Graduate Manufacturing Engineer (Post Graduate Apprentice)

targetjobs UK; Milton Keynes; On-site; GBP 80,000 - 100,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading engineering firm in Milton Keynes is offering an exciting opportunity for a Graduate Manufacturing Engineer. In this role, you will work towards a Level 7 Post Graduate Engineering Diploma through an apprenticeship, gaining practical experience in technical and project management skills. This position includes responsibilities such as project delivery and collaboration with key stakeholders, contributing to innovative manufacturing solutions and improvements.

Benefits

Generous bonus scheme

Private health care cover

Life assurance scheme

Workplace nursery scheme

Company-contributed pension scheme

Free on-site gym

Daily food allowance

Cycle-to-work scheme

Qualifications

• Completed an Engineering degree.
• Ability to create and evaluate manufacturing processes.
• Experience using CAD packages.

Responsibilities

• Build and develop external networks to identify manufacturing technologies.
• Assess improvement opportunities and influence manufacturing strategies.
• Deliver engineering-led projects through the full lifecycle.
• Support continuous improvement strategies.

Skills

Project management

Data analysis

Leadership skills

Communication

Education

Engineering degree

Tools

CAD software

Job description

Overview

We have an exciting opportunity for a Graduate Manufacturing Engineer to join our Chassis Manufacturing Engineering Department. Based at our state-of-the-art campus in Milton Keynes, you will be immersed in the heart of our manufacturing facility, which includes some of the industry’s most impressive systems and technology underpinning the manufacture and assembly of critical chassis components.

As a Graduate Manufacturing Engineer (Post Graduate Apprentice), you will work in a supported and structured learning environment to achieve a Level 7 Post Graduate Engineering Diploma via an apprenticeship, applying and demonstrating acquired skills and knowledge through assigned projects. You will gain practical experience in technical, analytical, project management, continuous improvement, and leadership skills required to become an effective Manufacturing Engineer capable of initiating, leading, and delivering future supply chain improvements.

Your Role

• Proactively build and develop an external network to identify the latest manufacturing technologies and capabilities, and communicate insights succinctly to the business.
• Assess improvement opportunities through desktop analysis and practical trials to evaluate potential and viability, influence future manufacturing strategies, and elevate goal expectations.
• Develop leadership skills by working with manufacturing departments to create, maintain, and deliver development roadmaps aligned to Supply Chain objectives.
• Collaborate with key stakeholders to develop robust business cases and financial models supporting capital investment plans.
• Gain end-to-end project management experience by delivering engineering-led projects through the full lifecycle, including problem definition, requirements capture, cost–benefit analysis, project planning, supplier selection, stakeholder engagement and management, financial approvals, installation and commissioning, testing, acceptance, and sustainable handover to the customer department.
• Establish strong cross-functional relationships and maintain clear communication across departments.
• Support and actively contribute to continuous improvement strategies, plans, and policies. Provide second-line support to Production Engineering with knowledge of new processes, systems, tools, and equipment to help overcome day-to-day production challenges.
• Lead cross-functional teams to evaluate end-to-end part production processes, ensuring the most efficient and synchronized process is in place.
• Provide second-line support for established processes, systems, and tools.
• Coach supply chain teams in Continuous Improvement to drive progress aligned with strategic goals.
  
  

Key Competencies

• Thorough understanding and some practical experience of current composite and metallic component manufacturing and assembly processes.
• Ability to create and evaluate composite and metallic component manufacturing and assembly processes.
• Project management and project leadership experience.
• Data analysis and visualization experience to drive decision making.
• Ability to present clearly and confidently.
  
  

Desired Competencies

• Completion of the Level 7 Post Graduate Manufacturing Engineer Apprenticeship programme, including all off-the-job training and associated assignments.
• Experience engaging technically with suppliers of manufacturing plant, equipment, or software.
• Research and development experience within engineering or manufacturing.
• Project management and project leadership experience.
• Experience using CAD packages and the ability to read and correctly interpret engineering drawings.
  
  

Lean/Continuous Improvement Tools

• Setting appropriate metrics and KPIs.
• Workplace layout and organization.
• Visual management.
• Process mapping.
• Structured problem solving.
• Cost–benefit analysis.
  
  

Eligibility and Requirements

• Completed an Engineering degree.
• Ability to attend our Assessment Centre on 9 September 2025.
• Age 18 or over.
• Ability to travel to Portsmouth University once a month over the course of three years.
  
  

Benefits

In addition to a competitive salary and the opportunity to contribute directly to championship-winning grand prix cars, you will have access to a comprehensive benefits package, including:

• Generous bonus scheme.
• Private health care cover.
• Life assurance scheme.
• Workplace nursery scheme.
• Company-contributed pension scheme.
• Free on-site gym and fitness classes.
• Daily food allowance.
• Cycle-to-work scheme.
• And more.