Mechanical Engineering Intern (Year in Placement )

Every year at Kinneir Dufort we select a number of brilliant students to join our team for a variety of work placements. Previous interns with KD have gone on to work in amazing careers and many of them are part of the KD team now. This opportunity is for a year in placement internship (starting September 2026) working as a member of our Engineering team on a variety of multi-disciplinary projects.

Throughout the placement youll apply your skills to producing high quality work for our clients. Youll be given the opportunity to gain valuable experience and a deeper understanding of the design process within an award-winning consultancy and benefit from the support of a mentor within the very experienced KD team to help you on your way.

Youll have the chance to develop expertise and business skills during your placement and can build relationships with influential and experienced KD staff.

About you

You will be part of the way through your Mechanical Engineering degree and looking for industrial experience before completing your studies.

Youll be enthusiastic eager to learn and ready to apply your academic knowledge to real challenges.

Your skills and experience

The successful candidate will be/have:

• Studying Mechanical Engineering (or similar)

• Solid grounding in engineering principles and analysis (mechanics fluids and thermodynamics)

• Creative and technical problem-solving skills

• CAD modelling experience

• Experience building & testing physical prototypes

• Excellent concept generation skills

• Knowledge of materials and manufacturing processes

• Understanding of design process from concept to manufacture

• Excellent verbal and written communication skills

We currently pay all our interns the National Living Wage.

Why work with us

As part of your internship we offer:

• Training/ coaching and development opportunities.

• Practical experience in a professional yet friendly culture.

• Flexible working approaches.

• Access to Udemy for business as part of your development.

• The opportunity to get involved with initiatives that impact the design industry such as inclusion and sustainability.

• The opportunity to learn more about other projects being undertaken at KD.

• Become a part of our team. KD is a sociable place with many things for you to get involved with other than work. We organise KD runs and massage sessions plus monthly socials.

About us

KD is based in an iconic Grade II listed building in the heart of Bristol. Our vibrant workspace houses state-of-the-art labs a design studio usability suites and collaborative meeting spaces. Nestled in a lively neighbourhood with independent shops were just a short walk from Park Street the Harbourside and St. Nicks Markets.

We are proud of our values:

• Find a way: We work as one team combining our knowledge and experience to unite around a shared goal. We trust each other and do whats needed to get things done and exceed expectations.

• Pull together: We believe anything is possible. When faced with challenges we take the initiative using our creative spirit and determination to find bold solutions and deliver results that move us forward.

• Care: We act with integrity take pride in our work and support each other. We each play our part to make a positive impact for our customers our colleagues and our planet.

Our diverse multidisciplinary team spans research design human factors engineering prototyping manufacturing and beyond. Together we deliver cutting-edge solutions for clients ranging from global leaders to innovative start-ups with a particular focus on medical devices drug delivery orthopaedics and diagnostics.

Do we sound like a good match for you

If youd like to ask any questions about the opportunity please email (using Engineering Intern 2026/2027 in the subject line) .

Please note the deadline for this vacancy is 10th October 2025 although we reserve the right to close the vacancy earlier if we have a high level of applications. We look forward to hearing from you!

At KD we believe that designing for people means including all people starting with the team behind the work. Our human-centred design ethos is rooted in empathy and our values pull together find a way and care guide us in building a team that reflects the diversity of the world we design for.

We know that different perspectives lead to better ideas stronger collaboration and more meaningful outcomes. If you meet the skills and experience for this role we welcome your application whatever your background identity or path into design. What matters to us is that you share our belief in purposeful people-first design.