Graduate Mechanical Engineer | Mansfield | £30,000-£32,000 | PermanentThe Opportunity

If you're an ambitious Mechanical Engineering graduate looking to build a career in a hands-on engineering environment, this is an exceptional opportunity to join a structured graduate programme designed to develop the next generation of rail engineering talent.

This UK-based rail engineering group provides exposure across the full rail asset lifecycle, from design and manufacturing through to maintenance, overhaul, modification and fleet engineering.

The 48-month Graduate Mechanical Engineer Programme combines hands-on project work, group placements, customer-facing exposure and mentorship from experienced rail engineers to develop practical, confident and professionally grounded Mechanical Engineers.

You'll gain experience across multiple areas of the business through rotational placements during your first year, developing a broad understanding of rail engineering operations, products and services across the asset lifecycle. In Year 2, you'll focus on building your core engineering competence through structured training, supervised design work, CAD development, engineering calculations and practical problem-solving activities. As your technical knowledge and confidence develop, you'll take increasing ownership of engineering activities, progressing towards managing work packages, delivering technical solutions and leading key engineering deliverables during Years 3 and 4.

Whether your passion lies in design, manufacturing, maintenance or engineering improvement, this programme provides the practical experience, technical development and professional support to accelerate your engineering career.

Graduate Mechanical Engineer Key Responsibilities

Mechanical Design & CAD: Support the design and development of freight wagons, containers and fabricated products, producing CAD models, engineering drawings, calculations and technical reports.

Manufacturing Exposure: Gain hands-on experience across fabrication, welding, assembly and inspection activities, developing practical engineering knowledge and problem-solving skills.

Maintenance Insight: Develop an understanding of maintenance, overhaul, modification and fleet engineering activities to support the performance and reliability of rail assets.

Progressive Ownership: Take increasing responsibility for engineering calculations, design packages, technical documentation and continuous improvement projects as your competence develops.

Customer & Industry Engagement: Participate in customer meetings, support technical clarifications, capture engineering requirements and gain valuable operational insight.

Commercial Development: Build an understanding of engineering governance, effective communication, decision-making processes and the professional behaviours expected of a successful engineer.

Ideal Graduate Mechanical Engineer

Mechanical Engineering Degree Qualified: BEng in Mechanical Engineering (Minimum 2:1 classification).

Passion for Engineering: Genuine interest in mechanical engineering, problem-solving and practical engineering environments.

Interest in Rail or Heavy Industry: Enthusiasm for rail, transport, manufacturing or heavy engineering sectors.

Hands-On Approach: Comfortable learning within operational, workshop and manufacturing environments.

Professional Attitude: Motivated to learn, take ownership and develop towards professional engineering status.

Location

Mansfield, Nottinghamshire (full time on site due to the practical and operational nature of the role).

Monday – Friday, Full-time 

Graduate Mechanical Engineer Salary

£30,000 – £32,000 per annum

In addition, employees will benefit from structured development, professional mentorship and a funded pathway towards Chartered Engineer status.

About Ford & Stanley Group

Ford & Stanley Talent Services Group are in the business of people and performance. Our mission is to create one million better workdays through facilitating great recruitment, leadership and occupational mental fitness. We support our clients in their most challenging business areas – recruiting, developing and retaining the best talent from shop floor to boardroom.

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