At a Glance
- Tasks: Join a dynamic team to tackle real-world problems with cutting-edge technology.
- Company: ALTEN UK, a leading Engineering and IT consultancy across 30 countries.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, bonus, 24 days vacation, and hybrid working options.
- Other info: Exciting opportunities for career growth in a collaborative environment.
- Why this job: Make an impact on innovative projects while developing your technical skills.
- Qualifications: Pursuing a Master's in AI, Data Science, or Computer Science with programming experience.
The predicted salary is between 25400 - 25400 £ per year.
About ALTEN UK
ALTEN UK (parent company of Quick Release) are a leading Engineering and IT consultancy operating across 30 countries, paving the way in various sectors, including Aeronautics, Space, Defence, Automotive, Rail & Mobility, Energy & Environment, Life Sciences & Health, and Telecoms. Our mission is to enable and support our customers' development strategies, technological advancements, and sustainability initiatives. We are united by a common purpose: building tomorrow's world today.
Our Innovation Lab brings together industry challenges, cutting‑edge technologies and an enthusiastic team of innovation engineers. Our projects are strategically focused on delivering inventive solutions to address sectors & customers challenges, drive digital transformation and enable businesses to thrive in the modern landscape.
Innovation Lab Projects:
- A web‑based, AI powered service that allows identification of optimal solar panels placement and assists the acceleration of their deployment across urban and rural areas.
- A Multi‑Agent RAG‑based web app to speed up the process of authoring technical documents and minimise the risk of hallucination.
- A mobile app, running on a single camera device, allowing 3D object scanning, part identification, quality inspection, measurements, display additional information using AR.
- A bespoke LLM tool, like Grammarly but non‑cloud based, to correct technical documents with sensitive information automatically.
- A computer vision tool, running on a standard mobile phone, to allow real time part detection and recognition.
- A game changer for quality inspection.
- Winning the ZF Open‑Source Mobility Hackathon with a set of simulations testing traffic control interventions to reduce the transit time of an emergency vehicle through a city.
What will you be doing?
This 1‑year placement offers a unique opportunity to assume early responsibility as part of a dynamic team and apply cutting‑edge technology to real world problems. You will be:
- Utilising innovation development methodologies, while facing a wide scope of applications.
- Expanding and using your technical skills.
- Working with ALTEN technical specialists to validate and improve your solutions.
- Learning how to discuss, report, and present your work in a professional environment.
Engagement Stages:
- Ideation: participating in workshops to foster creativity and generate ideas.
- Maturation: conducting research on state‑of‑the‑art, thinking up smart options, identifying potential partners, estimating cost/time/resources.
- Project development: through a full agile methodology, from setting objectives, investigating and developing smart solutions, to ultimately validating their performance.
Requirements:
You are working towards a Master's degree in any of the following: Artificial Intelligence, Machine Learning, Data Science, Computer Science, with a preference for practical skills in NLP, LLM, Transformers, and Computer Vision. Full‑stack development (front end and back end).
An added bonus if you have experience in:
- Automation or Robotics
- UnrealEngine, Unity
We are also looking for candidates who are:
- Experienced in programming in Python, write clean code, and test thoroughly.
- A team player, willing to explore different options to solve a challenge, and open to any of them being the best solution.
- Proactive and demonstrate a high level of communication skills.
- Enthusiastic about learning and capable of independently expanding your knowledge, skills, and experience.
- You bring a technical and analytical approach to problem solving.
- You have legal right to work in the UK.
The ideal candidate is curious, positive, creative, collaborative, and looking to challenge themselves. We seek individuals who thrive in dynamic environments, embracing change and ambiguity while demonstrating readiness to contribute to impactful projects within cross‑functional teams.
Benefits:
- Salary: £25,400 base + £1,000 bonus
- Vacation: 24 days + 8 bank holidays
- Standard ALTEN Benefits
Location:
Based at the ALTEN Derby Innovation Lab (8 Pinnacle Way, DE24 8ZS Derby, UK). Hybrid (office/home) working option available. Some travel may be required.
ALTEN UK Innovation Engineer Lab Placement 2026 - Year in Industry employer: Quick Release_
Quick Release in Bristol is an exceptional employer, offering a dynamic work culture that values innovation and collaboration. With competitive salaries, a generous bonus scheme, and ample opportunities for professional growth, employees are empowered to thrive in their careers while working on impactful projects in the mobility and tech hardware sectors. The hybrid work model further enhances work-life balance, making it an attractive place for seasoned consultants to make a meaningful impact.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land ALTEN UK Innovation Engineer Lab Placement 2026 - Year in Industry
✨Get in on Innovation Events
Keep an eye out for innovation conferences or R&D events happening in your area. Places like Hackathons, Maker Faires, or local innovation hubs are perfect opportunities to meet industry leaders and demonstrate your passion for innovation. We can tap into these events to showcase our skills, network, and even land that placement!
✨Join Innovation and R&D Communities
Get yourself into the online communities dedicated to innovation and R&D management, like those on LinkedIn or industry-specific forums. Engage in conversations, share insights, and maybe even contribute to discussions about the latest trends. When employers see you involved in these spaces, you’ll stand out for all the right reasons!
✨Leverage University Career Services
As a placement seeker, don't forget about your university’s career services. They often have connections with companies looking for fresh talent, especially in innovation and R&D. Book a meeting with a career advisor to discuss your goals and seek out any opportunities they might have in their network.
✨Apply Directly Through Company Websites
We know that applying through our website is a smart move! Many companies prefer candidates who show initiative by applying directly instead of just going through third-party sites. So, check out the careers page of companies like Quick Release_. Not only does it show your enthusiasm, but you’ll also get to learn more about their innovation focus and projects!
We think you need these skills to ace ALTEN UK Innovation Engineer Lab Placement 2026 - Year in Industry
Some tips for your application 🫡
Highlight Your Creative Projects:In innovation and R&D, showcasing your creative flair is essential. Mention any projects or initiatives you've been involved in that demonstrate your problem-solving skills and innovative thinking. This could be a university project or any personal initiative related to innovation.
Tailor Your CV to R&D Skills:Make sure your CV reflects the specific skills relevant to R&D management. Include any experience with research methodologies, project management tools, or technical skills that give this role a boost. Don't forget to mention any coursework or training in innovation management that could set you apart.
Show Your Passion for Innovation:In your cover letter, let your enthusiasm for innovation shine through. Talk about why you're interested in working in this space and how you plan to contribute to Quick Release_ during your placement. Discuss your eagerness to learn and how you want to grow your skills in R&D management.
Provide Relevant Work Samples:If you've got examples of your work, like reports, presentations, or prototypes, definitely include these in your application. For an R&D management placement, seeing your ability to articulate ideas and solutions can make a real difference. It showcases your ability to take concepts from thought to execution!
How to prepare for a job interview at Quick Release_
✨Show Off Your Creativity
In innovation R&D management, showcasing your creative thinking is key. Prepare examples of past projects where you've brainstormed unique solutions or developed innovative strategies. This will demonstrate your ability to think outside the box, which is exactly what companies like Quick Release_ are looking for in a placement candidate.
✨Know Your Tools
Familiarise yourself with the latest tools and methodologies commonly used in the innovation sector, such as Agile and Design Thinking. Be ready to discuss how you’ve applied these in academic projects or work experience. This shows you're not just book-smart, but also savvy with practical applications relevant to Quick Release_.
✨Demonstrate Your Passion for Learning
As a placement student, you're not expected to know everything! Instead, focus on your eagerness to learn and adapt. Share instances where you've quickly picked up new skills or tackled challenging projects during your studies. This will resonate well with Quick Release_, as they’ll value your long-term growth potential.
✨Bring Your Portfolio
If you’ve worked on innovation-related projects, prepare a digital portfolio to showcase your work. Whether it’s prototypes, research, or presentations, having visual evidence of your contributions can really help to sell your ideas during the interview. Make sure it's well-organised and reflects your skills as you present it to the team at Quick Release_.
