At HR Wallingford, we design smart, resilient solutions across the natural and built environments to help everyone live and work more sustainably with water. By harnessing research, data insights and the power of our collective expertise, we help the world to better understand the changing influence and impact of water.
Do you want to contribute to exciting and innovative projects whilst working alongside technical specialists and industry experts? HR Wallingford is a world-leading research and consultancy organisation. From flooding to shipping, offshore energy to climate change, we advise clients worldwide how to manage their interactions with the water environment. This is an opportunity to undertake a one year industrial placement working with our Engineering or Coasts and Oceans teams based at Howbery Park, Wallingford, Oxfordshire.
We have vacancies for industrial trainees for one year commencing in July 2027. The positions would be ideally suited to undergraduate students whose course includes a sandwich year in industry.
About the role
As an Industrial Placement at HR Wallingford, you will have the opportunity to work in either our Engineering team’s physical modelling division or in the Coasts & Oceans group. You will work amongst a team of specialist engineers and scientists who are experts in their field.
The roles in the Engineering and Coasts & Oceans groups will primarily be based in our physical modelling hall and will include the following tasks:
- Testing to evaluate the performance of marine and coastal structures
- Constructing and running physical models
- Data processing and analysing results to enable them to be presented to Clients
- Opportunities to work on desk based studies, which should allow you to develop skills in analysis and design.
About you
Studying towards a civil or coastal engineering degree, ship science, or a numerate science, or another physical science relating to coasts (e.g. Geography or Oceanography). You have strong numeracy and organisational skills.
Many of our physical models are large and will require the ability to carry, pull and push materials to complete the build, and so as a team player you will enjoy the challenge of working in a collaborative and rewarding environment.
You are enthusiastic about learning, take responsibility for your actions and are motivated to deliver. You keep an eye on the detail and are comfortable working to deadlines. Familiarity with the use of spreadsheets and word processing packages is essential, and knowledge of a computer language would also be useful.
Further information
- Check out our exceptional benefits at hrwallingford.com/careers.
- Engineering and Coasts & Oceans - Job Description and Person Specification
- Salary : £27,051.44 per annum.
- The closing date for applications is 30th November 2026.
- Interview are likely to take place in the second week of January 2027
How to apply
If you are excited about this role but unsure whether you’re the right fit, we encourage you to apply. We’re also happy to answer any questions by emailing [email protected]
Interested? Please apply providing your CV with covering letter.
Additional information
Our privacy notice for job applicants, available from our website, explains how we collect and process the personal data you may provide us when you apply for a job with us through our websites, or by any other means. This notice also explains how we’ll store and handle that data and keep it.
HR Wallingford are an equal opportunity employer and value diversity in our workplace. We do not discriminate, and work to create an inclusive culture across our business.
Skills Required
- Currently studying toward a civil engineering, coastal engineering, ship science, numerate science, geography, oceanography, or related physical science degree.
- Strong numeracy skills.
- Strong organisational skills.
- Ability to carry, pull, and push materials for physical model construction.
- Ability to work collaboratively as a team player.
- Enthusiasm for learning and willingness to take responsibility.
- Motivation to deliver work, attention to detail, and ability to meet deadlines.
- Familiarity with spreadsheet and word processing software.
- Knowledge of a computer language.
What We Do
HR Wallingford is an engineering and research organization focused on designing smart, resilient solutions for the water environment to promote sustainable living and working.
