The Opportunity
Want to learn technical sales in a B2B engineering environment?
Our Sales Internship combines commercial skills with technical understanding. You’ll learn how to prepare quotations, understand customer requirements, and support relationships with prestigious aerospace and defence clients.
This is a fully paid 6-month programme with dedicated mentoring, real customer interaction, and genuine potential for a full-time career in technical sales.
Salary
£27,000 per annum (pro-rata for 6 months)
Start Date
Monday 5th October 2026
About Us
R E Thompson is a leading precision aerospace engineering company with over 75 years of experience providing complete manufacturing solutions.
Operating from our advanced facilities in Hampshire, we are home to the UK’s most sophisticated automated 5-axis machine shop. Our state-of-the-art Flexible Manufacturing System enables 24/7 lights-out production, and we hold AS9100, ISO9001, ISO14001, and ISO45001 certifications.
We work with prestigious clients including GE Aviation, BAE Systems, and Ontic, delivering complex precision components for the aerospace, defence, automotive, and electronics industries.
Back to VacanciesWhat You'll Learn & Do
- Learn to prepare manufacturing quotations for precision components
- Understand how to read and interpret technical drawings
- Support customer communications and relationship building
- Learn to assess manufacturing requirements and costs
- Use CRM systems to track opportunities and customer data
- Assist with contract review and order processing
- Gain exposure to aerospace industry requirements
- Understand the sales cycle in precision engineering
Programme Structure
- Phase 1 (Months 1-3): Induction, shadowing, guided tasks, building operational understanding
- Phase 1 Review: Assessment of progress and suitability for Phase 2
- Phase 2 (Months 4-6): Greater responsibility, supporting scheduling, full team integration
- Final Assessment: Review with potential for full-time job offer
What We're Looking For
- Recent A-Level leaver or equivalent
- Good numerical skills (A-Level Maths advantageous but not essential)
- Excellent communication skills
- Interest in business and customer relationships
- Detail-oriented and organised
- Comfortable using computers and learning new systems
What We Offer
- Competitive salary of £27,000 per annum (pro-rata)
- Dedicated mentor from day one
- Structured development programme
- Real project experience for your CV
- 25 days holiday (pro-rata) plus public holidays
- On-site parking
- Potential pathway to full-time employment
How to Apply
Please apply via Indeed before the 28 August 2026 deadline.
You’ll need to include your CV and a brief statement explaining why you’re interested in this internship.
Please note that candidates must be eligible to work in the UK.
Recruitment Team, R E Thompson