Research Engineer Review

I am a university student doing an EngD degree sponsored by rolls-royce. I am based at a rolls site, but work mostly self sufficiently on my degree project, which is of direct relevance to rolls.

I have developed new skills in the subject area thanks to university courses and more general skills through my interactions with rolls. Although this learning experience is slower as it is not directly supported.

The program is definitely better than a university based PhD, but my expectations of being treated and fully embedded within rolls as an employee were not met. Nevertheless the freedom of having a personal project with little outside involvement is beneficial.

Not very much, although I hope this will improve as my project progresses.

From the University very well, we have a total of 10 taught modules that have been very helpful. Unfortunately there hasn't been the same level of organisation from rolls. It seems like the programme was more of an after thought. I still haven't been assigned an official desk and do not even have access to a computer. This makes it very difficult to communicate securely with Rolls employees.

I receive outstanding support from the University. Besides the taught modules, professors are happy to answer questions and address issues. Even staff that are not directly assigned to the project will fit you into their schedule. The administration team is also very helpful, as they handle queries almost instantly and provide excellent support when visiting conferences, trade-shows etc.

I have an assigned industrial supervisor who is happy to give me advice, but support is more limited in comparison to the University. I am expected to organize and complete the majority myself. That being said, the colleagues at Rolls are fantastic people and do their best to help when needed. It is really more the lack of a structured program that is unfortunate. This makes exchanging documents and arranging meetings tedious.

The salary/stipend is very generous in comparison to a traditional PhD. However, it is a bit lower than that received by a standard graduate. In an expensive city there is little room for more lavish spending, but you won’t struggle to get by. Being still officially a student you are able to enjoy student discounts, but you don’t have access to the company’s pension scheme etc.

There are few opportunities to go to conferences and the like. However, given that most of my work is confidential, this is rather limited in comparison to a traditional PhD. But given that the program is rather flexible attending STEM events and other things that you organise yourself is generally encouraged and won’t be restricted. As part of the specific scheme there are also opportunities for placements abroad at other Universities or companies.

Yes

The international reputation is really good and it is undoubtedly a good addition to the cv.

Apply to a position that you feel strongly about and show your motivation.