University Intern - Engineering
This is a 12-month paid internship starting September 2026. The role is fully site based requiring 5 days a week in Pirbright.
Salary: £26,000 per annum
Closing Date: 16th November 2025
WHY CHOOSE BOEHRINGER INGELHEIM FOR YOUR PLACEMENT YEAR?
Boehringer is a global company that has a strong purpose; positively impacting the lives of millions, the planet, our communities and of course, positively impacting the health of people and animals. But how will it positively impact you?
As an intern at Boehringer, you won’t be alone! Joining in September 2026, you will be part of a sizeable cohort of talented students, spanning across our entire business. From day one, you will be supported by your team, your manager and by HR. You will be doing real work, contributing to our success and building your depth of understanding in your chosen area. You will also be supported to succeed with a range of learning opportunities that go beyond your specific role development. Learning moments cover personal development such as organisation and effectiveness in the workplace, building your confidence, networking and building effective relationships. There is also a focus on career development including company-wide ‘look and see’ tours, lunch and learns and workshops that overview the array of roles to be found in a leading global pharmaceutical organisation. And if all of that isn’t enough… there is a competitive salary, great benefits, a collaborative office / production site experience (although most roles also offer hybrid working) and a truly passionate culture!
POSITION
At Boehringer Ingelheim, our Engineering team is at the heart of innovation—driving technical excellence, ensuring operational reliability, and upholding the highest standards of safety and quality. As part of a family-owned, research-driven global pharmaceutical leader, we’re committed to improving both human and animal health through cutting-edge science and smart engineering.
We’re offering an exciting opportunity for an Engineering Intern to join our dynamic team. This internship is more than just a learning experience, it’s a chance to make a real impact. You’ll work alongside experienced engineers on meaningful projects that support the development, optimization, and maintenance of critical systems and processes in a regulated, high-tech environment.
TASKS & RESPONSIBILITIES
- Exploring the Plant: Conduct walkdowns of process areas to support the creation and updating of P&IDs.s.
- Collaborating Across Disciplines: Work closely with engineers, scientists, manufacturing teams, and quality assurance professionals.
- Supporting Projects: Assist in the planning, design, and implementation of technical projects.
- Innovating with Purpose: Help develop and test process equipment and components.
- Contributing Ideas: Participate in cross-functional meetings and offer technical insights.
- Staying Ahead: Research industry innovations to support continuous improvement.
- Hands-On Learning: Support equipment maintenance and troubleshooting while ensuring safety and compliance.
- Documenting Excellence: Contribute to risk assessments, engineering documentation, and SOPs in a GMP-regulated environment.
REQUIREMENTS
We’re seeking enthusiastic and driven individuals who are ready to apply their academic knowledge in a real-world setting. The ideal candidate will have:
- Currently pursuing an accredited degree in Engineering: Chemical, Process, Bioprocess, Mechanical, or Electrical.
- 3 A levels at grade ABB (minimum) with at least one grade coming from a science subject.
- Applicants must have the ability for independent travel to work and other potential third-party locations.
- Applicants must have the right to work in the UK.
WHY THIS PLACEMENT
Interning at Boehringer Ingelheim offers a unique opportunity to work with a global leader in pharmaceuticals and biotechnology.
- Hands-on experience with real-world engineering challenges.
- Exposure to a fast-paced, innovative environment.
- Mentorship from experienced professionals in the field.
- Opportunities for networking and career development.
- Potential for a future career path with Boehringer Ingelheim.
- A supportive, inclusive work culture.
KEY COMPENTENCIES
- Strong verbal communication skills within a business environment, able to speak clearly and fluently, expressing opinions information, and key points of an argument with clarity and simplicity.
- Strong written communication skills, able to write clearly, succinctly and correctly, writes convincingly in an engaging, structured and logical manner, avoiding unnecessary use of jargon or complicated language.
- Experience with Microsoft Office essential with the ability to adapt knowledge to use Boehringer’s local systems/platforms/technology.
- Sets clear objectives, plans activities well in advance, manages time effectively, identifying and organising resources needed to accomplish tasks, monitoring performance against deadlines.
- Able to work as team member, establishing good working relationships, adapting to the team as required; also, able to work as an individual contributor with minimal supervision. Must be highly motivated and have the ability to deliver both within a team environment and independently.
- Follows instructions from others without unnecessarily challenging authority. Follows procedures and policies, keeping to schedules but remains flexible to changing priorities.
- Professional approach to work that upholds Boehringer’s values and behaviours and complies with all legal obligations and HSE compliance requirements.
FUNCTIONAL COMPENTENCIES
Essential:
- Solid understanding of engineering fundamentals.
- Familiarity with engineering drawing/design tools such as AutoCAD, MS Project, or Visio.
- Basic understanding of engineering processes and workflows.
- Previous experience in a laboratory or technical setting (can be at university).
- Ability to apply logical and structured approached to issues and identifying root causes.
Desirable:
- Awareness of Good manufacturing practices.
WHY THIS IS A GREAT PLACE TO WORK
Boehringer Ingelheim has been recognised as a Top Employer in the UK. Being certified as a Top Employer confirms our dedication to a better world of work, delivered through excellent HR policies and people practices. To learn more visit: https://www.boehringer-ingelheim.co.uk/careers/uk-careers/why-great-place-work