Industrial Placement - Research | £25,000 + excellent benefits | 12-month FTC | Hybrid | Summer 2026

We are seeking an enthusiastic and motivated engineering student to join our Research team for a one-year industrial placement. This is a unique opportunity to gain hands-on experience in automotive research, working alongside experts in vehicle technology, safety, security, and damageability/repairability.

Ready to help shape the future of automotive risk intelligence? Apply now and join Thatcham Research for a placement year that will accelerate your career and make a difference!

During your Industrial Placement, you'll:

• Support research projects focused on new vehicle technologies

• Analyse data and contribute to technical reports and presentations

• Collaborate with engineers, insurers, and manufacturers to deliver impactful research outcomes

• Assist with crash laboratory and track-based testing of vehicles

• Participate in team meetings, workshops, and industry events

Skills & experience that will set you up for success in:

• Currently studying for a Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Mechanical, Automotive, or related Engineering discipline.

• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills, with a methodical approach to technical challenges.

• Excellent communication and teamwork abilities.

• Passion for automotive technology.

• Proficiency in MS Office (Excel, Word, PowerPoint, Teams); experience with data analysis tools or JIRA is advantageous.

What's in it for you?

• A supportive and collaborative environment where you can develop your skills and make a real impact.

• Mentoring from experienced researchers and engineers.

• Exposure to cutting-edge automotive technologies and industry-leading research.

• Experience in multiple departments with access to all parts of vehicle testing and research

• Opportunities to contribute to projects that influence vehicle design, insurance, and safety.

• Competitive placement salary and benefits.

Did you know...

Research tells us that men are more likely to apply to jobs if they meet only 60% of the criteria, whereas women often hesitate or don't apply unless they meet all of the criteria. This difference in application behaviour can contribute to the gender gap in career advancement and opportunities.

We know the perfect candidate doesn't exist! If you think you have what it takes but don't tick every box, we'd still encourage you to apply - it could be a perfect fit!

Perks & Benefits

• 10% non-contributory pension

• 29 days holiday (inclusive of Christmas shutdown) + public holidays

• Group Life Assurance (equal to 4 x basic salary)

• Group Income Protection (after 6 months’ service)

• Salary Sacrifice schemes (cycle to work, home & tech scheme)

• Enhanced and competitive parental leave for all parents, regardless of gender or family structure

• Moneyhealth’s Financial Coaching & Wellbeing Platform

• Health Cash Plan (cash back on eligible medical treatments)

• Benenden Health Care (opt-in benefit)

• Reward & Recognition Programme

• Discounted gym membership

• Sports & Social club

• Payroll charitable giving

• Subsidised on-site restaurant

• Free on-site parking

When we work

Our standard working hours are 8:30 - 16:30 Monday - Thursday, early finish on Friday - 8:30 - 15:45.

How we work

We understand the benefits of remote and in-person collaboration and therefore have a hybrid working model – you’ll be expected to work from our office in Thatcham at least two days per week.

Getting to site

• 1 mile to nearest train station (20-minute walk)

• 0.2 miles to nearest bus station

• Free on-site parking

What we do

At the cutting edge of automotive research in the UK, Thatcham Research has a unique role in shaping the design of new vehicles and influencing ever higher standards of safety, security and repair. With an on-site Crash Laboratory, Repair Technology Centre and Training Academy, our research expertise is driving some of the very latest automotive developments in technology, materials and standards in this fast moving and highly technical industry.

Our Gamston facility is one of the UK’s leading sites for active safety, trialling and assessing the latest crash avoidance and driver assistance technologies.

Our Values

As an organisation that believes a strong set of Values are key to our organisational success and a sense of belonging for all colleagues, we ask that you understand, represent and apply our Values of Fearless, Inquisitive, Resourceful, Supportive and Trusted and demonstrate these Values throughout the recruitment process.

Our Commitment to Diversity, Inclusion & Belonging

We are dedicated to fostering an inclusive workplace which values diversity and embraces each individual's authentic self. We are proud to champion a culture where colleagues freely share their diverse perspectives, recognising that these contribute to our innovative spirit. Our journey of growth and understanding is continuous as we actively invest in diversity training, workshops, and partnerships to ensure positive change.

Beyond our partnerships with the Automotive 30% Club and Women in Data (WiD), we collaborate with various organisations to advance equity not only in gender but also across ethnicity, age, disability, social mobility, LGBTQ+ identities, experiences, and thinking. Our aspiration is to create an environment where everyone thrives, achieves, and experiences a genuine sense of belonging.

Recruitment process

We’re proud to manage our recruitment in-house and believe this direct approach enables us to give you the best possible Employee Experience we can – which starts right here, your application! We’re continuously striving to improve the candidate journey, and transparency (or communication) is a key area of focus – yes, even with salary & benefits.

What can you expect from our recruitment process?

• Regular updates on the progress / outcome of your application

• An initial telephone screening call with our Talent Acquisition Partner

• First interview with the hiring manager, usually via Teams

• Second/Final interview, in-person at our office (we may give you a role specific task to present on!)

• Personalised feedback following your interview – because everyone deserves that!

• An opportunity to give us your honest feedback in a short survey on all of the above

Check out our post on using AI during your application and interview!

We’re committed to removing barriers. If there are any adjustments we can make to better support you, please let us know when you apply.

All applicants must have Right to Work in the UK.

If you're experiencing any issues with our career site or application from, please let us know here: careers@thatcham.org ⁠