2026 Summer Internship

Job Description

Power Your Curiosity at PA   

Why considering joining us? 

Do you want to design a machine to detect 50-micron holes at 3000 bottles an hour? How do we make an autoinjector safely deliver drugs at home with a range of viscosities? Does the idea of making sustainable packaging with a 40-tonne press excite you? 

The mechanical engineering team at PA use their core engineering knowledge to help ask the right questions at every stage of the development process: 

• We work with scientists to understand the fundamental of any new problem. Together we prototype, characterise and explore technologies and processes  

• By collaborating with designers and human factors experts we can pin down the form and function of new products  

• Engineers of all disciplines – mechanical, electronic, software (and some in between!) – will come together to design, test, and build new products and systems  

• We use our industry knowledge to inform future technical strategies for clients and work with others in PA to provide clients with wider business solutions  

What you can expect  

The range of work performed at the Global Innovation and Technology Centre is broad and ever-changing. You might:  

• Develop a new food safe material that can survive being submerged  

• Assemble prototype test rigs to prove a new process is possible  

• Observe user interactions with a product to ensure it is intuitive  

• Capture high speed video of fine sprays to characterise nozzle performance  

 Assessment process  

First Stage Assessments: 

• Application form 

• Online Assessments  

• Shortlisting and/or Technical Assessments 

• Final Stage Assessments: 

• Assessment Centre with Technical Assessments 

• Final Stage Interviews  

The Offer    

• A broad range of work that spans multiple sectors    

• The opportunity to experience all phases of development, from conceptualisation and theoretical design to hands-on building/prototyping and testing in our workshops   

• The opportunity to work closely with experienced and knowledgeable colleagues from across the design, applied science, software and engineering disciplines as you design, test, and build new products and systems   

• Be involved in creating future technology strategies, working with others across the wider PA, to provide clients with wider business solutions  

• You work base will be our Global Innovation and Technology Centre in Melbourn, Cambridge.  

• Full time  

• This role will start in June 2026– for 8-10 weeks.  Exact dates will be confirmed at offer stage.  

• Salary: £26,230 per annum  

A career at PA is what you make of it — so power your curiosity and prepare to make an impact. 

Qualifications

• Qualification: Undergraduate degree —  studying towards an accredited degree in Mechanical Engineering (or related subject)  

• Growth-oriented and curious — open to change, driven to succeed, hungry for new challenges, and eager to broaden your understanding of the world apply new technical skills and rapidly acquire domain expertise. You will be able to think creatively and laterally, applying existing knowledge to new problems  

• Collaborative and relationship-focused — thrive in dynamic teams, build strong relationships with clients and peers, and support others to succeed. 

• Credible and communicative — comfortable in high-performance environments, with excellent communication skills, both written and verbal. Comfortable working with hands on work in both a workshop and a lab setting 

• Analytical and adaptable — demonstrate strong problem-solving abilities, innovative thinking, and the flexibility to adapt your style and approach. You will apply your engineering experience and knowledge gained through university, work or projects to help develop solutions to real-world problems 

• Professional and reliable — show strong workplace etiquette by being punctual, dependable, and respectful of business expectations and office conduct. 

• Technical experience – the following will also be beneficial but not essential:  
  -    Practical industry experience in an engineering, development or scientific role 
  -    Proficiency in 3D CAD systems; preferably SolidWorks 

This is an exciting opportunity to apply engineering in situations which will ultimately lead to real-world innovation.   

We know the skill-gap and ‘somewhat need to tick every box’ can get in the way of meeting brilliant candidates, so please don’t hesitate to apply – we’d love to hear from you.

Apply today by completing our online application

Please be aware that some of our UK roles at PA Consulting require a UK security clearance.

All PA people are required to undergo background checks and to achieve the Baseline Personnel Security Standard however, some UK roles also require higher levels of National Security Vetting, where applicants must have at least 5 years of continuous residency in the UK.

We therefore ask that you only apply if you meet the residency requirements (i.e. you are a British citizen or have been resident in the UK for the past 5 years), as this is the prerequisite for a security clearance. If you're unsure about your eligibility, we encourage you to review the UK Government’s guidance on security vetting before applying.