Mechanical Engineering Year In Industry

Mechanical, Mechatronics, Systems.

Help deliver the engineering improvements that shape the future of Britain's railway.

Our 11-month Mechanical Engineering Year In Industry Placement gives you the opportunity to gain hands-on experience while applying the knowledge you've developed through your studies to real-world engineering challenges. Working alongside experienced engineers, you'll contribute to important projects and develop valuable technical and professional skills.

Early Careers at Network Rail
What's it like to work at Network Rail? We speak to recent degree apprentices and graduates to find out.

What you’ll be doing

Take the opportunity to gain experience across a range of mechanical engineering activities while developing your technical knowledge and understanding of the railway.

You'll contribute to meaningful projects while building the knowledge and experience needed for a successful career in mechanical engineering. You'll have the opportunity to:

  • Support improvements to track equipment and railway infrastructure
  • Gain experience across specialisms such as plant, traction and rolling stock
  • Develop knowledge of asset management and infrastructure engineering

Depending on where you're based and what interests you, you'll have the opportunity to explore a variety of engineering disciplines while applying your theoretical knowledge to practical challenges.

Who you are matters

You'll need to be in your penultimate year at university, be on track to achieve a minimum of a 2:2 in an Institution of Mechanical Engineers (IMechE) accredited degree, and have the flexibility to occasionally travel to attend training opportunities at various locations.

We're looking for logical thinkers with a creative approach to solving complex problems. You should be resourceful, hardworking and comfortable managing your own time. Other qualities we're looking for include:

  • Strong problem-solving skills
  • Good communication skills
  • A creative approach to tackling challenges
  • Good time management and organisation skills
  • A proactive attitude toward learning and development

What you’ll get out of it

Over 11 months, you'll gain a rounded experience of what it takes to be a Mechanical Engineer at Network Rail. You'll be surrounded by supportive colleagues and receive coaching from experienced professionals as you develop your skills, confidence and industry knowledge.

We invest in our placement students because we believe they have the potential to become the future of our business. If you impress us during your placement, you'll be considered for the following year's Graduate Scheme and take the next step towards a career in Mechanical Engineering at Network Rail.

  • Salary: £25,409 pro rata
  • Locations: London, Gateshead, Peterborough, Manchester, Birmingham, Cardiff, Milton Keynes
  • Start date: September 2027
  • Programme duration: 11 months
  • Minimum degree requirements: On track to achieve a 2:2 in an IMechE-accredited degree
We've signed the Gradcracker feedback pledge.
(This means that we will supply feedback if requested after an interview.)

1e127ede32d8f816eacfb0aed73cee11

This button will open a new tab and take you directly to the employer's website.
Please remember, if asked, that you found this opportunity on Gradcracker.
Add to Shortlist
Shortlisted
  • Deadline
    Ongoing
  • Starting
    September 2027
  • Hiring Multiple Candidates
    Yes
  • Salary
    £25,409 pro rata + benefits
  • Degree required
    2:2 and above (expected)
  • Duration
    11 months
  • Location
    London, Gateshead, Peterborough, Manchester, Birmingham, Cardiff and Milton Keynes
Show location/s on map
Disciplines Accepted...
  • Mechanical
  • Mechatronics/Robotics
  • Software/Systems
The 2026/27
Gradcracker Toolkit
Explore the online version
For our new webinar season we are inviting students to submit questions to our featured employers.
Find out more here
© 2007 - 2026 Gradcracker Limited
Log in/Register
Gradcracker Limited, October House, Long Street, Easingwold, York, YO61 3HX
01347 823822
info@gradcracker.com
Company registration number: 6370348