Trend Research Industrial Placement

Who are we?

Based in Cranfield, Bedfordshire, NTCE (Nissan Technical Centre, Europe) is our UK Research and Development hub. We are home to the functions that help us lead the way in vehicle design and development of the vehicles manufactured in our European plants. With more than 900 people based here from over 25 different countries, it’s a hive of ideas, imagination, and vision, based in open-plan spacious offices designed to encourage cross-functional collaboration. The teams at the Cranfield Nissan Technical Centre work to develop engineering and design requirements for new car models across the world. Here you’ll find departments such as Research & Development, Product Economic Control, Purchasing, Legal, HR, Finance and Total Customer Satisfaction, all enjoying modern on-site facilities like our gym, sports, and social club.

Purpose

The Trend Research Department at Nissan R&D plays a critical role in investigating future technologies, automotive trends and regulations to help us create the mobility of the future.

We are looking for a highly motivated and results-oriented student to join our team as part of an Industrial Placement program. This placement offers a unique opportunity to gain valuable experience alongside industry experts, contributing to the development of cutting-edge products and services that are shaping the future of transportation.

You will have the opportunity to:

• Investigate electrification and zero-emission mobility trends.

• Join conferences and industry events in the UK and in Europe, covering topics such as autonomous vehicles, technology start-ups, urban development, sustainability and corporate strategy.

• Understand how complex behavioural and societal trends are shaping the future of the automotive industry.

• Gain a comprehensive understanding of the R&AE department and its interaction with other areas of the business, especially our colleagues in Japan.

While this is an industrial placement position, we offer a challenging and rewarding experience that closely mirrors the responsibilities of our graduate roles. You will be given the opportunity to demonstrate your skills and initiative.

Join us and help us shape Nissan’s exciting future!

Main Tasks & Responsibilities

• Report about industry events and conferences in a clear and concise manner.

• Monitor our competitors in key technology areas and present the results to our colleagues in Japan.

• Collaborate with team-mates and colleagues in co-design activities, support idea generation bootcamps and the creation of future vehicle concepts.

• Support team members through a diverse range of research projects.

• Support the team in process improvement activities and bring useful experience and examples from comparable design activities done at University.

What you will need to be successful

• You are a highly motivated student undergoing a degree in engineering, design or creative arts.

• Strong verbal & written communication skills

• Ability to work as part of a team, as well as independently

• Great presentation skills, attention to detail

• Research skills and a strong personal organisation

• Willing to travel within UK and Europe

• An interest in cars and the future of mobility is desirable

• Sufficient evidence of your right to work in the UK will be required.

What we offer

We firmly believe that investment in our employees is integral to their growth and success. As a member of our team, you will have access to many of our benefits - because we want you to feel cared for, supported, and engaged at Nissan.

• Competitive base salary at £21,587

• Remote Working Policy (maximum 2 days per week WFH)

• Flexible Working Options

  • 39 hours per week

  • Standard Working Hours: Mon-Thurs 8am-5pm, Fri 8am-1:20pm

  • 2+/- flexible hour adjustments (Subject to manager approval)

• 26 days holiday + Bank Holidays

• Free onsite parking & subsidised restaurant

• Onsite Gym Facilities

At Nissan we believe that diversity gives us strength and is key to the success of our business. That’s why we pride ourselves on being an equal opportunities employer and have a range of Talent initiatives in place, such as high potential development, leadership, and career coaching to support our female workforce. In a male dominated industry, our UK data shows that on average, women’s mean hourly pay is more than men. We pride ourselves on being a transparent, cross-cultural, and competitive business.

Diversity and Inclusion:

All of us at Nissan - regardless of functional area or expertise - share a passion to design, manufacture and sell high-performance, fun to drive vehicles. Nissan is an Equal Opportunity Employer for all. Applicants will be considered for all positions regardless of race, gender, military status, disability, or any other status protected by law.

Please note, it is a mandatory requirement to include your CV with your application. A cover letter may be submitted at your discretion.

Closing date: 5th January 2025-  Nissan reserves the right to terminate this advertisement prematurely.