The Company

Harwin plc is a Portsmouth-based, family-owned precision engineering company on an ambitious global growth journey. With a strong international presence and a well-established partner network, the organisation has built a reputation over decades for quality, reliability, and long-term thinking.

As an employer, Harwin offers a distinctive environment shaped by its heritage and forward-looking mindset. The business is currently investing significantly in technology, digital transformation, and ways of working, alongside the development of a new headquarters and state-of-the-art manufacturing facility in Portsmouth.

This is a period of meaningful growth and evolution, with a clear ambition to scale capabilities and strengthen its global impact. At the same time, the values associated with family ownership remain central — fostering a culture that emphasises collaboration, accountability, and sustained success.

For those looking to develop their careers, Harwin provides the opportunity to contribute to a growing organisation while being part of a team that values both innovation and long-term perspective.

The Role

Harwin are currently recruiting for an exciting 12-month placement opportunity for a design student to join our team. This role will provide valuable, hands-on experience in mechanical & product design, leading real change projects to improve production efficiency.

Main Duties and Responsibilities:

The primary duty of the successful candidate would be to work within the Product Design team, contributing to the update and improvement of our existing interconnect solutions through our change management process. The following points are examples of roles and duties within the team:

• Produce 3D CAD designs and technical drawings for manufacture and customers

• Adhere to Global Engineering standards

• Co-ordination of change management activities to cross functional departments within the business

Qualifications, Skills and Experience:

• Currently pursuing a bachelor’s degree in mechanical engineering or a related discipline.

• Strong understanding of engineering fundamentals, mechanical systems, and materials science.

• Proficiency in 3D CAD software (training can be provided on specific platforms if necessary).

• Good problem-solving skills, attention to detail, and ability to work independently and as part of a team.

• Excellent communication skills, both written and verbal.

• Eagerness to learn and take on new challenges

Benefits

• 25 days holiday plus bank/public hols

• Additional 3 days off over the festive period

• Real-world experience working on live projects.

• Mentoring and support from experienced engineers.

• Opportunity to develop technical and professional skills.

• Designers have access to state-of-the-art 3D printing facilities, and a dedicated R&D test lab for hands on product assessment and validation of design ideas.

As an equal opportunities’ employer, Harwin is committed to the equal treatment of all current and prospective employees and does not condone discrimination on the basis of age, disability, sex, sexual orientation, pregnancy and maternity, race or ethnicity, religion or belief, gender identity, or marriage and civil partnership.

We aspire to have a diverse and inclusive workplace and strongly encourage suitably qualified applicants from a wide range of backgrounds to apply and join Harwin.