About our opportunity Are you a Chemical, Mechanical, Mechatronics or Electrical Engineering student looking for a placement? Our Central Engineering R&D team is at the cutting edge of recycling technology and works hard to build a more sustainable future for the planet. Are you ready to launch your engineering career in a hands-on, real-world environment? Join us at our Birmingham location as an Engineering Placement student, where you’ll be part of our innovative Central Engineering R&D Team. This 1-year placement offers you the chance to make a meaningful impact, work with cutting-edge processes, develop solutions that drive our projects forward and help to create a world where fewer things go to landfill. Reporting to the Engineering R&D Manager, you’ll play a key role in characterising materials, operating specialised R&D processing equipment, and exploring new technologies that will shape our industry’s future. What You Will Be Doing: Operating R&D processing equipment and assisting with material sample characterisation (sorting, counting, weighing, etc.).Conducting detailed research into new engineering processes and technologies to drive innovation.Analysing technical documents, drawings, and safety standards to support project development.Preparing well-structured reports to communicate project progress and findings.Managing your time effectively and, on occasion, guiding others to ensure projects stay on track.Traveling to various EMR sites when needed to support broader project efforts. About You: You’re an enthusiastic engineering student who’s ready to dive into hands-on work with a proactive approach. You’ll ideally be in your 2nd or 3rd year, pursuing a degree in Chemical, Mechanical, or Electrical Engineering, with a 2:1 or higher prediction for your final year. To thrive in this role, you’ll need: A "can-do" attitude and the willingness to tackle tasks both big and small. Strong communication and problem-solving skills, whether working independently or as part of a team. Experience with Microsoft or Google Office software; a UK driving license is also ideal. (Bonus) Familiarity with engineering software like CAD, Matlab, or Process Engineering visualisation tools. Important Information: Shortlisted candidates will participate in a Microsoft Teams interview between November 26th and December 4th. Pre-selected questions will be provided beforehand to help them prepare. Those who advance will be invited for a face-to-face interview at R&D Duddeston Mill between December 9th and 18th. Start date of the placement will be 13th July 2026.