Graduate Specialist Program - Manufacturing Engineering

Cooper & Hall Limited; Birmingham; On-site; GBP 26,000 - 34,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Structured rotations

Coaching from senior leaders

SAP training

On-site parking

Job summary

HydraForce, based in Birmingham, UK, offers a Graduate Specialist Program in Manufacturing Engineering. You will rotate through specialist departments in our plant and abroad, gaining hands-on experience in hydraulic cartridge valves and manifolds while developing a data-driven approach to operations.

The program focuses on Lean manufacturing, cost-per-unit analysis, and digitalisation, with mentorship from senior leaders and exposure to SAP and industry tools.

Qualifications

• Master’s in Technical Engineering or comparable.
• Knowledge of Lean manufacturing principles is required.
• Strong MS Office and IT skills with sound project management experience.

Responsibilities

• Acquire in-depth insight into engineering and manufacturing of hydraulic valves and manifolds.
• Drive Manufacturing Excellence strategy across technologies.
• Prioritise digitalisation and AI projects to improve manufacturing practices.
• Work through rotations across Manufacturing Engineering & Operations functions.
• Participate in efficiency improvement projects and value stream mapping.

Skills

Lean principles

MS Office

Project management

Communication

Teamwork

Education

Master’s in Technical Engineering

Tools

SAP

Job description

HydraForce, operating from our purpose‑built facility in Birmingham, UK, is a global designer and manufacturer of motion control systems and the world’s leading manufacturer of hydraulic cartridge valves and custom hydraulic integrated circuits, as well as electronic controls for a variety of off‑highway industries. Bosch Rexroth and HydraForce bring together two world‑class leaders in hydraulic motion control. By combining our strengths, we've broadened our hydraulics offering to deliver the world's highest quality hydraulic control solutions to more OEMs across the globe. Together, we are expanding the possibilities of hydraulic control technology to provide innovative and reliable solutions.

Our trainee program as a "Graduate Specialist Program - Manufacturing Engineering" is your career start in an internationally successful company. In 18‑24 months, you will pass through specialist departments in our plant in Birmingham and abroad that are individually tailored to you. In the Graduate Specialist Program (GSP), you are in good hands as a technical ace with a soft spot for manufacturing and hydraulics technology. You carry an innovative mindset working towards effective solutions and embrace influencing people.

WHAT YOU WILL DO

• You will acquire an in-depth insight and understanding of the engineering and manufacturing of Hydraulic cartridge valves and manifolds.
• You will gain subject matter expertise in Manufacturing Cost Per Unit, initiating a toolset that enables a data‑driven approach to operational and non‑operational business improvements.
• The GSP shall drive the Manufacturing Excellence strategy for competitiveness across all manufacturing technologies in our global operations footprint to attain competitiveness targets and key results.
• Gain an understanding of value streams from source to make and deliver on how Lean Manufacturing can improve efficiency through active participation in efficiency improvement projects.
• Prioritise digitalisation and AI projects to enhance manufacturing practices.
• Develop a comprehensive understanding of Technical Functions with the opportunity of being placed in different fields within the Manufacturing setting. This can comprise Manufacturing Engineering Support (MFE), Manufacturing Operations (MFO), Bosch Production Systems (BPS), Manufacturing Coordination (MFC) & Business Digital Organisation (BDO).
• Take on duties and get to know all aspects of your field in manufacturing as well as in the day‑to‑day business.
• Design and develop lean manufacturing cells through analysis of process needs to include process assembly and test equipment. Work with Manufacturing Services to ensure factory layouts are kept up‑to‑date and meet business requirements as practices change and evolve.

QUALIFICATIONS

• Education: You have completed your Master’s in Technical Engineering or comparable. You have good knowledge of topics such as LEAN manufacturing principles.
• Experience and know‑how: You bring along experience of manufacturing and knowledge of hydraulics through relevant industrial internships. You possess strong Microsoft Office and IT skills and sound project management experience.
• Soft skills: You are detail‑oriented and possess strong communication skills, work well in a team and independently. You are confident, forward‑thinking and hold analytical and conceptual capabilities. You see courage, sincerity, tolerance, and mindfulness as desirable attitudes.
• Mobility: Willingness to travel at home and abroad as a part of the job rotation.

WHAT WE OFFER

• A comprehensive graduate development program with structured rotations.
• Dedicated coaching and mentorship from senior leaders.
• Extensive training in SAP and other industry‑leading tools.
• The opportunity to work in a global, innovative, and market‑leading company.
• A clear path for career progression for high performers.

WHY BOSCH REXROTH?

A range of benefits are available including employee discounts, various sports and health opportunities, and on‑site parking. We offer a wide variety of interesting and challenging tasks, flexible work‑time options, benefits and services, employee discounts, various sports and health opportunities, on‑site parking, and room for creativity.

You will be required to evidence your right to work in the UK, as we are unable to sponsor the employment of international workers in this role. International applicants would not be provided with a Skilled Worker visa for this role and will only be able to take up this role if they can demonstrate an alternative right to work in the UK.