At a Glance
- Tasks: Join the VCA to test and certify cutting-edge vehicle technologies.
- Company: Vehicle Certification Agency, part of the Department for Transport.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, generous pension, 25 days leave, and flexible working options.
- Other info: Extensive travel opportunities and excellent professional development support.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in the automotive sector while developing your career.
- Qualifications: Degree in Mechanical or Automotive Engineering or related fields.
The predicted salary is between 33477 - 33477 £ per year.
Location: Nuneaton (This role is suitable for hybrid working)
Salary: £33,477. Advertised salary is inclusive of a base salary of £32,027 plus an additional graduate allowance of £1,450. Plus a Civil Service Pension with an employer contribution of 28.97%.
Contract Type: Permanent – Flexible working, Full-time, Job share, Part-time.
Available Positions: 1.
Joining the Vehicle Certification Agency (VCA) and wider Department for Transport (DfT) Graduate Scheme as a permanent member of staff will open the door to a wide range of professional development opportunities. Collaborating with vehicle manufacturers, testing organisations and technical specialists across the automotive sector, you will aid the evolution, testing and approval of some of the world's most advanced vehicle technologies.
As a Graduate Automated Vehicle Test Engineer, you will spend your first two years developing a broad understanding of vehicle testing, certification and regulatory compliance through a combination of on-the-job experience, structured learning and placements. You will undertake rotations across VCA and may have opportunities to gain experience with organisations such as the Department for Transport, the Office for Zero Emission Vehicles and the Centre for Connected and Autonomous Vehicles. Extensive travel within the UK and overseas is an essential part of the scheme, with potential opportunities to work alongside VCA's international offices in Japan and North America.
Top Responsibilities
- Work towards CEng or IEng by engaging with the IMechE MPDS or IET Career Manager frameworks.
- Produce quarterly and annual development reports and ensure these are approved and submitted on time.
- Maintain disciplined record-keeping, tracking objectives, evidence, and progress.
- Develop and support technical knowledge in vehicle systems, components, and associated technology.
- Follow agency procedures and quality requirements.
- Work to support and update GB national regulations to ensure vehicles stay safe, secure and environmentally friendly throughout their lifetime.
Benefits
- Employer pension contribution of 28.97% of your salary.
- 25 days annual leave, increasing by 1 day each year of service (up to a maximum of 30 days annual leave).
- 8 Bank Holidays plus an additional Privilege Day to mark the King’s birthday.
- Access to the staff discount portal.
- Excellent career development opportunities and the potential to undertake professional qualifications relevant to your role paid for by the department, such as CIPD, Prince2, apprenticeships, etc.
- 24-hour Employee Assistance Programme providing free confidential help and advice for staff.
- Flexible working options where we encourage a great work-life balance.
About You
To be successful in this role you will need to have the following experience:
- Educated to degree level, or equivalent, in an IMechE or IET accredited degree (Mechanical Engineering, Automotive Engineering), or any engineering discipline closely linked to those, including degrees with a focus on technologies relevant to automotive technology. Equivalent qualifications from a mutually recognised accreditation body will also be considered.
- Proven communication skills.
- The ability to work as part of a team and on your own initiative with minimum supervision.
- Willingness to travel extensively in the UK and overseas, including overnight stays.
- Understanding the importance of maintaining confidentiality and respecting intellectual property rights.
Additional Information
Licences
Full UK Category B Driving Licence.
Qualifications
Educated to degree level, or equivalent, in an IMechE or IET accredited degree (Mechanical Engineering, Automotive Engineering), or any engineering discipline closely linked to those, including degrees with a focus on technologies relevant to automotive technology. Equivalent qualifications from a mutually recognised accreditation body will also be considered. You will be required to provide evidence that you hold any essential qualifications at some point during the recruitment process. If you cannot provide evidence, your application will be withdrawn.
How to Apply
Read the full description and apply at CS Jobs using the link provided. This vacancy closes at 23:55 on Thursday 12th November 2026.
Graduate Automated Vehicles Test Engineer employer: Vehicle Certification Agency
The Vehicle Certification Agency is an exceptional employer, offering a supportive work culture that prioritises employee wellbeing and professional growth. With a generous pension contribution of 28.97%, flexible working options, and a commitment to career development through funded qualifications, employees can thrive in their roles while enjoying a healthy work-life balance in the vibrant city of Bristol.
Contact Details:
Vehicle Certification Agency Recruitment Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Graduate Automated Vehicles Test Engineer
✨Join Engineering Meetups!
Get yourself along to local engineering meetups or tech conferences. These are great places to connect with like-minded folks and industry leaders who might just have a lead on that full-time Graduate Automated Vehicles Test Engineer role you’re after at Vehicle Certification Agency.
✨Show Off Your Projects!
Don’t be shy about showcasing your engineering projects. Whether it’s a funky app, a mechanical design, or a complex algorithm, having a solid portfolio on platforms like GitHub can really make you stand out. Plus, it gives potential employers at Vehicle Certification Agency a taste of what you can bring to the table!
✨Engage with Online Communities
Dive into engineering forums and online communities, like Reddit or specific engineering Discord channels. Sharing your insights, asking questions, and being active can help you build connections that might lead to job opportunities at Vehicle Certification Agency.
✨Apply Through Company Websites
When you spot a role like Graduate Automated Vehicles Test Engineer at Vehicle Certification Agency, apply directly through their website. Often, this can show your genuine interest in the company and you might just get noticed quicker than via typical job boards.
We think you need these skills to ace Graduate Automated Vehicles Test Engineer
Some tips for your application 🫡
Showcase Your Technical Expertise:When applying for an engineering role like Graduate Automated Vehicles Test Engineer, it’s essential to highlight your technical skills. Include any relevant software or tools you're proficient in on your CV—think CAD software, simulation tools, or programming languages. Don't skimp on any engineering projects you've worked on that demonstrate your ability to solve complex problems.
Focus on Results and Impact:In the engineering world, we love numbers and real-world impact. Quantify your achievements wherever possible—like reducing costs by a certain percentage, improving efficiency, or successfully completing a project ahead of schedule. This gives your future employers at Vehicle Certification Agency a clear picture of the value you can bring.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter:Use your cover letter to express your passion for engineering and explain why you’re drawn to Vehicle Certification Agency specifically. Share what aspects of their work excite you and how your values align with theirs. This is your chance to show a bit of personality while keeping it professional!
Include Relevant Certifications:If you have any engineering certifications, especially ones that are recognised in your field, make sure to feature them prominently on your CV. They demonstrate not just your knowledge, but also your commitment to professional development, which is something we at StudySmarter value highly.
How to prepare for a job interview at Vehicle Certification Agency
✨Brush Up on Core Engineering Principles
Before heading into the interview with Vehicle Certification Agency, make sure you're solid on the fundamental engineering principles relevant to the role. Be ready to discuss concepts such as thermodynamics, fluid mechanics, or structural analysis, depending on the specifics mentioned in the job description. Don’t skip any hands-on projects or coursework; these can be excellent talking points!
✨Show Off Your Problem-Solving Skills
Expect technical questions or case studies during your interview—after all, engineering is all about solving problems! Prepare a few examples of how you've tackled engineering challenges in the past, whether at university or in any practical experience. Practising with mock technical interviews can really help you articulate your thought process and solutions.
✨Relate Your Experience to the Role
In a full-time role, employers like Vehicle Certification Agency want to see that you can adapt and grow within their team. Be ready to discuss how your previous internships, projects, or studies relate directly to the work you'll be doing. Highlight specific experiences that showcase your collaborative skills and how you've successfully worked within a team environment.
✨Know Your Tools and Software
Most engineering roles require familiarity with specific tools and software. Prepare to talk about your proficiency with programmes like AutoCAD, MATLAB, or SolidWorks if they’re relevant to the role. Even better, have examples of projects where you’ve used these tools, as it'll demonstrate your hands-on experience and readiness for the job.
