2027 Summer Internship - Software & AI Systems – Cambridge

We believe in the power of ingenuity to build a positive human future.  

As strategies, technologies, and innovation collide, we create opportunity from complexity. 

Our teams of interdisciplinary experts combine innovative thinking and breakthrough technologies to progress further, faster. Our clients adapt and transform, and together we achieve enduring results. 

We are over 4,000 strategists, innovators, designers, consultants, digital experts, scientists, engineers, and technologists. And we have deep expertise in consumer and manufacturing, defence and security, energy and utilities, financial services, government and public services, health and life sciences, and transport.  

Our teams operate globally from offices across the UK, Ireland, US, Nordics, and Netherlands. 

PA. Bringing Ingenuity to Life. 

Why considering joining us? 

Joining us as an intern is the next step in starting your career. Whether you’re coming from a specialist background or from an unrelated subject, we want you to be bold, stay curious and dive into the opportunities we have to offer.  

Within the Software and AI Systems team: 

• We design and build software for real products and devices – some of the most innovative and life-changing imaginable.  
• We develop software close to the hardware, from bare-metal and RTOS-based embedded systems, through machine control and industrial automation, to embedded Linux and desktop applications that manage and interact with connected devices. 
• We love a challenge and the ability to use our technical know-how and innovative thinking to find the best answers.   
• Our multi-disciplinary teams specialise in developing end-to-end products and devices, taking early-stage concepts through to complete product releases - and even to small volume production line scale-up.  

What you can expect  

Some examples of our work are: 

Software for Real Devices  

We are experts in developing best-in-class embedded software and firmware for cutting-edge products and devices across many industries, from small medical devices to large transport networks. For example, we developed the Oakdoor™ Data Diode to keep organisations safe from cyber-attacks. We have been working with Ori Biotech to accelerate the development of affordable cell and gene therapies, which is set to revolutionise the healthcare industry.  

Cloud Integration and IoT Devices  

We design and develop edge-processing software for embedded and bare-metal IoT devices, with cloud-integration as a key feature, to create end-to-end IoT solutions that have real business value. We work closely with our teams of digital engineers and data scientists to extract deeper insights from our data. We helped Water Source create a water purification system that can change the way people around the world access safe drinking water.  

Advanced Image processing & Virtual Reality   

We have expertise in high-speed image analysis and processing, as well as building systems that capture, interpret and use image data. We have built mixed-reality digital twins to improve how operators visualise information and remotely control hazardous systems. Using Microsoft’s HoloLens, we enhanced training modules for IMI Critical Engineering with augmented reality (AR) to give engineers a real-world experience of the products they’ll be maintaining.  
 

Assessment process  

First Stage Assessments: 

• Application form 
• Online Assessments  
• Shortlisting and/or Technical Assessments 

Final Stage Assessments: 

• In Person Assessment Centre with Technical Assessment

Adjustments or accommodations - Should you need any adjustments or accommodations to the recruitment process, at either application or interview, please contact us on earlycareers@paconsulting.com  

This role is open to undergraduates in their penultimate year of university.  If you intend to return to university after the internship to complete an MSc, you will also be eligible for this position.  

Essential requirements  

• Qualification: Undergraduate degree — studying towards a STEM related degree   
• Coding experience –  Proficient programming skills, with experience in any of these languages: C++, Python, Rust, C or C#.  Or significant experience in multiple other similar languages with a desire to learn. 
• Growth-oriented and curious — open to change, driven to succeed, hungry for new challenges, and eager to broaden your understanding of the world apply new technical skills and rapidly acquire domain expertise. You will be able to think creatively and laterally, applying existing knowledge to new problems  
• Collaborative and relationship-focused — thrive in dynamic teams, build strong relationships with clients and peers, and support others to succeed. 
• Credible and communicative — comfortable in high-performance environments, with excellent communication skills, both written and verbal.  
• Analytical and adaptable — demonstrate strong problem-solving abilities, innovative thinking, and the flexibility to adapt your style and approach. You will apply your engineering experience and knowledge gained through university, work or projects to help develop solutions to real-world problems 
• Professional and reliable — show strong workplace etiquette by being punctual, dependable, and respectful of business expectations and office conduct. 

Additional technical experience – the following will also be beneficial but not essential:  

• Familiarity with software development practices and tools, such as agile, version control, TDD, CI and virtualisation 
• Experience in AI engineering or Agent design 
• Commercial experience in software design, development or testing   
• Knowledge or experience of a specific area of interest, for example: embedded software, sensors, IoT, cloud, robotics, VR/AR 

The Offer    

• Our areas of expertise include: Software for Real Devices, Cloud Integration and IoT Devices, Advanced Image processing & Virtual Reality 
• You will use your talent and experience to design, develop and deliver an open-ended project selected by our consultants, in the past this has included: 
• World Record RFID Attempts with Semantic Communications 
• Quantum Optimising of Train Timetables 
• Developing the Perfect Toaster 
• And many more… 
• You will work in a talented and collaborative multi-disciplinary team that provides insight into best practice software product development   
• You will contribute to the design and build of solutions using the best suited technologies for the problem we are trying to solve  
• Your work will be based in our Global Technology and Innovation Centre in Melbourn, Cambridge  
• This role will start in June 2027– for 8 weeks.  Exact dates will be confirmed at offer stage.  
• Salary: £26,230 per annum 

Life At PA encompasses our peoples' experience at PA. It's about how we enrich peoples’ working lives by giving them access to unique people and growth opportunities and purpose led meaningful work. 

Our purpose guides how we work with our clients and our teams, and support our communities, to deliver insight and impact, solving the world’s most complex challenges. We're focused on building a workplace that values human difference and diverse mindsets, and a culture of inclusion and equality that unlocks the potential in our people so everyone can be their best self. 

Find out more about Life at PA here. 

We are dedicated to supporting the physical, emotional, social and financial well-being of our people. Check out some of our extensive benefits: 

• Health and lifestyle perks accompanying private healthcare
• 25 days annual leave (plus a bonus half day on Christmas Eve) with the opportunity to buy 5 additional days 
• Generous company pension scheme 
• Opportunity to get involved with community and charity-based initiatives 
• Annual performance-based bonus 
• PA share ownership 
• Tax efficient benefits (cycle to work, give as you earn) 

We’re committed to advancing equality. We recruit, retain, reward and develop our people based solely on their abilities and contributions and without reference to their age, background, disability, genetic information, parental or family status, religion or belief, race, ethnicity, nationality, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity (or expression), political belief, veteran status, or any other range of human difference brought about by identity and experience. We welcome applications from underrepresented groups. 

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