At a Glance
- Tasks: Design and develop innovative manufacturing processes for exciting projects.
- Company: Join Ricardo, a leading engineering partner in propulsion and energy systems.
- Benefits: Enjoy 25 days' leave, flexible working, and support for your health and development.
- Other info: Accelerated graduate programme with mentorship and opportunities for professional growth.
- Why this job: Be part of a global team tackling complex engineering challenges and making a real impact.
- Qualifications: Engineering degree or relevant experience; passion for manufacturing and problem-solving.
The predicted salary is between 28000 - 35000 £ per year.
Overview
Location: Shoreham-by-Sea, West Sussex
Start Date: 7th September 2026
Role ID: 2026-3386
About Ricardo
Ricardo is a trusted engineering partner specialising in complex propulsion, driveline, and energy systems. We collaborate with customers globally to deliver end-to-end solutions from initial design through to full production. Our manufacturing business has world-class expertise in niche volume, high quality manufacturing and assembly programmes, complex supply chain management, industrialising innovation, and niche new product introduction.
The successful candidate will be rewarded with the opportunity to be a key member of a team within the Ricardo Manufacturing, with a broad remit to support New Product Introduction (NPI) projects across a wide range of niche products to many premium brand customers.
Global Graduate Scheme
This is a permanent role in our NPI team starting with our 2-year accelerated development programme including technical and soft skills development in a consultancy environment. Our scheme is accredited with the IMechE and the IET and we encourage progress to CEng/IEng; we provide an in‑house mentor and cover professional fees.
As a Graduate Process Engineer, you will be responsible for supporting Processes and Procedures associated with assembly from concept to series production.
Key Responsibilities
- Design, development, and maintenance of manufacturing processes for current and future Programmes.
- Development, implementation, and operation of manufacturing process documentation (DFA, DFM, Build Process, Process Control plan, PFMEA’s, Risk Assessments/Safety Systems & Launch Readiness).
- Support specification and design of equipment layouts and material flows.
- Requisitioning (including specification, procurement, commissioning, installation, and validation) of new and modified tooling and equipment required for assembly (DAT, FAT & SAT).
- Support the production team during Industrialisation phases to improve production quality and efficiency.
- Support of Prototype builds in line with project delivery requirements, including early validation of production processes and tooling.
- Development of assembly work standards to support both Prototype phase (build books) and the transfer to standard work instructions for Production.
- Continuous improvement of the manufacturing processes to deliver to cost, quality and delivery performance targets.
- To achieve quality standards in a series production environment.
Key Competencies and Experience
- Initiative and people skills are required in this customer facing role as are strong written communication and reporting/presentation skills.
- Technical task management of technical projects.
- Able to apply logical fault‑finding skills using industry standard Tools and techniques, often under time pressure.
- Organised, with an ability to multi‑task – able to assess, prioritise and respond with absolute urgency to serious issues, should they arise.
- An awareness of a range of Manufacturing techniques and Assembly equipment.
- An awareness of manufacturing process and documentation including: DFA/DFM, DFMEA, PFMEA, Control Plans, 8D, CAD, Engineering Drawings/GD&T and build Instructions.
- Broad engineering knowledge of Manufacturing and Propulsion Systems components & Assembly techniques.
Desirable Competencies and Experience
- A master’s degree in an engineering or manufacturing.
- A placement or university module in manufacturing.
- Relevant work experience.
- Interest in a mechanical or electrical engineering hobby such as motorsport, restoration projects, and/or formula student.
What we can offer you
- A 2-year accelerated graduate development programme with a focus on developing technical and consultancy skills in a manufacturing environment.
- Meaningful and fulfilling engineering projects across a range of market sectors.
- Opportunity to continue your professional development and work towards your CEng or IEng qualification with fees covered and mentorship provided.
- Technical and people skills development in a consultancy environment.
- Recognition and celebration of your success including six‑monthly performance and salary reviews during the 2-year scheme.
- Opportunity to become a STEM Ambassador and inspire the next generation of Engineers.
- Collaboration across a global graduate community and opportunity to grow your professional network.
- Potential to support overseas project work.
Working here
You will be warmly welcomed into our workplace where every voice matters. We are diverse thinkers and doers, coming together to create a culture of inclusion. We will support you to find your place. We will encourage you to use your passion and expertise to make a positive impact through the projects you work on. Your knowledge and desire to bring about change will be invaluable in helping deliver innovative solutions that support communities across the globe in becoming safer and more sustainable.
Work life balance
We offer flexible approaches to work, whether that is working from home, being in the office, or as a hybrid worker. We are happy to discuss flexible working arrangements. Wellbeing is at the core of our culture, allowing employees to flourish and achieve their full potential.
Benefits
We want you to know how much you are valued. Your remuneration and benefits package will reflect that. You will receive a range of benefits which include support for your physical and mental health. Our core benefits include 25 days' annual leave, plus 8 flexible bank holidays, a competitive company pension scheme, life assurance and professional subscriptions reimbursement. We also offer a wide range of flexible benefits to suit your lifestyle.
Diversity, Equality, and Inclusion statement
We are an Equal Opportunity Employer, we believe in each person's potential, and we'll help you reach yours. We have an ambitious diversity, equality, and inclusion approach. We value diversity; recognising that a more diverse workforce creates a richer and more varied working environment. Diversity also drives innovation, by allowing us to offer our clients the best consultancy service that we can. As part of our commitment to engage positively and pro‑actively with all our employees and to ensure an inclusive culture, we are recognised as a 'disability confident' employer.
Graduate Engineer - Manufacturing in Shoreham-by-Sea employer: Ricardo
At Ricardo, we pride ourselves on being an exceptional employer, fostering a culture of inclusion and collaboration at our Shoreham Technical Centre and Leamington Spa locations. We offer flexible working arrangements to support work-life balance, alongside a comprehensive benefits package that prioritises your well-being and professional growth. Join us to make a meaningful impact in delivering innovative solutions for a safer and sustainable world, while being part of a diverse team that values every voice.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Graduate Engineer - Manufacturing in Shoreham-by-Sea
✨Join Local Manufacturing Groups
Getting involved in local manufacturing groups or associations can seriously boost your visibility. These groups often have insider info on job openings and networking events, plus they help you connect with like-minded folks in the industry. Check out what's happening in your area!
✨Show Off Your Skills in Practical Spaces
Consider participating in workshops or open days at manufacturing companies. It's a great way to show off your hands-on skills in a real-world environment and can sometimes lead to job offers right on the spot. Keep an eye on announcements from local manufacturers for these opportunities!
✨Leverage the Power of Internships
While you're looking for full-time positions, don't underestimate the power of internships! Even if you don't see a direct role, securing an internship at a company can open doors to future jobs. Many manufacturing firms prefer to hire from their intern pool, so it's definitely worth considering.
✨Apply Directly Through Company Websites
When you find a role at a company you love, like Ricardo, apply directly on their website. This way, you’re more likely to be noticed by the hiring team. Plus, showing that you took the time to seek out their application process highlights your genuine interest in the firm!
We think you need these skills to ace Graduate Engineer - Manufacturing in Shoreham-by-Sea
Some tips for your application 🫡
Showcase Your Technical Skills:In the manufacturing-production sector, it's crucial to highlight your technical skills and experience. Make sure your CV features any relevant qualifications, such as certifications in machinery operation or production management, and don’t forget about any specific systems or software you’re familiar with. This can really set you apart!
Emphasise Teamwork and Communication:Working in manufacturing often means being part of a larger team. Highlight your experience in collaborative projects or environments where communication was key. Maybe you have experience with lean manufacturing principles? Talk about how you worked with your team to improve productivity and maintain quality.
Tailor Your Cover Letter to the Company:Don’t just recycle an old cover letter! Take the time to tailor your cover letter to Ricardo specifically. Mention what excites you about their production processes or products, and how your previous experiences can contribute to their goals. We want to see your enthusiasm for the role!
Use Concrete Examples of Your Achievements:When detailing your work experience, include measurable achievements that can demonstrate your impact. Whether it’s improving efficiency by a certain percentage or successfully leading a project, these specifics can make a huge difference. Numbers speak volumes in the manufacturing world!
How to prepare for a job interview at Ricardo
✨Know Your Manufacturing Processes
Before you walk into the interview with Ricardo, brush up on the specific manufacturing processes relevant to the role. Understanding lean manufacturing principles or quality control techniques could give you a solid edge to discuss how you’d fit into their operations.
✨Technical Questions Are Key
Be prepared for technical questions around machinery, production scheduling, or materials handling. Make sure you can confidently explain how you've dealt with these in past experiences or internships. Knowing industry-specific software could also be a big plus!
✨Showcase Your Problem-Solving Skills
Manufacturing environments often focus on continuous improvement. Be ready to discuss specific instances where you’ve solved a production issue or implemented a process improvement. It’s all about demonstrating your analytical thinking and hands-on approach.
✨Align Your Values with Quality and Safety
In a full-time role, companies like Ricardo value commitment to quality and safety. Be prepared to discuss how you prioritise these factors in your work. It’s about showing that you’re not just looking for a job, but that you genuinely care about contributing positively to their production environment.
