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What it is
- You’ll join a water and coastal engineering research consultancy, helping test real-world marine structures.
- You’ll build and run large physical models, then process and analyse results for client reports.
- You’ll sit in either the Engineering physical modelling division or the Coasts & Oceans group.
Who it's for
- Undergraduates on a degree in civil/coastal engineering, ship science, a numerate science, or a relevant physical science (e.g. Geography or Oceanography), ideally with a sandwich year.
- Able to do hands-on work building large models (carrying/pulling/pushing materials).
- Familiar with spreadsheets and word processing; a programming language is useful but not required.
This overview was generated using AI
At HR Wallingford, we design smart, resilient solutions across the natural and built environments to help everyone live and work more sustainably with water. By harnessing research, data insights and the power of our collective expertise, we help the world to better understand the changing influence and impact of water.
Do you want to contribute to exciting and innovative projects whilst working alongside technical specialists and industry experts? HR Wallingford is a world-leading research and consultancy organisation. From flooding to shipping, offshore energy to climate change, we advise clients worldwide how to manage their interactions with the water environment. This is an opportunity to undertake a one year industrial placement working with our Engineering or Coasts and Oceans teams based at Howbery Park, Wallingford, Oxfordshire.
We have vacancies for industrial trainees for one year commencing in July 2027. The positions would be ideally suited to undergraduate students whose course includes a sandwich year in industry.
About the role
As an Industrial Placement at HR Wallingford, you will have the opportunity to work in either our Engineering team’s physical modelling division or in the Coasts & Oceans group. You will work amongst a team of specialist engineers and scientists who are experts in their field.
The roles in the Engineering and Coasts & Oceans groups will primarily be based in our physical modelling hall and will include the following tasks:
- Testing to evaluate the performance of marine and coastal structures
- Constructing and running physical models
- Data processing and analysing results to enable them to be presented to Clients
- Opportunities to work on desk based studies, which should allow you to develop skills in analysis and design.
About you
Studying towards a civil or coastal engineering degree, ship science, or a numerate science, or another physical science relating to coasts (e.g. Geography or Oceanography). You have strong numeracy and organisational skills.
Many of our physical models are large and will require the ability to carry, pull and push materials to complete the build, and so as a team player you will enjoy the challenge of working in a collaborative and rewarding environment.
You are enthusiastic about learning, take responsibility for your actions and are motivated to deliver. You keep an eye on the detail and are comfortable working to deadlines. Familiarity with the use of spreadsheets and word processing packages is essential, and knowledge of a computer language would also be useful.
- Engineering and Coasts & Oceans - Job Description and Person Specification
How to apply
If you are excited about this role but unsure whether you’re the right fit, we encourage you to apply.
- The closing date for applications is 30th November 2026.
- Interviews are likely to take place in the second week of January 2027.
