We believe in the power of ingenuity to build a positive human future. As strategies, technologies, and innovation collide, we create opportunity from complexity.
Gradcracker Insight – Carla speaks to Emma Henderson, Global Head of Early Careers at PA Consulting
Emma gives an insight into the application process and how to be successful at PA.
Our teams of interdisciplinary experts combine innovative thinking and breakthrough technologies to progress further, faster. Our clients adapt and transform, and together we achieve enduring results.
We are over 4,000 strategists, innovators, designers, consultants, digital experts, scientists, engineers, and technologists. And we have deep expertise in consumer and manufacturing, defence and security, energy and utilities, financial services, government and public services, health and life sciences, and transport.
Our teams operate globally from offices across the UK, Ireland, US, Nordics, and Netherlands.
PA. Bringing Ingenuity to Life.
Job Description
Why considering joining us?
Do you want to design a machine to detect 50-micron holes at 3000 bottles an hour? How do we make an autoinjector safely deliver drugs at home with a range of viscosities? Does the idea of making sustainable packaging with a 40-tonne press excite you?
The mechanical engineering team at PA use their core engineering knowledge to help ask the right questions at every stage of the development process:
We work with scientists to understand the fundamental of any new problem. Together we prototype, characterise and explore technologies and processes.
By collaborating with designers and human factors experts we can pin down the form and function of new products.
Engineers of all disciplines – mechanical, electronic, software (and some in between!) – will come together to design, test, and build new products and systems.
We use our industry knowledge to inform future technical strategies for clients and work with others in PA to provide clients with wider business solutions.
Essential requirements
Qualification: Undergraduate degree — studying towards an accredited degree in Mechanical Engineering (or related subject).
Growth-oriented and curious — open to change, driven to succeed, hungry for new challenges, and eager to broaden your understanding of the world, apply new technical skills and rapidly acquire domain expertise. You will be able to think creatively and laterally, applying existing knowledge to new problems.
Collaborative and relationship-focused — thrive in dynamic teams, build strong relationships with clients and peers, and support others to succeed.
Credible and communicative — comfortable in high-performance environments, with excellent communication skills, both written and verbal. Comfortable working with hands on work in both a workshop and a lab setting.
Analytical and adaptable — demonstrate strong problem-solving abilities, innovative thinking, and the flexibility to adapt your style and approach. You will apply your engineering experience and knowledge gained through university, work or projects to help develop solutions to real-world problems.
Professional and reliable — show strong workplace etiquette by being punctual, dependable, and respectful of business expectations and office conduct.
Technical experience – the following will also be beneficial but not essential:
Practical industry experience in an engineering, development or scientific role.
Proficiency in 3D CAD systems; preferably SolidWorks.
This is an exciting opportunity to apply engineering in situations which will ultimately lead to real-world innovation.
What you can expect
The range of work performed at the Global Innovation and Technology Centre is broad and ever-changing. You might:
Develop a new food safe material that can survive being submerged.
Assemble prototype test rigs to prove a new process is possible.
Observe user interactions with a product to ensure it is intuitive.
Capture high speed video of fine sprays to characterise nozzle performance.
Assessment process
First Stage Assessments:
Application form.
Online Assessments.
Technical Assessment.
Final Stage Assessments:
In Person Assessment Centre with Technical Assessments.
Adjustments or accommodations - Should you need any adjustments or accommodations to the recruitment process, at either application or interview, please contact us on earlycareers@paconsulting.com
The Offer
A broad range of work that spans multiple sectors
The opportunity to experience all phases of development, from conceptualisation and theoretical design to hands-on building/prototyping and testing in our workshops
The opportunity to work closely with experienced and knowledgeable colleagues from across the design, applied science, software and engineering disciplines as you design, test, and build new products and
systems
Be involved in creating future technology strategies, working with others across the wider PA, to provide clients with wider business solutions
You work base will be our Global Innovation and Technology Centre in Melbourn.
Full time
This role will start in June 2027– for 8-10 weeks. Exact dates will be confirmed at offer stage.
Salary: £26,230 per annum
A career at PA is what you make of it — so power your curiosity and prepare to make an impact.
We’re committed to advancing equality. We recruit, retain, reward and develop our people based solely on their abilities and contributions and without reference to their age, background, disability, genetic information, parental or family status, religion or belief, race, ethnicity, nationality, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity (or expression), political belief, veteran status, or any other range of human difference brought about by identity and experience. We welcome applications from underrepresented groups.
We also do not sponsor visas and do not take any candidates on who do not have the right to work in the UK.
We've signed the Gradcracker feedback pledge.
(This means that we will supply feedback if requested after an interview.)
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Job ID Number: JR103000
Can I use AI to apply?
At PA, we use AI tools on a daily basis. However, we value transparency and authenticity above all in our hiring process. We want to get know you, your skills, and experience in our interview process.
As such, we ask that no AI tools (including AI note takers, meeting assistants, and similar tools) are used by candidates during interview sessions. If AI tools are used during an interview, it could influence the outcome of your application.
