At a Glance
- Tasks: Join Vax's Product Design team and work on innovative projects from concept to pre-production.
- Company: Vax, a heritage-rich brand focused on innovation and customer needs.
- Benefits: Mentorship, personal development, and a fun, sociable working environment.
- Other info: Enjoy team socials like bowling, hikes, and bake-offs while developing your skills.
- Why this job: Gain real responsibility and see your designs on the shelves!
- Qualifications: Pursuing a relevant degree with a passion for design and problem-solving.
The predicted salary is between 18000 - 25000 € per year.
If you’re looking for a progressive and rewarding career and you thrive in a fast-paced, fun and team-orientated environment, then look no further!
Overview of Vax
Our heritage-rich, expert-led business has always had the same goal: to prioritize innovation and to design easy-to-use products that seamlessly integrate into our customers' lives, offering reliable, quick solutions to cleaning homes, whatever the mess. Vax has forged its reputation as a brand that focuses on the needs of its customers. Our culture of innovation is at the heart of everything we do and we work hard to constantly think of new ways to improve our products, ensuring that we deliver premium quality products for our customers.
Product Design Placement
Join Vax's Product Design team, which is made up of a range of engineers from graduate level up to Lead Design Engineers. The close-knit team work on a number of different projects taking products from concept through to pre‑production. Product Design placement students are involved in projects from day 1 including concept design and sketching, breadboard prototype creations, CAD modelling and visualisation. The Engineering team sits at the heart of a wider New Product Development department, meaning the successful candidate will also gain valuable insight into all the other disciplines involved in bringing a new product to market, such as R&D, Mechanical engineering, and product quality.
What will a day in a Product Design Placement look like?
- Developing concepts, sketching prototype creation through building scale models (foam, cardboard)
- Product Testing and development within our Vax onsite workshops.
- Developing products in CAD (Creo / Pro‑Engineer). This is preferred but we will train you!
- Working with live projects with real responsibility from day one
- Liaise with global multi‑disciplinary project teams (based in US, China and Vietnam).
- 2D drawing
Why Should I Work at Vax?
- Mentorship and personal development opportunities to support you throughout your placement.
- Working with previous placement students who have joined us on a permanent basis.
- Working in a fast‑paced environment where you will work on real consumer projects that you will see on the shelves.
- A sociable working environment. Previous team socials have included bowling, escape rooms and board game cafés. Other activities have also included badminton, local hikes and bake‑off.
Who Should Apply?
You should be looking for a year placement for your 3rd or 4th year of a relevant science/engineering/product degree, ideally Mechanical Engineering or Product Design Engineering. On track for a 2:1 or above. Good A-level or equivalent qualifications, including maths and a physical science subject. Some work experience and/or extra‑curricular activity in a relevant engineering or science‑based sector would be desired.
What Skills and Experience are valuable to Vax?
- An appreciation of the floor‑care market.
- It would be great to have an understanding of visual trends within the home appliance market and a comprehension of how these may evolve over time.
- Evidence of a passion for design and understanding how it can add value to product.
- A problem‑solving attitude and mindset. Our engineers have the ability to problem‑solve in a practical way.
- Display an appreciation of wider consumer and commercial requirements; for example, anthropometrics/ergonomics.
- Confidently use MS Office and other relevant software tools.
- A team player, able to react efficiently to NPD requirements quickly and flexibly.
Our Values
- Trust – We’re experts and everything we do is based on brilliant knowledge.
- Honesty – Our commitment to doing the right means we are always open and transparent.
- Resilience – For decades, we have embraced change and been agile in what we do. We aren’t easily discouraged.
- Innovation – We’re curious and explore opportunities, innovating to benefit our customers and business.
- Valued – We are better when each of us feels included and respected for who we are and what we contribute.
- Energy – We are positive thinkers, excited about what we do.
Product Design Placement Student employer: Vax
Vax is an exceptional employer that fosters a culture of innovation and teamwork, making it an ideal place for aspiring Product Design students. With hands-on experience from day one, mentorship opportunities, and a vibrant social environment, employees can thrive both personally and professionally while contributing to meaningful projects that impact customers' lives. Located in a dynamic setting, Vax offers a unique chance to collaborate with global teams and develop skills that will shape your future career.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Product Design Placement Student
✨Tip Number 1
Get your portfolio sorted! Make sure it showcases your best design work and highlights your problem-solving skills. We want to see your creativity and how you approach projects, so include sketches, prototypes, and any CAD work you've done.
✨Tip Number 2
Network like a pro! Reach out to current or past placement students at Vax and ask about their experiences. They can give you insider tips on what the team is looking for and how to stand out during interviews.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare for the interview by brushing up on your knowledge of the floor-care market. Show us that you understand the trends and challenges in home appliances, and how your design ideas can make a difference.
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen by the right people. Plus, it shows us you're serious about joining the Vax team and ready to dive into some exciting projects.
We think you need these skills to ace Product Design Placement Student
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion for Design:When you're writing your application, let your love for design shine through! Share any projects or experiences that highlight your creativity and problem-solving skills. We want to see how you can add value to our team!
Tailor Your CV and Cover Letter:Make sure to customise your CV and cover letter for the Product Design Placement role. Highlight relevant skills and experiences that align with what we’re looking for. A personal touch goes a long way in making your application stand out!
Be Clear and Concise:Keep your application clear and to the point. Use straightforward language and avoid jargon unless it’s relevant. We appreciate a well-structured application that makes it easy for us to see your qualifications and enthusiasm.
Apply Through Our Website:Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets to us directly. Plus, you’ll find all the details you need about the role and our company culture there!
How to prepare for a job interview at Vax
✨Know Your Stuff
Before the interview, dive deep into Vax's products and their design philosophy. Familiarise yourself with their latest innovations and think about how your skills can contribute to their mission of creating easy-to-use, reliable cleaning solutions.
✨Show Off Your Creativity
Bring a portfolio showcasing your design projects, especially those that highlight your problem-solving skills and creativity. Be ready to discuss your thought process behind each project and how you approached challenges in your designs.
✨Be a Team Player
Vax values collaboration, so be prepared to discuss your experiences working in teams. Share examples of how you've contributed to group projects and how you handle feedback, as this will show you're ready to jump into their close-knit environment.
✨Ask Smart Questions
Prepare thoughtful questions about the role and the team dynamics at Vax. Inquire about their design process or how they incorporate feedback from different departments. This shows your genuine interest in the position and helps you understand if it's the right fit for you.
