REQ ID:  129969
JOB TITLE: Product Engineering: Hardware & Mechatronics Undergraduate Programme 

POSTING END DATE:  21/01/2026 

START DATE:   06/07/2026 

PROGRAMME DURATION: 12 months      

LOCATION: Gaydon, Whitley, Ryton, Solihull or The National Automotive Innovation Centre (NAIC) at the University of Warwick.  

Hybrid working is potentially available, depending on the area and manager. JLR is a multi-site business and you’ll be required to spend time working with different departments at several locations.    

Our undergraduate programmes offer a direct pipeline to our graduate scheme, which is not eligible for sponsorship. Therefore, JLR will only accept applications for this programme from candidates who would have the right to work in the UK at the point that they would successfully convert to the graduate programme.  

ACHIEVE THE EXCEPTIONAL  

Your placement year at university could not have come at a more exciting time. The undergraduate placement at JLR launches you into the heart of automotive innovation. Apply your learning, satisfy your curiosity and prepare for a long, successful career alongside industry experts. Arrive curious. Discover opportunity.   

Your future starts here.  

PRODUCT ENGINEERING: HARDWARE AND MECHATRONICS UNDERGRADUATE PROGRAMME 

Hardware and Mechatronics is at the heart of all our vehicles. It’s fundamental to how we address the ever-evolving engineering landscape and the challenges it brings. At JLR, our vehicle dynamics and off-road capability really set us apart, but our remit spans much farther than that. From mechanical design through to integration and systems engineering, we deliver outstanding customer experiences that bring modern luxury to life.   

We deliver safety-critical, high-performing and high-quality systems thanks to the creative expertise of our people and the world-class tools and processes we use. As a Hardware and Mechatronics undergraduate, you’ll support us throughout the design and verification process by utilising both Computer Aided Design (CAD) and Computer Aided Engineering (CAE) to deliver engineering specifications. You’ll use state-of-the-art engineering equipment and software to help you design the electromechanical control systems of the future.   

During this year-long programme, you could be working across a number of specialisms, building cross-functional relationships and collaborating with different stakeholders as you deliver innovative engineering solutions.  

Below you can find out more about the teams you could be working in. The team you’re placed in will depend on your personal preferences and business needs.   

VEHICLE PLATFORM TEAM- Gaydon, Whitley, NAIC, Solihull 

The Vehicle Platform team is where engineering meets innovation - delivering world class automotive experiences. We engineer and deliver the core systems that define the customer experience - everything from Body Interiors, Body Exteriors, Body in White, Chassis, EDU, Powertrains and Accessories. We are a large, highly skilled team with a focus on integrating cutting-edge technology and engineering excellence to create vehicles that set new standards in performance, comfort and safety. 

As a Hardware and Mechatronics Undergraduate, you’ll work in one team (Chapter) and collaborate with experienced engineers to develop real-world engineering solutions in teams such as Lighting, Materials, Seating, Body Structures, Closures, Suspension, Chassis or even Quality to name just a few. You’ll learn how to use tools, engineering methodologies and techniques to create and optimise impressive engineering solutions – working on new products and enhancing our current ones. This role will raise your profile across the business as you collaborate with different stakeholders, accelerating your development as an engineer and preparing you for the engineering landscape of tomorrow. 

ENGINEERING OPERATIONS (EO) TEAM- Whitley 

Engineering Operations underpins JLR’s technical innovation and product delivery through tools, processes and specialist services that support everything from project management and data analytics to prototype build and testing. The team is involved at every stage of vehicle development, helping transform how JLR engineers and delivers world‑class products. 

Across the 12‑month programme within Engineering Operations, you’ll complete three six‑week rotations in different Engineering Operations teams, giving you broad exposure to software tools, data‑driven engineering and real project work. You’ll collaborate on business‑critical programmes, work with advanced technology and be supported by a dedicated mentor as you contribute to JLR’s product development and propulsion innovations. 

As an undergraduate, you could join one of three specialist teams: 

Chassis Dyno Operations – responsible for testing and calibrating vehicles to determine emissions and range for ICE, PHEV, and BEV models. You’ll work as a Test Engineer where you’ll work with advanced measurement systems and learn how accurate data supports compliance and product development. You’ll gain hands-on experience in emissions and range determination, regulatory standards, and data accuracy. 

Dyno Kitting – manages the procurement and creation of Bills of Materials for test commodities, while driving improvements through automation and AI. You’ll work as a Dyno Kitting engineer where you’ll support with kitting management whilst also looking at how AI and automation improve the stores operation. You’ll gain sight into mechanical parts integration, stores management, and efficiency optimisation.  

Facilities – this team ensures emissions measurement equipment is maintained and calibrated to meet regulatory standards and sustainability goals. You’ll learn troubleshooting techniques, compliance processes, and how reliable data impacts carbon reduction strategies. You'll develop technical skills, gain expertise in compliance, and contribute to innovative solutions for a greener future. 

Across these roles, you’ll gain hands-on experience in aspects such as testing, calibration, and compliance, while developing technical skills in emissions measurement systems, mechanical design, automation and continuous improvement. These activities will enhance your problem-solving abilities, analytical thinking, and understanding of how reliable data drives product development and sustainability. 

YOUR DEVELOPMENT 

Our undergraduate programmes are designed to set you up for a lifetime of success, developing your curiosity and creativity over a period of 12 months.  

From day one, you’ll be surrounded by an innovative and dedicated team that care about your development. You’ll build essential business skills, including resilience, personal branding, and self-care. Working alongside experienced professionals, you’ll gain valuable industry insights while bringing your academic knowledge to life. Shadowing opportunities will further deepen your understanding of our business and enhance your technical expertise. 

Throughout your journey, our Early Careers Delivery team will provide continuous support and guidance, ensuring you make the most of every opportunity. By the time you finish, you’ll be equipped to tackle the challenges of a rapidly changing industry and ready to make a meaningful impact. 

WHAT YOU’LL NEED    

To join the Product Engineering: Hardware and Mechatronics Undergraduate programme, you’ll need to be on track to achieve at least a 2.2 degree in mechanical, electronic, software, chemical, aeronautical, automotive, materials, environmental or aerospace engineering, computer science, mechatronics, maths or physics.   

You should be a skilled problem-solver with a curiosity for understanding business challenges and a drive to deliver innovative solutions. Strong numerical and interpersonal skills, along with the confidence to champion new initiatives, are also essential.  

Please note that our undergraduate placement opportunities are open only to penultimate-year students (those who will be returning to their final year of study or on an integrated master’s after their placement with us). All our undergraduate programmes have a fixed start date, commencing 6th July 2026. 

REWARDS AND BENEFITS    

Our 2026 undergraduate programme salary will be £24,998. You’ll also enjoy a generous holiday allowance, a discounted car purchase and lease scheme for you and your family, an excellent pension scheme and access to a wide range of deals and discounts from retailers and sports clubs.    

DIVERSITY AND INCLUSION  

At JLR, we’re passionate about our people. They are at the heart of our business. We’re committed to fostering a diverse, inclusive culture that is representative of the society in which we live; a culture in which every one of our employees can bring their authentic self to work and reach their full potential. 

JLR is committed to delivering equal opportunities for all. We understand candidates may require reasonable adjustments during the recruitment process. Please discuss these with our recruitment team so we can accommodate your needs.  

To learn more about diversity and inclusion at JLR, please visit our website. 

 
ARRIVE AS YOU ARE. ACHIEVE THE EXCEPTIONAL.  

You will channel your curiosity and creativity every day, sharpening your skills for a successful, transformative career. You own your development, and only you can make it happen. We’ll be there right by your side in your pursuit of exceptional, and we’ll provide all the encouragement and support you need for a long, fulfilling career. Your potential for impact starts here.  

Please be aware that we may close our programmes at any point and at short notice based on the volume of applications received. To give yourself the best chance of being considered for a place on this programme, please apply early.  

You can find out more about our undergraduates and how they play their part on: 

Facebook – @lifeatJLR 

Instagram – @lifeatjlr 

LinkedIn- JLR 

YouTube - @JLRYouTube