Summer Engineering Placement

Introduction

Saab UK is part of Scandinavia’s largest defence company, bringing together the best of Swedish and British innovation. Saab offers world‑leading solutions and services in defence, aviation, space, and civil security to keep people and society safe. Our UK presence has been growing at pace, meaning we can offer a wide range of opportunities for personal fulfilment and career growth. We currently employ over 600 people across eight sites in the UK, and our specialisations include software engineering, underwater robotics, radars, AI, and armed forces training.

Saab is a leading defence and security company with an enduring purpose, to help nations keep their people and society safe. Empowered by its 28,000 talented people, Saab constantly pushes the boundaries of technology to create a safer and more sustainable world. Saab designs, manufactures and maintains advanced systems in aeronautics, weapons, command and control, sensors and underwater systems. Saab is headquartered in Sweden.

It has major operations all over the world and is part of the domestic defence capability of several nations.

We are seeking a motivated engineering student to join our Blue Bear Business Unit for a 3‑month placement based on our Oakley site in Bedfordshire. By joining the Saab UK Placement programme, you will have the opportunity to apply what you have learned in your studies to real‑world situations. There will be chances to have hands on practical experience with our unique products, while being supported by your manager, mentors and peers.

Gain valuable experience by working on a structured 12‑week programme with exposure to our industry, technologies and business providing opportunities to achieve your learning outcomes.

• Design & Modelling:
  Completing design of parts and assemblies on a PDM software.
• Mechanical & Electrical Assembly:
  Assisting with vehicle assembly in the mechanical workshop, alongside practical work in the ELab including soldering, PCB assembly, connector termination, and harness design & manufacture.
• Engineering Principles:
  Learning and applying concepts such as 3D printing, DFA/DFM, DFMEA, Materials Testing, GD&T, Limits & Fits (ISO 286‑2), and Weld symbols (BS EN 22553 / ISO 4063).
• Business & Systems Processes:
  Gaining exposure to AI for business, Requirements & Change Control Management (V&V), EBoM, MBoM, ERP, MRP, and purchasing orders.
• Health & Safety:
  Undertaking inductions and learning how to conduct risk assessments.
• Project Delivery:
  Integrating into the mechanical and vehicle integration space to directly support current project delivery.

• Basic understanding of engineering principles and a strong willingness to learn new software (like Solidworks).
• Ability to commit to the working hours of 08:30 - 17:00 hrs (37.5 hrs per week).
• Basic hands‑on workshop experience (e.g., basic soldering or mechanical assembly).
• An interest in the defence, aviation, or robotics sectors.

• Prior exposure to CAD software or 3D printing.
• Basic understanding of engineering principles and a strong willingness to learn new software (like Solidworks).