Placement Engineer

About the Role

Moving the world from low to zero impact mobility, faster. We have spent the last 40 years in pursuit of smarter and cleaner engines, powertrains, and driver technologies. Our award-winning systems-based research is acknowledged internationally. The challenges have changed over time, but we’ve innovated and shifted with the automotive, aerospace, and marine industry to provide solutions that continuously adapt and align to its needs.

Today, we work with industry, inventors, researchers, and academics to deliver rapid Research and Innovation. R&I that will accelerate the transition from low carbon to zero carbon transport.

This is a unique opportunity to work collaboratively with colleagues across teams to ensure we can provide the most reliable virtual and physical testing/research environments to deliver on our customer needs. As a Placement Engineer, you will have the opportunity to utilise your knowledge, skills, learning and development by supporting work on a variety of projects across IAAPS.

• Day-to-day operation of the test facilities to support project delivery including hands‑on responsibilities like commissioning and instrumentation
• Design, optimisation or debugging of control systems for propulsion test rigs
• Data processing interpretation
• Test cell operation using Puma Open software
• Shadowing more experienced colleagues working on various projects to develop knowledge, skills and experience

The successful candidate will be able to gain experience of cutting edge automotive and aerospace propulsion system research and development, supporting current activities within the facility. You will have a good understanding of both electrical and mechanical engineering principles, ideally with an interest in automotive or aerospace propulsion. A self‑starter who is confident in their approach and able to work with the IAAPS engineering team, academic staff, project manager, our clients, external service partners and suppliers.

• On track to achieve a 2:1 degree or higher in an Engineering discipline, typically Mechanical / Electrical / Automotive / Design / Aerospace. The wide range of projects requires multiple disciplines and expertise.
• Able to demonstrate basic understanding of one or more of the following areas:
  Hybrid systems, Electric motors and drives, Internal Combustion Engines, Transmissions and driveline, Turbo machinery, Battery design and Management, Fuel Cells, Propulsion System Simulation (1D and/or 3D), Alternative fuels (Hydrogen, E‑Fuels, Biofuels)
• Understanding and ensuring implementation of appropriate legislative and IAAPS standards, as well as industry best practice for test facility operation.
• Experience of data processing and analysis using recognised software.
• Some understanding of test rig control system operation and function is desirable but not essential.
• Strong analytical skills; keen to learn and understand problems and failures.
• Ability to work within a multi‑disciplinary team, building and maintaining successful working collaborations across IAAPS.
• Good communication and relationship‑building skills; ability to adapt personal style to different audiences, provide feedback, influence, and challenge effectively.
• Ability to work collaboratively to develop solutions to technical challenges; willing to contribute to sharing ideas, engaging others in discussions and problem solving.
• A flexible approach to work, with the ability to seek out opportunities to engage in learning, and meaningful development.
• Ability to manage competing demands and deadlines; comfortable and able to act on initiative and deliver outside of your role to achieve results for the team.

• Salary of £26,228 (pro rata).
• Pension – we operate a Salary Sacrifice Pension Scheme with AVIVA with a maximum employer contribution of 12%.
• 26 days of holiday in addition to statutory Bank Holidays, with the option to purchase up to 5 additional days.
• Private Medical Insurance through BUPA.
• Private Dental cover through BUPA
• Group Life Assurance
• Employee Referral Scheme
• Cycle to Work Scheme
• Flexible Working opportunities
• Help@hand, an app‑based solution that provides employees and their families with access to support services, including access to a remote GP, physiotherapy, etc.
• Employee Assistance Programme - A support helpline run by a separate organisation to IAAPS called Unum Lifeworks. It is a completely free, confidential service that includes telephone counselling 24/7 365 days a year.
• Free car parking
• Secure bicycle parking and shower facilities

In‑person interviews to commence Monday 23rd March