Hardware Engineering Graduate - Robotics & Automation

Ocado Group; Welwyn Garden City; Hybrid; GBP 28,000 - 32,000; Full time

Job summary

An innovative tech company in Welwyn Garden City is seeking graduates for an engineering program designed to provide hands-on experience through varied placements. This two-year program allows you to develop key engineering skills, work alongside experienced professionals, and engage in real-world challenges across multiple business areas. The ideal candidate holds an accredited engineering degree and possesses strong problem-solving and innovative skills. A hybrid working model and numerous benefits support your career growth.

Benefits

15% discount on ocado.com

25 days annual leave

Competitive pension and private medical insurance

Free shuttle service from Hatfield Train Station

Qualifications

• An undergraduate degree in Engineering accredited by a professional institution.
• Participated in internships or personal engineering projects.
• Ability to thrive in a dynamic environment.

Responsibilities

• Work alongside like-minded engineers tackling engineering challenges.
• Develop and test new technologies and solutions.
• Gain hands-on experience in Customer Fulfilment Centres.

Skills

Strong engineering background

Problem-solving skills

Creativity

Education

Undergraduate degree in Engineering

Job description

Educational Requirements

An undergraduate degree in Engineering accredited by a professional institution recognized by the UK Engineering Council (e.g., IMechE, ICE, IET) and leading to Chartered Engineer status, or an international equivalent that meets the standards set by the Washington Accord and equivalent professional engineering bodies.

Location

Hatfield, Welwyn Garden City, and our cutting edge Customer Fulfilment Centres (CFCs) around the world. We embrace hybrid working, so placements will involve a blend of remote work and on‑site presence depending on business requirements. A valid UK driving licence is desirable and may be required for specific rotations.

Why Ocado Group?

Ocado Group delivers innovative technology solutions powered by the latest advancements in automation, robotics, machine learning, and artificial intelligence, catering to the online grocery and non‑grocery distribution sectors. With over 20 years of experience in the online grocery industry and a portfolio of patented technologies, we strive to transform the economics and service standards of grocery e‑commerce on a global scale. A workplace culture that celebrates diversity, collaboration, and creativity. Discover more about Ocado Group's story here.

Program Overview

This 2 year programme consists of four exciting and varied placements, that develop, deliver and support our physical automated engineering systems for today and tomorrow.

Placements & Responsibilities

• You’ll work alongside like‑minded engineers tackling real‑world business and engineering challenges.
• These rotations allow you the opportunity to develop new specialisms, ranging from electrical engineering projects to verification engineering depending on business need.
• From developing and testing new technologies and solutions, to getting hands‑on with our bots in an operational warehouse, or analysing data on products and components – this programme offers an enriching and well‑rounded experience of engineering at Ocado Group.
• The graduate scheme is designed to help you identify where your strengths, interests, and ambitions align within engineering, providing a solid foundation for your future career.

Hands‑On Experience

Not all engineering graduate placements are based at our head offices. You will spend time in our Customer Fulfilment Centres (CFCs), where you'll gain practical experience in implementation, construction, commissioning, and operational engineering. You may also have the chance to work with our global manufacturers and on client sites around the world.

Development & Support

The programme is flexible and designed to adapt to your skills, interests, and the evolving needs of the business. In this role you will develop and refine essential engineering, leadership and personal skills whilst gaining valuable experience across a broad range of areas. Your development will be supported throughout your placements with personal targets and development plans set by your managers. You will be expected to complete various additional training modules to complement your development and engineering and personal career to help you thrive and realise your best potential.

Qualifications & Candidate Profile

• Strong engineering background, coming from your degree area, a placement year, hands‑on experience, or involvement in extracurricular activities.
• We value individuals who go beyond academics – whether that’s through a year in industry, internships, personal projects, or active participation in clubs and societies.
• We’re looking for self‑starters, problem‑solvers, and innovators who are passionate about ‘working alongside link‑minded engineers to’ tackling real‑world challenges.
• Can thrive in a dynamic, creative environment and enjoy building, testing, and deploying new technology solutions.

What You’ll Gain

• Hands‑on experience through rotational placements across key business areas.
• A personalised learning journey, designed to accelerate your growth and career development.
• Development opportunities to grow as a purposeful leader; challenge yourself, build confidence, collaborate with graduates across the business, and explore how to make a real impact.
• In your second year, additional opportunities to volunteer, get involved in wider initiatives, expand your professional network, and receive support to prepare for the next stage of your career.

Benefits of Joining Us

• 15% discount and free delivery on ocado.com.
• Hybrid working model for flexibility.
• 25 days annual leave, with the option to purchase more.
• Work up to 30 days per year from anywhere in the world.
• Free shuttle service from Hatfield Train Station.
• Competitive pension, share schemes, and private medical insurance.
• Exclusive discounts on retailers, gyms, cinemas, and more.