| Location | Dover, Kent |
At the Port of Dover, our vision is to be the most seamless, sustainable and innovative port in the world. We are investing in major infrastructure programmes that will support our ambitious Port of Dover 2050 vision, enhance customer experience, and drive economic growth.
We are looking for a motivated and enthusiastic Student Placement Engineer to join our Engineering team and support the delivery of key projects across our Entry Exit System (EES), Outbound Controls (OBC) and Port of Dover 2050 programmes.
This is an exciting opportunity to gain practical experience across the full project lifecycle, from concept design and procurement through to construction delivery and site supervision.
About the Role
As a Student Placement Engineer, you will work closely with programme teams, contractors and stakeholders to support the delivery of engineering projects and construction activities. You will gain exposure to design development, quality assurance, procurement processes and on-site project delivery while contributing to some of the Port's most significant infrastructure projects.
This placement is for 12 months, starting September 2026.
Key Responsibilities
* Support the EES, OBC and Port of Dover 2050 programme teams in the delivery of engineering and construction projects.
* Assist with the preparation and management of engineering project documentation.
* Prepare and modify engineering drawings, specifications and technical tender documents to support contractor procurement.
* Develop and review RIBA Stage 2 designs aligned with the Port of Dover 2050 vision.
* Assist with basic engineering design activities and technical reviews.
* Monitor construction works and support site supervision activities.
* Ensure contractor compliance with Quality Management Systems and project requirements.
* Witness and validate testing, inspections and trials, including Inspection and Test Plans (ITPs) and trial panels.
* Monitor construction programme progress and challenge delivery where necessary to ensure project objectives are achieved.
* Promote and maintain safe systems of work across all project activities.
* Build effective working relationships with internal teams, contractors and external stakeholders.
What You'll Bring
Knowledge & Experience
Essential:
* Currently studying towards a Construction, Design or Civil Engineering degree (BSc or MSc).
* Strong Microsoft Office skills, including Outlook, Word and Excel.
* Good AutoCAD skills with the ability to create, modify and overlay drawings.
* Understanding of the design development process from concept through to construction.
* Awareness of tender document preparation and procurement processes.
Desirable:
* Knowledge of safe systems of work, including confined spaces and working at height.
* Understanding of NEC3 or NEC4 contracts.
Practical Application
* Understanding of CDM Regulations and Health & Safety Management within construction environments.
* Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
Personal Qualities
We're looking for someone who is:
* Enthusiastic, proactive and eager to learn.
* Flexible and adaptable in a fast-paced project environment.
* Able to work independently and collaboratively as part of a team.
* Highly organised with strong planning and analytical skills.
* Detail-oriented with a problem-solving mindset.
* An excellent communicator and active listener.
* Able to manage competing priorities and adapt to changing demands.
* Committed to maintaining high standards of integrity, professionalism and respect.
Benefits
Why Join Us?
At the Port of Dover, you'll have the opportunity to contribute to transformational projects that shape the future of one of the UK's most important transport and logistics hubs. You'll gain invaluable experience, work alongside experienced profes