Summer Internship Materials Science Engineer

See it differently

You see the world through a unique lens and that’s exactly what we need. We embrace how you see things differently – it’s essential for creating a sustainable future.

Arup is a global consultancy with advisory and technical expertise across more than 150 disciplines. We guide, plan and design the future of the built environment. Globally, each year we recruit hundreds of graduates to help us see things differently and solve the most complex challenges facing our clients, climate and communities.

The Opportunity

You will be working in our materials consulting team which exists in Arup to ensure materials are used appropriately to deliver optimal outcomes for our clients, communities, and the planet. Working with colleagues in other Arup disciplines, and external clients across all the sectors that Arup works, the materials team enables them to manage their costs, programmes, and risks, as well as helping the owners of existing assets to understand and solve problems.

• Everything in the built environment relies on the use of materials. Consequently, the materials team enjoys the opportunity to work in virtually every market that Arup operates in, providing specialist materials advice. 

• With experts in concrete, metals, glass, stone, brick, ceramics, timber, and composites, the team advises at all stages of a project, from concept design through the full life cycle. 

• Our specialists explore different combinations of materials, devise test programs, and carry out design and field research. This is based on knowledge – from tried and tested processes, such as forming and fabricating metals, to using glass structurally in adventurous new ways, and selecting more sustainable materials and processes to reduce resource consumption and environmental impacts. 

• We apply materials in novel and challenging ways, focussing on the importance of context. For our clients, this means enhanced choice, based on optimised cost/value and reduced risks. 

• We are passionate about making materials work and many of the team are members of, or advisors to, influential industry bodies. 

• Our advice is truly independent and based on the most appropriate solution for a given application because our specialists are not linked to material suppliers and do not need to provide work for an in-house test facility. 

• We reduce our clients' risks and provide freedom of choice, particularly when involved in the early stages of a project. This enables our clients to design and build more innovative, stimulating, and valuable projects. 

• Sustainability is at the heart of all our work. We focus on ensuring our use of materials minimises negative impacts across the materials supply chain and lifecycle. We work with materials supply chain to help them develop new, sustainable materials, and understand routes to market.

• Our rigorous research on materials and manufacturing methods provides reassurance that the materials are used appropriately, aesthetically, and cost-effectively to produce a robust and durable solution. 

As part of your internship, you will be involved with the above activities on real life projects. You will work in our team in London, gaining knowledge from our specialists, and valuable experience in a consultancy environment. 

Is this role right for you?

To apply for this role, we are looking for students working towards the below qualifications and with the following attributes and skills: 

• Candidates who are working towards a master's degree in Materials Science or Engineering (General Engineering, Engineering Science, Mechanical Engineering, Structural Engineering, or Civil Engineering) with great results in all modules (2:1/60% or higher). 

• Interest/experience in engineering design, manufacturing, and fabrication. 

• Excellent problem solving and analytical skills. 

• People who are curious and ready to evolve how they think and work. 

• People for whom the activities we do as a team resonate and who are highly considering future careers in this field. 

We're looking for:

Changemakers: A passion for sustainable development and creating a better world is key.

Innovative minds: We're looking for critical thinkers who embrace new ideas and challenge the status quo.

Growth seekers: You have a growth mindset, always eager to learn and explore new ways of working.

Adaptable adventurers: You're ready to take on any challenge that comes your way.

You should be able to start this opportunity in Summer 2026.

Advert closing date: 14th March 2026

Please note, in the event of high applicant volume, this role may be closed ahead of the advertised closing date. Early application is recommended.

Location Preferences

While the role you applied for is based in the location specified in the job advert, we may have other opportunities that align with your profile. To help us assess this, please let us know which Arup office locations you would be interested in working in on your application form

Duplicate Applications

Please note, candidates are permitted to submit only one application per recruitment cycle. We recommend reviewing all available opportunities and selecting the role and location(s) that best align with your skills and interests before applying.

What we offer you

Beyond a great salary and stimulating, technically challenging work, Arup offers a range of additional benefits to its people.

As a membership organisation, everyone shares in our success through a global profit share scheme. Our members also have access to a range of broader wellbeing benefits. You’ll have access to lots of learning and development opportunities. This includes a structured induction and ongoing training through Arup university.

Additionally, you'll have the opportunity to utilise your technical expertise to do meaningful work that strengthens the resilience of communities and places to improve lives through Arup's community engagement programme.