Industrial Placement Product Development

MillerKnoll Summer Internship Program is a paid opportunity that allows you to gain real-world experience and cultivate your professional skills. Besides the work you'll do within your field of study, you'll participate in one-on-one meetings with mentors, a summer-long project, learning sessions with senior leaders, and much more.

Product Development – Industrial Placement

Location: London

Duration: Minimum 33 weeks (9 months)

Company Overview

Colebrook Bosson Saunders (CBS) is an internationally recognised, award-winning designer and manufacturer of products that improve the way people interact with technology in the workplace.

For over 30 years, we have combined industrial design, engineering excellence, and manufacturing expertise to create market-leading solutions used around the world.

This placement is designed for students undertaking a sandwich year as part of a degree in Industrial Design, Product Design, Design Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, or a related discipline.

We believe a successful placement should provide genuine industry experience and meaningful personal development. Throughout your time with CBS, you will be given opportunities to contribute to real business activities while developing knowledge and skills relevant to your degree and future career.

Role Overview

You will support product development, engineering, and departmental activities while gaining valuable industry experience. The balance of work will be tailored to your degree, strengths, and development objectives, while contributing to the needs of the business.

Key Responsibilities

• Assist with product development projects across concept, development, testing, and launch activities.
• Create CAD models, visualisations, technical drawings, and presentation materials.
• Support prototyping, testing, and investigation activities.
• Create and maintain technical documentation, datasheets, instructions, and technical graphics.
• Support document control, database management, and departmental administration activities.
• Assist with customer specials, field support, and technical investigations.
• Work with Design, Engineering, Product Management, Marketing, and Operations teams.
• Participate in design reviews, workshops, and project meetings.

Learning & Development

The placement is intended to provide meaningful industry experience. Project exposure will be tailored where possible to support university learning objectives and future career aspirations.

What We're Looking For

• Currently studying towards a degree in Industrial Design, Product Design, Design Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, or a related discipline.
• Genuine interest in product development and the creation of physical products.
• Curiosity and willingness to learn.
• Strong problem-solving and analytical thinking skills.
• Ability to communicate ideas clearly and effectively.
• Positive attitude and willingness to contribute to a team environment.
• Good organisational skills and attention to detail.
• Comfortable managing a variety of tasks and priorities.
• Enthusiasm for developing both technical and professional skills.

Knowledge & Skills

We do not expect candidates to be experts. We are looking for individuals with a willingness to learn and develop. Useful skills include:

• Familiarity with 3D CAD software (SolidWorks experience is beneficial but not essential).
• Sketching, visual communication, or technical drawing skills.
• Understanding of engineering principles, design processes, or product development methods.
• Interest in materials and manufacturing processes.
• Good Microsoft Office skills.
• Experience using Adobe Creative Suite or similar tools is advantageous but not required.
• Interest in emerging digital and AI-assisted design tools is welcomed.

Why Join CBS?

• Gain valuable industry experience as part of your degree programme.
• Work on real products and real business challenges.
• Learn from experienced product designers and engineers.
• Exposure to the complete product development lifecycle.
• Develop practical skills that complement your academic studies.
• Experience a collaborative and supportive working environment.
• Contribute to products used by customers around the world.
• Build a strong foundation for your future career in product design, industrial design, or engineering.

Who We Hire

Simply put, we hire qualified applicants representing a wide range of backgrounds and abilities. MillerKnoll is comprised of people of all abilities, gender identities and expressions, ages, ethnicities, sexual orientations, veterans from every branch of military service, and more. Here, you can bring your whole self to work. We’re committed to equal opportunity employment, including veterans and people with disabilities.

MillerKnoll complies with applicable disability laws and makes reasonable accommodations for applicants and employees with disabilities. If reasonable accommodation is needed, contact MillerKnoll Talent Acquisition.