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
Ricardo is an exceptional employer, offering a dynamic and inclusive work culture in Shoreham-by-Sea, where every voice matters. With a robust 2-year graduate development programme, employees benefit from technical and soft skills training, mentorship for professional qualifications, and opportunities to engage in meaningful engineering projects that contribute to global sustainability. The company prioritises employee wellbeing with flexible working arrangements and a comprehensive benefits package, ensuring a supportive environment for personal and professional growth.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Graduate Engineer - Manufacturing in Shoreham-by-Sea
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to current employees at Ricardo on LinkedIn or through mutual connections. Ask them about their experiences and any tips they might have for landing the Graduate Engineer role.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for the interview by brushing up on your technical knowledge and soft skills. Think of examples from your studies or projects that showcase your problem-solving abilities and teamwork, as these are key in engineering roles.
✨Tip Number 3
Show your passion for engineering! During interviews, share your interests in manufacturing techniques or any relevant hobbies. This can set you apart and demonstrate your genuine enthusiasm for the field.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, it shows you’re serious about joining the Ricardo team and ready to take on exciting challenges.
We think you need these skills to ace Graduate Engineer - Manufacturing in Shoreham-by-Sea
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV:Make sure your CV is tailored to the Graduate Engineer role. Highlight relevant experiences, skills, and projects that align with the job description. We want to see how your background fits into our world of manufacturing!
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter:Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to express your passion for engineering and why you’re excited about joining Ricardo. Be sure to mention specific projects or values that resonate with you – we love seeing genuine enthusiasm!
Showcase Your Skills:In your application, don’t just list your skills; demonstrate them! Use examples from your studies or previous work to show how you’ve applied your knowledge in real-world situations. We appreciate candidates who can connect theory to practice.
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to apply directly through our website. It’s the best way to ensure your application gets to us quickly and efficiently. Plus, you’ll find all the details you need about the role and our company culture there!
How to prepare for a job interview at Ricardo
✨Know Your Engineering Basics
Brush up on your knowledge of manufacturing processes and assembly techniques. Be ready to discuss concepts like DFA, DFM, and PFMEA, as these are crucial for the role. Showing that you understand these principles will impress the interviewers.
✨Showcase Your Problem-Solving Skills
Prepare examples of how you've tackled engineering challenges in the past. Use the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) to structure your responses. This will demonstrate your logical fault-finding skills and ability to work under pressure.
✨Demonstrate Your Passion for Engineering
Share your interests in mechanical or electrical engineering, whether it's motorsport, restoration projects, or any relevant hobbies. This personal touch can help you connect with the interviewers and show that you're genuinely enthusiastic about the field.
✨Ask Insightful Questions
Prepare thoughtful questions about the company’s projects, culture, and the graduate programme. This shows your interest in the role and helps you assess if the company is the right fit for you. Plus, it gives you a chance to engage in a two-way conversation.
