Mechanical Engineering Graduate Scheme

Please note: This role may close soon depending on the level of interest so don’t miss out!

We’d like to remind you that you must ensure you are eligible for this scheme before applying. Please read through the eligibility criteria below carefully and ensure that you are eligible before applying.

Please note: We only allow one application for any of our Graduate schemes per year. Any subsequent applications will be withdrawn.

Job overview

Our Engineers focus on the assets that form the foundation of our transport system. The emphasis of our graduate scheme is on developing world-class mechanical engineers who seek to become the senior engineers, subject matter experts and leaders of the future. 

Your work will include finding solutions to meaningful problems, spanning multiple transport modes. You will collaborate with multi-disciplinary teams from across TfL and with customers, local government, and the supply chain to deliver city-defining programmes and cutting-edge technology. Some current works include:

• Piccadilly Line Upgrade – Transforming the line’s infrastructure and introducing a new fleet of modern trains. 
• Step-Free Access – Improving accessibility across the Tube and Overground networks by making more stations step-free. 
• Bus Electrification – Enabling greener, cleaner travel by upgrading existing buses to zero tailpipe emissions 
• Maintenance and Renewals – Working to keep our assets safe and operational, and replacing aging assets so that we keep the Capital running both now and, in the future

What will I be doing?

As a graduate, your two-year development programme will be made up of around eight placement rotations. Our aim is to equip you with the range of skills and experience you need for your successful career. 

We also understand that everyone’s career is different, so every graduate’s journey is unique. Here’s an example of what yours could look like:

Year 1

• Placement 1 - Rolling Stock Enhancements – 3 months - You could work on a major train upgrade project, undertaking 3D Computer-Aided Design, and developing, testing, and implementing solutions on our vehicles.
• Placement 2 – Track Engineering – 3 months  - You could be trialling new technologies to help us catch faults early, carrying out risk simulations, track inspections and reviewing new track layouts. There would be opportunities to be involved with track maintenance work which often occurs at night 
• Placement 3 – Lifts and Escalators Engineering – 3 months - You could learn about safety standards, implementing technology updates and reviewing system designs, and overhaul of lifts and escalators to best create a more accessible network for our customers.
• Placement 4 – Depot Operational Engineering – 3 months  - Based at one of our train maintenance depots, you could learn how to apply root-cause analysis, carry out hands-on maintenance inspections and implement upgrades generated by the rolling stock design team.

Year 2 

• Placement 5 - Station Systems Engineering – 3 months - You could deliver station power savings or carry out Computational Fluid Dynamic simulations of wind speeds, cooling systems, and passenger flows, and plan the layout of operational equipment.
• Placement 6 - Project Sponsorship – 3 months - Your responsibilities could include leading stakeholder engagement with local government and defining the requirements and direction for projects relating to London’s Net Zero, Zero Harm and Accessibility targets.
• Placement 7 – Major Projects – 3 months - As a more strategic placement, you could experience the commercial aspects of Engineering at a pan-TfL level, on anything from Bakerloo Line Upgrade, Cycle Superhighways, Bridges and Structures to Tube Upgrades. 
• Placement 8 – Building Services Engineering – 3 months - You could be focused on local station upgrades including implementing and maintaining step-free access schemes and planning for bus station accommodation upgrades. 

Towards the end of the two-year scheme, we hope that graduates will have experienced enough of the TfL Engineering Directorate to understand which asset area they would prefer to roll-off into and submit their preferences. After moving into a permanent role, further support will continue to be available from IMechE accredited mentors until Chartership. 

Location

The role will be based in London. Hybrid working (typically working from home no more than 50% of the time) will be the default arrangement going forward, although some courses and placements will require full-time attendance. All employees have the right to request flexible working; we will consider all requests in a reasonable manner.

Hybrid working arrangements can evolve subject to business requirements.

Where can this career take me?

Our mechanical engineers have the chance to create a huge impact. A career with us will be varied and exciting, with opportunities across TfL Engineering. 

Within five years, you should expect to have achieved Chartered Engineer status with the IMechE. In ten years, you could be working at Senior Engineer level, an expert in a technical discipline, responsible for the performance of an engineering team, or informing strategic decisions on designs and processes.

What training and support will you get?

Our award-winning teams will support your ongoing development, through a wide range of on-the-job practical experience and placements. We'll support your professional development through a combination of training, mentoring, and networking.

You'll also receive one-to-one guidance throughout the programme from your:

• Placement manager: Responsible for your day-to-day management and support with your development 
• Scheme sponsor: A senior manager who acts as a technical and professional adviser and has line manager responsibility 
• Buddy: Usually a second-year graduate who gives support to you and ensures that you feel welcomed in the organisation
• Chartered IMechE mentor: Supports your professional development through providing career coaching and mentoring towards chartership

Entry requirements

A minimum of 2:2 MEng or MSc accredited Institution of Mechanical Engineers (IMechE) degree in Mechanical Engineering or a closely related subject.

Please be advised that should you be successful in getting an offer for this graduate scheme, your offer will be subject to a satisfactory medical which may include but is not limited to: drugs and alcohol screening, eye test and hearing test.

Successful candidates must have the right to work in the UK for the duration of the scheme, as at the start date.  This role is not eligible for sponsorship under the Skilled Worker visa scheme.  If you do not have the right to work in the UK, or only have a right to work here for a limited time which is lesser than the duration of the scheme, you should be aware that TfL will be unable to sponsor you for this role.

What do we look for?

Our core values are extremely important to us, and we desire candidates who are:

• Caring about our colleagues, our customers and our work.
• Open to each other, to new ideas and to working together.
• Adaptable to diverse needs and willing to innovate.

What we offer

You will enjoy excellent benefits and scope to grow. Rewards vary according to the business area but mostly include:

• Free travel on the TfL network for you and a nominee who lives in the same household.
• Final salary pension scheme.
• Discounted national rail and Eurostar travel.
• Minimum 30 days' annual leave (Pro rata dependent on role) plus public and bank holidays.
• Private healthcare discounted scheme.
• Tax-efficient cycle-to-work programme.
• Retail, health, leisure and travel offers & many more.

Successful candidates must have the right to work in the UK for the duration of the scheme, as at the start date. This role is not eligible for sponsorship under the Skilled Worker visa scheme. If you do not have the right to work in the UK, or only have a right to work here for a limited time which is lesser than the duration of the scheme, you should be aware that TfL will be unable to sponsor you for this role.

Salary:

£32,250, rising to £33,500 in the second year.

Inclusive recruitment process

We are committed to equality, diversity and inclusion and aim to reflect the diverse communities we serve. We believe that a diverse workforce enables us to deliver better services and outcomes. Our goal is to make our recruitment as inclusive as possible. As a Disability Confident Leader, we actively encourage applications from disabled people.

As part of the Disability Confident scheme, we aim to offer an assessment or interview to candidates who apply via the scheme where the minimum essential criteria for skills, knowledge and experience has been met. In some circumstances, it may not be practical to offer an interview or assessment to every candidate who applies through the scheme and meet the minimum essential criteria; in these situations, we select candidates who best meet the minimum criteria for the job rather than interviewing all who meet them.

Across all recruitment activity, we recognise that selection methods may vary depending on the nature and scale of the campaign and will be applied fairly, consistently and proportionately in line with our Disability Confident commitments.

In High Volume campaigns including Graduate, Apprentice and Intern recruitment the minimum criteria we set is achieving a pass mark in our first stage assessments, adopting a proportionate approach to the Disability Confident Offer an Interview scheme.

Please let us know if you require any reasonable adjustments for any stages of the application process.

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