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

This 12 month Research & Development industrial placement, starting in August 2025, is a great chance to take theory from university and put it into practice in a fast-paced environment. This provides a chance for real responsibility and hands-on experience in a challenging and diverse environment.

Main Tasks & Responsibilities

The Industrial Placement will have opportunities to work in both the Noise and Vibration development and Aerodynamics & Aeroacoustics teams during the year. Below is a brief description of the role for each.

Noise and Vibration – Job description

Mission and Main Objectives:

The Noise and Vibration (NVH) development team is a key function within the Vehicle Performance Planning department.  The main purpose of this team is to establish objective targets based on the performance requirements of key attributes, generate roadmaps in order to deliver the targets, cascade detailed requirements to engineering design groups, then to manage and validate delivery of these targets using digital evaluation and physical track testing.
 

The primary role of an NVH Engineer is to manage these activities on all vehicle programs for which they have ownership.

Main Tasks and Responsibilities:

• To support noise and vibration development on a range of vehicles, ensuring that targets are achieved in line with development schedules.

• To generate presentations, technical reports, progress meeting materials and to prepare key reporting documentation such as performance planning drawings.

• To plan and perform physical tests in lab facilities in NTCE Cranfield and at Millbrook Proving ground.

• To conduct/support benchmarking activities of competitor vehicles.

• To liaise with cross-functional R&D groups within both Design and Test organisations based in UK, Spain and Japan.

Aerodynamics – Job description

Mission and Main Objectives:

The Aerodynamics Planning team is a key function within the Vehicle Performance Planning department.  The main purpose of the Aerodynamics team is to establish objective targets based on the performance requirements of key attributes (such as EV range, Fuel Economy/CO2, Engine Performance, and Ride & Handling), generate roadmaps in order to deliver the targets, cascade detailed requirements to engineering design groups, then to manage and validate delivery of these targets using CFD and physical wind tunnel testing.
 

The primary role of an Aerodynamics Engineer is to manage these activities on all vehicle programs for which they have ownership.

Main Tasks and Responsibilities:

• To support Aerodynamics development on a range of vehicles, ensuring that targets are achieved in line with development schedules.

• To generate presentations, technical reports, progress meeting materials and to prepare key reporting documentation such as performance planning drawings.

• To plan and perform physical tests at wind tunnel facility in Paris.

• To plan and post process CFD simulations, analyse data and to report recommendations based on the findings.

• Working with model makers to create full scale Aerodynamic bucks for wind tunnel testing prior to physical verification builds.

• To support styling feedback loops on new projects with design and engineering functions.

• To conduct/support benchmarking activities of competitor vehicles.

• To liaise with cross-functional R&D groups within both Design and Test organisations based in UK and Japan.

What you will need to be successful

• A highly motivated and results-oriented student studying a degree in a relevant field.

• 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.

Cranfield Bedfordshire United Kingdom