12-Month Engineering Placement In Rye House

12-Month Engineering Placement In Rye House

Company                                            VPI

Job Profile Name                               Mechanical Engineering Internship

Location                                             Rye House

Length of Programme                      1 year

Salary                                                  £23,690

Start Date                                           September 2026

About VPI

VPI is a leading international power company. Backed by Vitol, we play a vital role in the energy transition, helping to bridge the gap between the now and the next. VPI’s combination of trading and operational mindsets uniquely positions us to anticipate and solve challenges as the transition unfolds.

VPI help their customers tackle their energy needs - whether that’s working with governments to strengthen energy security, partnering with grid operators to enhance stability, or enabling investors to expand into new power solutions. They do this by developing, building, operating and optimising power assets that deliver reliable, flexible and low-carbon energy to millions of homes and businesses across their markets. Today, VPI operate in the UK, Ireland and Germany.

What is the role?

A year in industry with VPI is a great opportunity to put the theory you are learning into practise at one of the largest energy producers in the UK operating 4 Combined Cycle Gas Turbine (CCGT),a large Combined Heat and Power (CHP) Plant.

This is a placement where you will have the opportunity to make a tangible difference. Not only will you learn valuable skills as you start out on your career, but you will also be doing so at one of our Operational sites that provide invaluable power and stability to the National Grid.

More specifically you will have the opportunity to work on systems ranging from gas and steam turbines, heat recovery steam generators (HRSG’s), and the associated auxiliary system items including compressors, pumps, and pneumatic & hydraulic valves. Project specific works throughout your placement year will include working with the site team on the annual maintenance of their Gas Turbines, Steam Turbines & Heat Recovery Steam Generators (HRSG’s). Specifically, you will also lead a program, where the relevant site annual Plant Status Report will be updated.

Ideally you will have an understanding of thermal cycles, valves, pumps, and heat exchangers. A basic understanding of gas turbine fundamentals would also be advantageous but not essential.

Additional Benefits

25 days holiday: This will be prorated, plus bank holidays.

Insurance: Life Assurance – 6x base salary.

Overtime: 1.5x salary (must be pre-approved).

Pension: Scottish Widows, includes employer contribution to a maximum of 10% (employee 5%).

Perkbox: Points and benefits program, including £50 annual Christmas gift via Perkbox rewards.

Site Gym.

Membership of site Sports and Social club.

Weekly site fruit delivery.

Free parking at site.

Free EV charging at sites.

Who is suitable to apply?

Working towards a degree in a MEng, BEng or BSc in Mechanical or Aeronautical Engineering. Please include details of modules taken on your CV.

Can be within a 1-hour commute from the power station site.

A positive 'can do' mentality, self-motivated, setting the right behaviours.

An ability to think laterally and flexibly to deliver solutions and a 'process driven' focus to delivery.

Good communication skills.

Desire to learn about the UK power market.

Good organisational skills.

Strong IT and Microsoft office capabilities.

Right to work in the UK.

A valid Driving License and access to a car is essential.

Happy to be on site 5 days a week.