and develop their talents in new ways. This is a unique opportunity for you to contribute to shaping the future of Motorsport. The pursuit of excellence is what makes us different. Our current programmes include GT race cars, Dakar and the Rally Raid Championship, and a range of R&D work pioneering sustainable solutions for motorsport in the future. The variety of our challenging and diverse projects is unrivalled and through these placement opportunities, you will work alongside some of the best world-championship-winning motorsport engineers in the world. You will be exposed to a breadth and depth of experience that you are unlikely to get anywhere else with genuine responsibility and scope to make a real impact.
We are looking for an undergraduate student to assist with maintaining reliability, improving performance and drive innovation, supporting operational activities across all our Motorsport Programmes and the development of new data and software systems.
Key Responsibilities
- Manage electronic systems and software updates for all Prodrive Motorsport products including but not limited to Aston Martin Vantage GT3, GT4, Dacia.
- Collaborate with cross functional teams to integrate vehicle wide control systems and develop new concepts.
- Work with championship organisers to forecast electrical and electronic changes required to always maintain Prodrive Motorsport's products adherence to regulations.
- Develop Prodrive motorsport control strategies across all programs and proactively assist with all aspects of in-vehicle electronic systems supporting and troubleshooting (i.e. garage and factory).
- Support with vehicle architecture and model-based function development for Prodrive products.
Who Are We Looking For?
- Currently studying for an accredited engineering degree, preferably Automotive Engineering, Motorsport Engineering etc.
- Computer literate including MS Office suite, general troubleshooting, and knowledge of programming languages advantageous.
- Familiar with communication protocols such as CAN, LIN and Ethernet.
- Good general knowledge all round a vehicle, from ICE sensors / actuators, vehicle dynamics and electrical systems.
- Able to prioritise tasks, meet challenging deadlines and work under pressure both independently and within a team.
Come and make a difference. If you want to become part of a winning team and if you want to build a fantastic foundation ahead of a career in motorsport, we would love to hear from you.
Control Systems - 12-month Undergraduate Industrial Placement employer: Prodrive
HCI Systems is an exceptional employer, offering a dynamic work environment in Newport, Shropshire, where innovation meets tradition. With a strong focus on employee growth and development, we provide opportunities for our team to thrive in the fast-paced sectors of Motorsport and Automotive. Our collaborative culture encourages creativity and teamwork, making it a rewarding place for those looking to make a meaningful impact in the industry.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Control Systems - 12-month Undergraduate Industrial Placement
✨Join the Right Networks
Control systems engineering is all about collaboration and innovation, so get yourself in the right circles! Join online forums and LinkedIn groups specific to control systems professionals, and consider participating in local meetups or conferences where you can connect with industry experts and potential employers.
✨Leverage University Resources
As you're looking for a placement, tap into your university's career services. They often have exclusive access to internships and placement programmes in engineering. Don’t shy away from attending those career fairs to meet reps from companies like Prodrive directly!
✨Showcase Your Projects
If you've worked on any control systems projects, be sure to make them visible! Create a portfolio or an online repository (like GitHub) to display your work. Sharing your code and designs can really help you stand out to firms like Prodrive when you're in interviews.
✨Ask for Informational Interviews
Don't hesitate to reach out to professionals in the control systems field for informational interviews. People love sharing their journeys, and you might get valuable insights and even leads on placement opportunities. Plus, having a friendly chat can put you on their radar when an opportunity comes up!
We think you need these skills to ace Control Systems - 12-month Undergraduate Industrial Placement
Some tips for your application 🫡
Showcase Your Technical Skills:For control systems engineering, it's super important to highlight your technical abilities. Make sure your CV lists relevant software or tools you’ve used, like MATLAB or Simulink. If you have experience with any projects or coursework in this area, don’t hesitate to include them – they show your practical understanding!
Emphasise Your Teamwork and Problem-Solving Skills:In a placement, you'll be working with others to tackle real-world issues, so highlighting your teamwork skills in your application is key. Use your cover letter to give examples of how you've effectively collaborated on projects or solved complex problems during your studies.
Tailor Your Cover Letter to Prodrive:When crafting your cover letter, make sure to mention why you're specifically interested in Prodrive. What makes them stand out to you? This is your chance to show your enthusiasm and that you've done a bit of homework about the company’s projects or values.
Keep It Concise Yet Detailed:As it’s a placement, we're looking for a balance between being concise and providing enough detail about your experiences. Keep your CV one page long, but make sure it’s packed with relevant info, especially your technical skills and any projects you've tackled during your studies.
How to prepare for a job interview at Prodrive
✨Brush Up on Your Control Systems Concepts
Since you're aiming for a placement in control systems engineering, make sure you're super clear on the fundamental concepts. Think PID controllers, system stability, and feedback loops. Be prepared to tackle technical questions or even solve problems on the spot—knowing your theory inside out will help us impress the interviewer at Prodrive.
✨Showcase Your Projects and Experience
For a placement, interviewers will love to see your practical application of skills. Bring up any university projects or internships where you've designed or implemented control systems. If you have a portfolio or a project repository, highlight your best work, especially those that demonstrate use of relevant tools or software like MATLAB or Simulink. This isn’t just about knowledge; it’s about showing what you can do!
✨Prepare for Scenario-Based Questions
Expect scenario-based questions during your interview. For example, they might ask how you would approach a specific control systems problem or how you would design a controller for a given application. Practice articulating your thought process clearly—it'll show your problem-solving skills and how you approach projects, reflecting your potential as a valuable team player at Prodrive.
✨Get Ready to Communicate Your Passion
While technical skills are key, don’t forget to express your enthusiasm for control systems and engineering in general. Share why you’re excited about this placement at Prodrive and what you hope to learn or achieve. This passion can set you apart from others who might have similar qualifications. Remember, placements are about learning and growth as much as they are about skills!
