Mechanical, Material & Process Engineering Intern

BAT is evolving at pace into a global multi-category business. Our purpose is to create A Better Tomorrow™ by Building a Smokeless World.

To achieve our ambition, we are looking for colleagues who are ready to join us on this journey! Tomorrow can’t wait, let’s shape it together!

British American Tobacco UK has an exciting opportunity for an UNDERGRADUATE INTERN – Mechanical, Material & Process Engineering in Southampton – Fixed-term (12 months)

We have an exciting opportunity for students who are currently undertaking a degree in Mechanical Engineering, (or a related subject) to join our Research & Development function, based in Southampton, on a 12-month undergraduate placement.

This placement is with our Mechanical, Material and Process team and will focus on inventing, designing, and developing the next generation of reduced harm products such as Vaping and Tobacco Heating devices as well as novel world-class technology developments. You will be part of a diverse Mechanical, Material and Process Engineering team within the New Categories R&D department that targets to deliver the best overall experience to our consumers. Working closely with other teams including the prototyping, testing and systems integration teams, you will be performing a wide range of tasks from 3D CAD and simulation to building prototypes and custom self-designed test equipment focused on innovation delivery.

This role will utilise knowledge of design, mechanical and/or scientific principles to work with a team of engineers of all levels in executing elements of product and technology development plans, whilst using your experience and expertise to help build out team capabilities and bring unique insights in all areas.

A bit more about BAT and our undergraduate placement scheme:

We make significant investments in Research and Development to deliver innovations that satisfy or anticipate consumer needs and generate growth for the business. We conduct ground breaking research to evaluate our Smokeless Products and apply the highest standards for product safety and quality. Successful applicants will be involved in our extensive scientific research program which spans a broad spectrum of scientific fields - including molecular biology, human biology, toxicology, chemistry, biomedical sciences, psychology, neuroscience, sensorial science, data science, computer science, product design, and engineerifieldsnes.

In the UK, we offer 12-months placement opportunities (starting on 1st September 2027) to undergraduate students looking to gain practical experience within a vibrant and innovative industrial setting. As part of the scheme, you will be partnered with a mentor, have regular reviews with your Line Manager and work on projects that impact the business.

BAT has an established placement programme, with a dedicated Placement Team, which provides training and development throughout the placement. This includes sessions for onboarding, presentation skills, critical thinking, scientific poster presentations and ‘speed networking’ with senior management. Successful applicants are provided with multiple opportunities to develop transferable skills in addition to gaining ‘hands on’ experience in a technical field.

As part of the scheme students get a chance to cultivate their independent thinking and problem-solving skills in addition to working in and contributing to a team. Cross functional/department working and participation in other research activities is also encouraged, where appropriate. Previous work experience in a practical ‘hands-on’ role would be useful but not essential.

This role is due to start in September 2027, and we will be shortlisting applications and carrying out video/ online interviews whilst the advert is live. We will look to make an offer to the successful candidate as close to the closing date as possible. However, the vetting and onboarding processes for successful candidates won’t begin until the role is opened in our system, which is likely to be later in 2027, so we will contact successful candidates again to commence these processes when the position opens.

We reserve the right to close this advert before the 31st of December if we have a high level of applications.

Your key responsibilities will include:

• To have accountability for the delivery of assigned activities across a portfolio of projects and activities within the New Categories (Vapour, THP, new emerging technologies) product development portfolio.

• To be accountable for concept, CAD design work including modifications, jig and fixture design and mocks ups.

• To understand lab and testing technique or required prototyping capabilities to perform assigned tasks in the required time frames to contribute to the testing of new products and technology.

• To minimise risk through awareness of best practices and compliance using technical knowledge and broad scientific principles to ensure effective delivery of an appropriate given task.

• To assist and work closely with the more senior team with a focus on upskilling personal breadth and depth of technical knowledge in new categories product development.

• To accurately record and store data generated by assigned activities.

What are we looking for?

• Students working towards an undergraduate degree in Mechanical Engineering, or a closely related subject.

• Motivation to build on theoretical knowledge and translate into a fast-paced engineering environment.

• Appreciation of mass manufacture and assembly.

• Engineering curiosity, innovative mindset and critical thinking.

• Collaborative attitude and ability to communicate with engineers and non-engineering audiences of all levels.

• Familiar with creating 3D CAD and Technical Drawings (Preferably using SolidWorks or Siemens NX).

• Strong Microsoft Office skills.

What you will receive

• Salary of £26,700 per annum

• Subsidised on-site gym membership

• Subsidised lunches

• 25 days annual leave