Engineering, Undergraduate

‘I feel that I receive excellent support from my management and department to help me achieve my learning and development goals.’

Q: What position did you start in and what is your position now? Please describe your current responsibilities. 

I started as a Product Engineering Software Undergraduate within the Suspension Systems team under the Chassis Engineering Department.

My current responsibilities include; Suspension Controller Integration & Rapid Prototyping, Controller Software builds, Parameter Management, Data Visualisation Layouts, Testing Data Library Management, Test Data Processing & Analysis.

I am also responsible for building vehicle suspension energy consumption models and thermal modelling design and analysis for the Suspension Systems team.

Q: Are you involved in any other projects / networks? If so, please describe what they are and what your contributions are. 

I am an Early Careers committee member and the Undergraduate Newsletter lead for the monthly JLR Early Careers Newsletter.

Q: What do you like about working here?

JLR often invests in employee development and offers opportunities for growth and advancement within the company which gives me boundless networking opportunities. I often find myself surrounded by like-minded individuals who are enthusiastic about what they do and are car enthusiasts. Moreover the sense of unity, flexibility of working at my own time and collaboration space provided by JLR is what I really enjoy.

I have been following JLR cars since I was a child and Jaguar and Land Rover are iconic brands with a rich history and a strong global presence. I have always been impressed by the quality of JLR’s vehicles. I love how they are built with performance in mind but also offer luxury features like heated seats and navigation systems. Being part of these brands’ legacy is rewarding.

Q: What are your career aspirations? Do you feel that you get the necessary support from your management / department to help achieve your learning & development goal? 

I would like to explore the various facets of the corporate world in my foundation years as a graduate and find my niche. In the next two years during my final year in university. I plan on taking up electives from different verticals of engineering to get a holistic perspective on how things run. I plan on meeting people from diverse backgrounds and varied experience and understand their perspective and eventually find my niche and work on related challenging and advanced projects. My future goal is to rise to an influential position in the organization and impact its growth with my innovative use of technology.

I feel that I receive excellent support from my management and department to help me achieve my learning and development goals. They have provided me with opportunities for training and growth, and I appreciate their commitment to helping me succeed. The best explanation, responses, and opportunities are provided, and I get support when I need it.

Q: Describe your team / department, and what makes it stand out from our competition? 

My team has experts in suspension systems who possess in-depth knowledge of the field. This expertise leads to innovative solutions and a deeper understanding of the technology. The ability to develop and implement unique designs, materials, or adaptive systems that enhance vehicle performance and comfort. Not all suspension needs are the same, and a team that can tailor solutions is valuable and gives the company a competitive advantage.

We follow comprehensive testing protocols that helps build trust with customers. My team excels at cross-functional collaboration, maintaining strict quality control processes to ensure consistency and reliability of suspension systems. The team stays up to date with market trends and customer demands allowing the department to proactively address changing needs.

Q: Tell us 3 interesting facts about yourself.

  1. I went on a study year abroad to Singapore last year, just before starting the placement. I travelled across several countries in South East Asia such as Japan, Vietnam, Malaysia, Indonesia and the Philippines. I stayed and travelled with random strangers across the world in the Philippines who I met at party hostels.
  2. I like hiking and trekking. I have completed a 12 day trek in the Himalayas with an Indian Youth trekking organisation.
  3. I have studied and lived in 3 different countries. (India, United Kingdom, Singapore)

Q: What hints and tips can you share with the potential candidates who are going through the application / interview process? 

Start by thoroughly researching the company. Understand its history, values, mission, products, recent news, and any specific initiatives or projects they are involved in. Tailor your resume and cover letter to highlight relevant skills and experiences that align with the specific job you’re applying for at JLR. Be sure to showcase how your background can contribute to their goals.

Be prepared to discuss relevant industry trends, technologies, and innovations. Show that you’re adaptable and open to learning and growth, especially if you’re entering a technical role and expect questions about your past experiences and how you’ve handled various situations. Emphasize your ability to work effectively in a team, as collaboration is often vital in large organizations like JLR.

Early Careers, Engineering, Featured, Hints and Tips, Home Page, Manufacturing Engineering, People, Undergraduate, United Kingdom, Who We Are

I have a future here at JLR

Meet our incredible Ana. Find out what motivated her to join JLR and what inspired her to re-join the company after her graduation.

Q: What position did you start in and what is your position now? Please describe your current responsibilities.

I am an Electronic & Complex System undergrad and I am a part of the Semiconductor Resilience Team. Our team is responsible for the hardware, making sure the obsolete semiconductor components have a viable replacement. In addition, we make sure the schematics and a bill of materials (BOMs) are aligned.

Q: Are you involved in any other projects / networks? If so, please describe what they are and what your contributions are.

I am part of the Women In Engineering & Allies network, with the aim to include as many people as possible, in the gender diversity discussions and to promote a diverse and inclusive working environment within engineering and the wilder business. I am also a key member of the REACH (Race, Ethnicity and Cultural Heritage) network and the African and Caribbean Heritage Network community. I feel that my African and Caribbean heritage allows me to offer my unique experiences and knowledge to further support these networks.

Additionally, I am part of the DRIVEN project. It is a team of JLR employees ages between 16-25 who race an endurance single seater electric car at race circuits around the UK against 70+ competitors from various universities, schools and other engineering companies globally, such as Cummins, Renishaw and Rolls Royce, in the international Greenpower F24+ Racing Series.

I am also part of the ESAC (Electrical, Software and Controls) and the CAD (Computer-Aided Design) teams. We are working on improving the design of the new car that is going to be used for the races, for ESAC is to work on the Electronic Systems of the cars and CAD to provide support over the design of the car in 3D experience.

Q: What do you like about working here?

As a black woman in Engineering, I was a bit sceptical when I fist joined the company. I then quickly discovered I am actually working for a diverse and inclusive company, with a wide range of projects that are accessible to young men and women like myself. There are so many opportunities here at JLR, full of passionate and talented people. It is a really exciting time to be part of this company, with new House of Brands, electrification, autonomous driving, company’s commitment to drive sustainability – these are just some of the reasons I really enjoy working here.

Q: What are your career aspirations? Do you feel that you get the necessary support from your management / department to help achieve your learning & development goal?

One of my career aspirations is to become a Chartered Engineer. Being an undergraduate, this dream has always felt so far away. My manager however made me aware of all the support I could get from the company and whom I could reach out to within our own department and team, which made it all achievable for me to gain those extra accreditation.

Further down the line, I would love to become an Engineering Manager, to manage complex programmes and help other people to achieve their dreams. I have been given the opportunity to meet and shadow other managers, understand and explore different management styles. This has inspired me more to become a manager one day. I am still due to finish my degree and I really look forward to re-joining JLR after my graduation.

Q: Describe your team / department, and what makes it stand out from our competition?

I am a part of the Semiconductor Resilience team.

After companies faced an enormous challenge with the Semiconductor shortage, it was crucial to our industry to make sure that whatever happens, we are prepared. That is the context of our team, making sure that we know exactly what semiconductor content goes into our vehicles, and if by any chance there is a shortage, we will know about it in our planning stages, well before our vehicle line starts production. Not only will we know about it, but we will be able to replace the components in question and make the necessary alterations to our systems, in case there is no immediate replacements.

By doing so, it makes us stand out from our competitors, because we are more prepared and can account for changes early on the processes, before losing potentially millions of pounds!

Q: Tell us 3 interesting facts about yourself.

I have done triathlon for almost 10 years (since I was 7);

I am from Portugal;

My very first car was a Renault Clio from 1998, very resilient.

Q: What hints and tips can you share with the potential candidates who are going through the application / interview process?

Be yourself, JLR appreciates authentic and honest individuals;

Showcase your strengths, be proud of what you have achieved.

Find out more about our Early Careers programmes, click here

Body Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Engineering, United Kingdom, Who We Are

Become a Vehicle Technician

In a world where innovation meets a love for vehicles, follow Edan Lloyd’s path within JLR’s Prototype Vehicle Operations (PVO) department. Starting as an apprentice, Edan’s story is about growth, determination, and hands-on experience. Discover his journey, the exciting projects he’s involved in, and why JLR is the perfect place for skilled vehicle technicians like you. Hear what Edan has to say about his experiences here at JLR:

Q: What was your starting position and what’s your role now? Describe what you do currently.

I began my career as an apprentice at a JLR retailer. Back then, my former colleagues shared their experiences about working at JLR, which motivated me to aim for a direct role in the company. I worked hard during my three-year apprenticeship, and it paid off when I became one of the six people to receive 8 out of 8 distinctions. JLR even sent a letter to congratulate me for this achievement.

After completing my apprenticeship, I couldn’t wait to apply for a technician role here at JLR. Now, I’m a proud vehicle technician in the PVO department. My job involves building prototypes to support the new electrified future, which is really interesting!

Q: Are you working on any other projects or in other groups? Explain what they are and how you contribute.

In addition to my day job being a vehicle tech, I’m also involved in a project where we’re moving the prototype suspension from a Range Rover Sport and adapting it to fit another model. It’s been a cool experience!

Q: What do you enjoy about your job here?

I like everything about working at JLR, from the people I work with to the great facilities. Overall, my journey at JLR has been really enjoyable.

Q: What are your career goals? Do you feel supported by your managers and department for your learning and development?

My goal is to learn more about Prototype Vehicle Operations, understand all the different aspects of the business. I would like to move into engineering in the future to gather more knowledge and experiences to further my career within JLR.

Q: Tell us about your team or department. What makes it better than our competitors?

The team I’m a part of is really ahead of the competition. Everyone here is knowledgeable, experienced, and dedicated to making the brand shine. In the PVO department, we are working together to create a positive environment where everyone can thrive.

Q: Share three interesting things about yourself.

  • I was one of only six people to get 8 distinctions in my apprenticeship
  • I got an offer to compete in a global competition for the best apprentice technician
  • I have a twin and we are very different.

Q: What tips can you give candidates applying or interviewing for a job here?

I’d say do your research about the company, prepare some great examples to showcase your knowledge and experiences, and be your authentic self. Explore career opportunity here at JLR: Click here

Apprentice, Body Engineering, Early Careers, Electrical Engineering, Engineering, Hints and Tips, Home Page, People, Technology, United Kingdom, Who We Are

“Physical training taught me that hard work and perseverance always pays off and that failure is just a route to success.”

Leah, Jaguar Land Rover degree apprentice, currently on her 6th-year placement in Electrification Services. In her spare time, Leah loves to train and regularly competes in Olympic Weightlifting and CrossFit.

Her top tip for you is ‘Back yourself and take time to understand your personal strengths and weaknesses. Think about the value that these skills will bring to Jaguar Land Rover and its mission.’

We recently conducted a short interview to found out a little bit more about Leah, both in and out of Jaguar Land Rover.

Q: What position did you start in and what is your position now? Please describe your current responsibilities. 

I am a 6th-year AEP Degree Apprentice and I am currently on placement in Electrification Services, whose mission is to improve the EV ownership experience for customers through services. I am specifically focussing on improving the accessibility of charging infrastructure, which requires understanding the needs of those traditionally excluded from the EV ownership experience and creating a solution to not only help the exception but improve the experience for everyone. I joined Jaguar Land Rover in my home department of Vehicle Safety, where I essentially crashed cars; planning and coordinating full vehicle and component tests to ensure the safety of our vehicles. I have had the pleasure of being involved in several other areas of the business on placements within Special Vehicle Operations, Critical Concerns, Manufacturing, and Circular Economy.

Q: Are you involved in any other projects / networks? If so, please describe what they are and what your contributions are. 

SHINE Network – I recently joined as a participator to reduce assumptions when designing for inclusivity. The network supports colleagues with disabilities, whether hidden, visible or both.

Women in Engineering – I attend their annual conference, where they aim to accelerate an inclusive future for women in engineering.

Q: What do you like about working here?

It is exciting to be involved with the company during such a huge change toward electrification and sustainability. The people I work with are truly passionate about their work and are invested in my growth.

Q: What are your career aspirations? Do you feel that you get the necessary support from your current management / department to help achieve your learning & development goal? 

I see myself moving to a management role within the business, I feel I am a natural leader and have the wider knowledge to understand the bigger picture of the company. There are not enough females in this industry, so I want to encourage more young women to join the sector by acting as a role model. I would like to mentor and guide others to becoming the best version of themselves both in Jaguar Land Rover and life too. I would love the opportunity to work overseas at some point, so if the opportunity were to present itself I would work to make it happen. I think the people around me are invested in my growth, so if I work hard to achieve this, then it will be possible.

Q: Describe your current team / department, and what makes it stand out from our competition? 

The common theme amongst the teams I have been in is their passion for the work they are undertaking. The team I am in now is truly passionate about improving the charging experience for customers and understands that this is vital for the success of the business. This belief will make the team work harder and more efficiently to achieve their objectives.

Q: Tell us 3 interesting facts about yourself.

In my spare time, I love to train and compete in Olympic Weightlifting and CrossFit, and I am a qualified personal trainer. Lifting is a huge passion of mine and is where most of my spare time goes. The gym teaches me that hard work and perseverance pays off and that failure is just a route to success. It also acts as stress relief on those busy work weeks!

Last year I completed some of my first solo travel trips abroad! My favourite place I have travelled to is Costa Rica, although I got stuck in customs on the way back due to some apparent dodgy fingerprints!

I also own a paddleboard that I take out with friends in the warmer months to take some time away from Instagram scrolling and into nature.

Q: What hints and tips can you share with the potential candidates who are going through the application / interview process? 

I was incredibly nervous when submitting my application, to the point that I nearly didn’t submit it as I thought ‘I wasn’t good enough’. Now I have taken time to understand my capabilities and value within the company, with some incredible mentors along the way. My biggest piece of advice is to back yourself and take time to understand your personal strengths and weaknesses. Think about the value that these skills will bring to Jaguar Land Rover and its mission.

Apply Jaguar Land Rover Apprenticeship Programmes here.

Early Careers, Engineering, Featured, Hints and Tips, Home Page, People, Undergraduate, United Kingdom, Who We Are

At JLR, we are empowered to push for change and improve processes

“The Undergraduate Programme allows for the freedom to explore roles within Jaguar Land Rover, from shadowing for just a day to venturing on a placement and delving into a unique project over the course of several months.

This breadth of experience has allowed an unparalleled expansion of my knowledge of the internal workings of Jaguar Land Rover, enabling me to realise and develop my strengths, ultimately finding the best career path for me.”

To find out more about Jaguar Land Rover Undergraduate Placement Programmes for 2023, visit our careers website here.

Q: Which department are you in and what role is it you do?

My current role is in Systems Integration, Technology Development. The Team is responsible for integrating vehicles into a variety of test rigs, particularly in simulating various Vehicle Components and ECUs (Electronic Control Units) to ensure the car responds to mechanical input as expected on test rigs despite having certain components removed or locked for testing.

Q: What projects are you working on?

Our Team has been responsible for designing and delivering aspects of a next generation Battery Test Facility for testing of future Jaguar Land Rover vehicles, one of the first such facilities in the World, where full Battery Pack testing can take place in a controlled environment. I have been tasked with researching existing and future battery thermal management systems on vehicles such that a representative solution can be developed and implemented on new Test Rigs. Separate to this project, I have been working closely with our Simulation Cells Team, focusing on and learning about the control systems and data reporting/database management of our 6DoF (6 Degrees of Freedom) and 4DoF rigs which are used to test the durability of our vehicles, simulating many years of use in a matter of weeks.

Q: What is your journey to get to this point?

Throughout my education and subsequent career, I have been intrigued by solving problems. I have thus taken on many group and individual projects, from designing a Collapsible Canoe-Polo Goal in conjunction with industry, to most recently, a Smart Robotic Gripper with advanced sensing capabilities and object recognition functionality at the University of Nottingham. I have thoroughly enjoyed both the creative aspects and technical challenges involved in these engineering projects as well as experienced across a multitude of courses I have been on, made accessible by the award of an Arkwright Engineering Scholarship. These courses and projects involved managing timescales and team members, designing solutions to technical challenges and iterating on them to resolve flaws, as well as consulting with a number of customers. It is the love of this cyclical yet consistently varied process that drew me towards this career.

Q: What are your learning and development goals?

By the end of this year, I aim to have my EngTech (Engineering Technician, iMechE) qualification, then working towards the CEng (Chartered Engineer, iMechE) over the course of the Graduate Scheme at Jaguar Land Rover. I intend to complete placements in different Teams, fulfilling a variety of roles. For example, in October I am expecting to embark on a placement in ADAS (Advanced Driver Assistance Systems), acting as a Scrum Product Owner within the AGILE framework, responsible for a project’s outcome and maximising value through managing and optimising tasks to be completed – similar to conventional ‘project management.’ I may also work in the role of a Scrum Master, responsible for maintaining efficient and unblocked workflow across a Team.

Q: What is important to you about your work at Jaguar Land Rover?

I find immense satisfaction in improving workflows and efficiencies across a project, thus contributing to the overall sustainability of Jaguar Land Rover whilst delivering value. At Jaguar Land Rover, we are empowered to push for change and improve processes where opportunities for improvement are realised. This freedom and responsibility to challenge established practices are a key part of my work at Jaguar Land Rover.

Q: What impact has Jaguar Land Rover had on your career?

The Early Careers schemes at Jaguar Land Rover allows the flexibility to explore different Teams and Sectors within the company, from shadowing for just a day to venturing on a placement and delving into a unique project over the course of months. This breath of experience has allowed for the expansion of my skillset, building of a network and the broadening of knowledge of the internal workings of Jaguar Land Rover, enabling me to realise and develop my strengths, ultimately following the best career path for me.

Q: How is your work having an impact on society/the environment/customer experience/needs of the business?

In addition to my primary role at Jaguar Land Rover, I have also taken on the responsibilities of ‘Early Careers Undergraduate Lead,’ working to organise lectures from industry figures, socials and tours of engineering facilities for Early Careers (EC) members across Jaguar Land Rover enabling the networking and development of Undergraduates, Apprentices and Graduates. I am also working towards improving many of the existing systems in place for EC Members: looking to minimise the disruption involved in re-enrolling and inducting employees re-joining the company after a year in industry or on summer placements, thus saving the company thousands of wasted man-hours; introducing networking opportunities such as ‘Coffee Roulette’ to encourage EC members to build contacts and spark interest in potential placement opportunities; increasing visibility and advertising of useful services offered within Jaguar Land Rover, such as the Professional Development Mentorship Scheme that pairs aspiring engineers with senior mentors to guide them through the process of obtaining certain qualifications and working towards Chartership.  

Q: Tell us something interesting about yourself?

I have achieved LAMDA Grade 8 (Gold Medal) awards in Public Speaking, Verse & Prose, and Acting. I have also achieved a DofE Gold Award and a number of water sports qualifications (from Scuba Diving to Kitesurfing). Moving on to planning and leading skills sessions for children aged 11-16, teaching the fundamentals of Kayaking and moving onto more advanced Canoe Polo manoeuvres. I recently also obtained my ‘STA Level 2 Award in Teaching Swimming’, teaching Beginner and Improver classes of both children and adults. This has developed my articulation and teaching skills, being able to adapt and tailor explanations to a wide range of audiences with different knowledge levels and needs.