Engineering Graduate Programme

ASTRAZENECA UK LIMITED; Macclesfield; Hybrid; GBP 30,000 - 40,000; Full time

Job summary

A global biopharmaceutical company is seeking recent engineering graduates for their Engineering Graduate Programme. This opportunity involves three 12-month rotations across operational and technical teams starting in September 2026. Graduates will manage improvement projects while gaining essential engineering knowledge in a supportive environment. Training is offered to become a Chartered Engineer, with additional opportunities for travel and professional development. Join a diverse and inclusive team focused on delivering life-changing medicines.

Benefits

Support towards becoming a Chartered Engineer

Opportunity to travel for projects

Mentorship for career progression

Qualifications

• Recent graduates with an engineering degree accredited by an Engineering Council backed institution.
• Ability to work on your own initiative and collaborate within teams.
• Understanding of project management is beneficial.

Responsibilities

• Integrate into operational and technical teams across various functions.
• Manage your own improvement projects.
• Participate in a wide variety of technical operations and projects.

Skills

Strong technical curiosity

Problem solving skills

Collaboration

Communication skills

Education

Recent engineering degree from an accredited institution

Job description

Qualifications

• You should be a recent graduate with an engineering degree accredited by an Engineering Council backed institution.
• You should have a strong technical curiosity and interest in STEM, manufacturing, or sustainability.
• Problem solving skills will be important, and we will develop your skills in Lean/Manufacturing Excellence methodology.
• An understanding of project management would be beneficial.
• You should be able to collaborate within teams and have the ability to work on your own initiative.
• We're looking for a confident communicator, who can work with a variety of people across the organisation.

Preferred Experience

• Control System Engineering
• Digital System Engineering
• Manufacturing Engineering

At AstraZeneca, we are united by a common purpose - to push the boundaries of science. This purpose underpins everything we do; our work helps to make hearts healthier, to help people breathe easier, and to help more people survive cancer. Every day, we make a difference by delivering potentially life-changing medicines to millions of people worldwide and by leading breakthrough science that promises to transform the treatment of disease.

Join a supportive and welcoming team of equals. Are you an Engineering Graduate that qualified in 2025 or is about to obtain their degree in 2026 and looking for an exciting role on a Graduate Programme? If so, this could be the challenge you've been searching for! Be welcomed into our inclusive network of diverse and high performing teams. Have the support, trust and respect to thrive - fair leadership, great workplaces and energised teams who always have each other's back. For those with a shared drive and passion for changing people's lives, experience a sense of belonging like no other. Working on meaningful tasks and projects with real implications, you'll tackle high levels of responsibility and ownership - applying your existing knowledge and broadening your skills to make valuable contributions and deliver real results for our patients and business.

What is the Engineering Graduate programme?

This is an outstanding opportunity which will give recent graduates the prospect to work for a global biopharmaceutical company, who are dedicated to making life changing medicines. As a Graduate Engineer you will develop your engineering knowledge, getting involved in technical operations and projects that will make a difference to AstraZeneca. We will offer you a stimulating environment where you can develop and learn as you participate in a wide variety of exciting and meaningful work. We'll support you on your way to becoming a Chartered Engineer, as we have accredited schemes with the IET, IMechE and IChemE; and you'll have the opportunity to become a STEM Ambassador and be involved in external outreach activities to inspire the future generation of Engineers. At the end of the Graduate Programme, you will be supported by a Mentor to help you find your first permanent role in AstraZeneca.

What you'll do

You’ll learn how AstraZeneca needs Engineers to keep the business operating, by being integrated into operational and technical teams across various functions. You’ll manage your own improvement projects, and complete tasks assigned to you working within larger teams. You’ll get to explore many of the diverse functions within the business, and have the opportunity to build a global network of colleagues and friends. Starting in September 2026, our Engineering Graduate Programme consists of three 12-month rotations. Placements could be located at our Macclesfield, Liverpool or Cambridge sites. There may be an opportunity to travel domestically, or even abroad, to support projects, based on business needs. You’ll be part of a multi-discipline engineering team, and you will have the flexibility to collaborate and provide insight into day-to-day business operations and projects.