Mechanical Engineering Summer Placement

Please note: This role is set to close at 23:59 on Thursday 29th October!  
 

Thank you for your interest in applying for this role.  

 

We’d like to remind you that you must ensure you are eligible for this scheme before applying. Please read through the eligibility criteria below carefully and ensure that you are eligible before applying.  

 

This application will also contain a series of questions to establish whether or not you are eligible. It is important that you take great care in reading and answering these questions as we will not be able to revert your application if an error is made.  

 

Please Note: We only allow one application for any of our Graduate schemes per year. Any subsequent applications will be withdrawn  

 

Mechanical Engineering Summer Placement 
Every Journey Matters   

 

Fun Fact  
Our engineers are at the heart of the design and innovation that enables 30 million customer journeys around the Capital, every single day.  

 

Salary 

£27,029 pro rata, per annum

 

Location  

London / Hybrid 

 

The role will be based in London.  Hybrid working (typically working from home no more than 50% of the time) will be the default arrangement going forward. All employees have the right to request flexible working; we will consider all requests in a reasonable manner. 

 

Hybrid working arrangements can evolve subject to business requirements. Hybrid working arrangements can evolve subject to business requirements. 

 

Important Information:  

 

At the end of your placement, you may have the opportunity to be considered for a graduate position through our fast-track process.  In order to be eligible for a graduate position you must have the right to work in the UK for the duration of the graduate scheme. If you wish to be considered for a graduate role, you will be asked to confirm you have the right to work and provide evidence of your right to work in the UK for the duration of the graduate scheme as part of your internship application. 

 

 

What we offer 
You will enjoy excellent benefits and scope to grow. Rewards vary according to the business area but mostly include: 

• Free travel on the TfL network for you and a nominee who lives in the same household Free travel on the TfL network for you and a nominee who lives in the same household  

• Discounted national rail and Eurostar travel 

• Minimum 28 days Annual leave (Pro rata dependent on role) plus public and bank holidays. 

• Tax-efficient cycle-to-work programme 

• Retail, health, leisure, and travel offers  

 

Duration 

12 weeks 

 

Entry requirements 

You will need to have completed at least one year of study and be on track to receive a minimum of 2:2 MEng or MSc degree in Mechanical Engineering or an equivalent subject. Your academic qualification must be accredited by the Institution of Mechanical Engineers (IMechE). 

 

Please be advised that should you be successful in getting an offer for this graduate scheme, your offer will be subject to a satisfactory medical which may include but is not limited to: drugs and alcohol screening, eye test and hearing test. 

 

Successful candidates must have the right to work in the UK for the duration of the scheme, as at the start date.  This role is not eligible for sponsorship under the Skilled Worker visa scheme.  If you do not have the right to work in the UK, or only have a right to work here for a limited time which is lesser than the duration of the scheme, you should be aware that TfL will be unable to sponsor you for this role. 

 

Please Note: We only allow one application for any of our Graduate schemes per year. Any subsequent applications will be withdrawn  

 

Proposed start date 

14th June 2027 

 

Job overview 

Our Engineers focus on the assets that form the foundation of our transport system. The emphasis of our scheme is on developing world-class mechanical engineers who seek to become the senior engineers, subject matter experts and leaders of the future.   

  

Your work will include finding solutions to meaningful problems, spanning multiple transport modes. You will collaborate with multi-disciplinary teams from across TfL and with customers, local government, and the supply chain to deliver city-defining programmes and cutting-edge technology. Some current works include:  

 

• Piccadilly Line Upgrade – Transforming the existing signalling system and procuring a new fleet of modern trains.   

• Step-Free Access – Improving accessibility across the Tube and Overground networks by making more stations step-free.  

• Bus Electrification – Enabling greener, cleaner travel by upgrading existing buses to zero tailpipe emissions  

• Maintenance and Renewals – Working to keep our assets safe and operational, and replacing aging assets so that we keep the Capital running both now and in the future 

 

What will I be doing? 

The 12 weeks is one placement, although unusually it may cover two different parts of the business if there is not enough support or work in an individual area, and you will receive all of the training and support needed to succeed in your role.  

 

Our aim is to equip you with the range of skills and experience that you need for a successful engineering career. We will also support your route to gaining Chartered Engineer status with the IMechE, and your selection of a permanent role within the TfL Engineering Directorate.  

 

Your potential placement could be one of the following: 

- Rolling Stock Enhancements:  
You could work on a major train upgrade project, undertaking 3D Computer-Aided Design, and developing, testing, and implementing solutions on our vehicles.  

  

– Track Engineering: 

You could be trialling new technologies to help us catch faults early, carrying out risk simulations, track inspections and reviewing new track layouts. There would be opportunities to be involved with track maintenance work which often occurs at night   
  

– Lifts and Escalators Engineering:  
You could learn about safety standards, implementing technology updates and reviewing system designs, and overhaul of lifts and escalators to best create a more accessible network for our customers.  

 

Where can this career take me? 

Our mechanical engineers have the chance to create a huge impact. A career with us will be varied and exciting, with opportunities across TfL Engineering. 

 

During this summer pla