Industrial Placement – Industrial Designer

Global Innovation and Technology Centre, Back Lane, Melbourn, Hertfordshire, SG8 6DP
, United Kingdom, Melbourn SG8 6DP
, GB

We believe in the power of ingenuity to build a positive human future.

As strategies, technologies, and innovation collide, we create opportunity from complexity.

Our teams of interdisciplinary experts combine innovative thinking and breakthrough technologies to progress further, faster. Our clients adapt and transform, and together we achieve enduring results.

We are over 4,000 strategists, innovators, designers, consultants, digital experts, scientists, engineers, and technologists. And we have deep expertise in consumer and manufacturing, defence and security, energy and utilities, financial services, government and public services, health and life sciences, and transport.

Our teams operate globally from offices across the UK, Ireland, US, Nordics, and Netherlands.

Are you ready to push the boundaries of design and innovation? As an Industrial Design Intern at PA, you’ll join a vibrant team at the forefront of building iconic products and transformative experiences. Collaborate across disciplines and contribute directly to a range of client and internal projects.

Be part of a global design & innovation team shaping everything from consumer electronics to medical devices, packaging, and breakthrough products.

Gain hands‑on experience and contribute to real life client and internal projects from day one.

Work alongside our expert designers, engineers, and technologists whilst benefiting from mentoring and practical learning.

Grow as a designer through challenging briefs, ongoing feedback, and networking opportunities.

Work collaboratively across borders with colleagues from our international design community in Dublin, Boston, and San Francisco.

Hybrid working – you’ll be in the office or on client site a minimum of 2 days per week.

Collaborate on ideation, consumer insights, user experience mapping, and design development.

Get involved in generative AI, CMF specification, 3D CAD, and design strategy.

Bring creative concepts to life through sketching, digital tools, and rendering.

Research emerging trends and technologies to inform the design process and inspire innovative solutions.

Virtual meeting to discuss your portfolio and experience to date

In person interview at our Global Innovation & Technology Centre

Full‑time, 12‑month placement starting July 2026 (exact date confirmed at offer).

Salary: £26,230 per annum.

Engage with a vibrant global creative community and expand your professional network, working with colleagues internationally from your base in Cambridge.

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

What we’re looking for

Skilled in 3D CAD and rendering (preferably using Solidworks and Keyshot).

Talented in freehand and/or digital sketching.

A sharp eye for form, colour, material, and finish (CMF).

Collaborative mindset with experience working in multi‑disciplinary teams, including those based in other global locations.

Excellent organisation and self‑starting attitude.

Strong visual communication skills and fluency using Adobe Suite and Microsoft Office.

Passion and curiosity for new challenges.

This role is open to undergraduates with an industrial placement within their course structure. If you intend to return to university after the internship to complete an MSc, you will also be eligible for this position.

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.

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…