CSA Catapult

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As the UK’s authority on compound semiconductor applications and commercialisation, we work with start-ups, SMEs, large organisations and academia to de-risk commercialisation, eliminate barriers to market and accelerate compound semiconductor technologies. CSA Catapult

Our Scholarships

Placement Location

Newport (Wales)

Type of Placements Offered

• 12-month placements only

Restrictions/Notes

(1) Requires 12-month placement for 2026/27; (2) Students must be in the penultimate year of their degree; (3) Candidates must specify which position they are interested in

Placements will be in specific technology areas at CSA Catapult’s offices. Therefore, please ensure you specify which job/s you are applying for in your application.

Advanced Packaging
RF & Microwave
Power Electronics
Photonics

Who we are and what we do

Compound semiconductors are at the heart of next generation technology. At the moment, 80% of the world’s semiconductors use silicon – it’s a reliable, single element which can be found in sand and manufactured cheaply. However, the remaining 20% use a compound made up of 2 or more elements – some of the more common compound semiconductors include: gallium-arsenide (GaAs), gallium-nitride (GaN), silicon carbide (SiC), indium-phosphide (InP) and even aluminium-gallium-indium-phosphide (AlGaInP).

Compound semiconductors are lighter, smaller and outperform silicon in three main ways – power, speed and light. These properties are particularly beneficial for cutting edge applications, including electric vehicles, 5G communications and the Internet of Things. As a compound, it’s more complex and can be more expensive to manufacture. Nonetheless, this technology has the potential to revolutionise modern electronics in the same way that silicon did 50 years ago.

The Compound Semiconductor Applications Catapult has been funded by UK government to maximise this technology’s potential, and boost the UK economy by applying compound semiconductors to new products and markets. Our year-old Innovation Centre hosts cutting edge equipment and laboratories, and you would have the opportunity to work with our team of experts in this innovative, exciting environment.

We’re a not-for-profit organisation, and we’re surrounded by a cluster of other companies in South Wales who already use compound semiconductor technology.

What you could be doing during your work placement

We want our Scholars to be an integral part of our organisation, so you’ll be getting stuck into real-life projects to challenge and stimulate with our team. You’ll be problem solving, working with our engineers and customers to find ways in which compound semiconductor technology can reduce our carbon emissions, develop our communication capability or improve our intelligent sensing.

Collaboration is at the heart of our approach, so you’ll get plenty of support and development during your work placement. As well as training and mentoring, we’ll link you up with our partners so that you can get a glimpse into what they do too. We work in an inclusive way, and our engineers come from all backgrounds and walks of life. Having that diversity of thought helps us to be the best at what we do, and approach problems from lots of different angles.

Meet one of our Scholars

Name: Alfie

Sponsor: CSA Catapult

University: University of Birmingham

Degree Course: MSc in Electrical and Electronics Engineering

What appeals to you about electronics?

For me, the appeal comes from applying myself to something that I find challenging. Technically, electronics can be a very challenging field, and I enjoy solving challenging problems. Moreover, electronics as an industry is very important to contemporary life and is always driving advancement and innovation in technology; a career path which I find fulfilling.

Why did you want a scholarship with CSA Catapult?

I was initially drawn to CSA Catapult due to it being one of the only companies offering a placement year specifically in RF & Microwave engineering. This topic is something I had come across briefly at university, and I had found very interesting. Doing a placement year at CSA Catapult allowed me to learn more about the industry and understand more about the day-to-day life of an RF & Microwave engineer.

My placement and its value

I have had lots of opportunities during my placement. Key highlights include travelling to Taiwan as part of the UKESF-Taiwan Joint Semiconductor Skills Project, a once in a lifetime opportunity. I was also given the chance to present some of the work I’d been doing on placement at a professional conference; valuable experience for somebody my age. Outside of that, learning industry-standard RF & Microwave EDA tools, developing both technical skills and soft skills, access to cutting-edge laboratory equipment and being able to learn from the wealth of extremely talented engineers at Semiconductor Catapult has been a great benefit to me both professionally and personally. One of the biggest takeaways of the year is the development in my confidence as an engineer.

What are your hobbies and interests?

I enjoy sports, particularly football (up the Villa) and weightlifting. I like to read and learn about history (I would recommend The Rest is History podcast to those interested). I’m a big indie/alt rock fan and one of my favourite activities is going to live music concerts/gigs. I am fortunate enough to have got tickets to see both Interpol and The Strokes this year, two of my favourite bands.

Meet one of our Engineers

Name: Meghna

Job Title: Process Design Engineer

Why did you choose a career in STEM?

I chose a career in STEM because I’ve always been curious about how things work and enjoy solving problems. I love combining creativity with hands-on experimentation, and it’s incredibly rewarding to see ideas turn into real-world solutions. Being able to create something that makes a difference is what really motivates me.

What attracted you to CSA Catapult?

CSA Catapult stood out to me because it’s a place where ideas can become reality. I get to help small companies bring their concepts to life while working alongside both academic and industry partners. The chance to contribute to innovative projects that have a real impact makes the work exciting and meaningful.

What does an average day at work look like?

As an Advanced Packaging Engineer, I work closely with customers to bring their concept designs to life. It can be challenging, but achieving a successful outcome is very rewarding. Most days, I spend time in the lab creating prototypes and testing solutions, with applications ranging from electric vehicles to 5G communications. The work combines problem-solving, creativity, and hands-on development, which I really enjoy.

When not at work, what do you like to get up to?

Outside of work, I enjoy travelling, particularly to explore architecture and local food. I also like going on coastal walks around the UK when the weather allows. Most evenings, I spend much of my free time reading and occasionally painting as a creative outlet.