Quality Improvement Technician; undergraduate placement

Quality Improvement Technician (Undergraduate Placement) – Carlisle, UK

Pirelli is an international group with a global brand presence, and is one of the world’s leading manufacturers of high‑performance tyres. Pirelli is also a leader in motor sport such as Formula 1 and the World Superbike. We supply tyres to many of the world’s major automotive brands such as Jaguar Land Rover, Porsche, Range Rover, Lamborghini, Bentley, and Aston Martin.

Pirelli UK Tyres Ltd is the company responsible for all of the Pirelli Tyre related operations in the UK. For more information, visit

A 12‑month placement is available within our Quality Department. The role involves improving processes to reduce waste and improve process capability. A project will be identified during the placement and a mentor will provide support in learning and development. Assistance will be provided in finding appropriate accommodation, although financial assistance will not be given. The student must have a valid work permit/visa for the UK.

• Working as part of a team or individually on projects that lead to the reduction of waste across the tyre production process
• Collecting and analysing data to identify root causes
• Engaging with all levels of the organisation to identify opportunities for improvement
• Reporting project status to all levels of the organisation
• Working in an office and factory environment

My role at Pirelli has provided a great experience. Every day is different, with new challenges and problems presented across numerous on‑going projects. Within these projects, the quality team and I continually collect data and resolve issues. One notable project I am championing involves running various tests on tyres to ensure they meet required specifications. The new system I introduced allows the company to salvage tyres that would have otherwise been scrapped, saving a minimum of £500 of scrap per day.

This role has broadened my insight into engineering in the industry, especially as a PQE (Process Quality Engineer). It differs from my coursework, which focused on technical calculations, and has expanded my knowledge of machine capabilities and process quality/efficiency. I have developed new skills in data collection and analysis.

I have also built and improved various skill sets, such as organisational and prioritising skills. I routinely manage multiple ongoing tasks, prioritising them to ensure timely completion.

In addition to this, I have learned industry‑standard techniques such as Six Sigma techniques and Kaizen methodology. I am currently applying Six Sigma in an ongoing capability study with a team member, and using Kaizen to collect data on foreign bodies, scrap, and identify improvement areas throughout the factory.

Support from the team has been excellent. Everyone is willing to help, and the strong team morale ensures mutual assistance.

I would definitely recommend this role to other students. It imparts universal engineering techniques like Six Sigma and Kaizen and gives a good head start on the professional ladder upon completion of the placement and studies.

• High level of general education, with appropriate engineering or scientific background
• Excellent IT skills, especially Microsoft Office (especially Excel); training will be provided where required
• Self‑motivated to deliver results
• Good communication, organisational and team‑working skills
• Flexible and adaptable to change
• Understanding of statistical analysis techniques; training will be provided where required
• Visual Basic programming experience; training will be provided where required
  
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The successful candidate must, by the commencement of employment, have the right to work in the UK.

Applications close 31.12.2025.