Engineering Graduate

Sanofi; Ireland; On-site; EUR 37,000 - 46,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Performance related bonus 8%

Attractive benefits package

Job summary

Sanofi in Waterford offers a 23-month Graduate Programme spanning Engineering rotations in three areas. Start date 1 September 2027 with hands-on exposure to maintenance, operations and project validation in a GMP environment.

You’ll rotate through Engineering, Operations and Engineering Projects & Validation, developing leadership and project-management skills while contributing to site expansion and regulatory compliance.

Qualifications

• Graduated within the past two years or due to graduate before 1 September 2027.
• Hold a 2.1 degree or Master’s in Engineering or related discipline.
• Have full, unrestricted right to work in Ireland.

Responsibilities

• Gain hands-on experience across Engineering functions including Maintenance, Projects and Utilities.
• Support equipment reliability and preventive maintenance activities.
• Contribute to troubleshooting and continuous improvement with cross-functional teams.

Skills

Analytical skills

Problem solving

Communication skills

Project management

Education

Engineering degree (2.1) or MSc in related field

Tools

Microsoft Excel

Job description

• Location: Waterford, Ireland


• Start Date: 1 September 2027


• Duration: 23 months | Two 8-month rotations, and 7-month


• Working Model: on-site


• Working Hours: Full-time


• Salary: €41,600 gross per annum


• Assessment Centre: January 2027 | In person, Waterford

Your opportunity at Sanofi

Ready to turn your academic knowledge into real-world experience?

Join Sanofi, a global biopharmaceutical company, through our 23-month Graduate Programme in Waterford. Explore three different functions, gain hands-on industry experience and develop the skills to shape your future career.

Our engineers are at the heart of bringing innovative medicines to patients, solving complex challenges and driving continuous improvement across manufacturing operations. This programme offers a unique opportunity to explore different engineering disciplines, contribute to real projects and develop the skills and experience needed to become a future engineering leader.

One programme. Three rotations. A world of experience.

Why explore just one area when you could experience three?

Your rotation journey

Rotation 1: Engineering | Months 1-8

Start your journey in Engineering, where you'll gain an understanding of the technical infrastructure and systems that enable a world-class biopharmaceutical manufacturing facility to operate safely, efficiently and reliably. Working alongside engineering teams, you'll develop practical knowledge of equipment, utilities, maintenance and continuous improvement practices that support the delivery of medicines to patients worldwide.

• Gain hands-on experience across Engineering functions including Maintenance, Projects and Utilities.


• Support equipment reliability and preventive maintenance activities, helping to ensure safe and efficient manufacturing operations.


• Contribute to troubleshooting and continuous improvement initiatives while collaborating with cross-functional teams to solve operational challenges and enhance process performance.

Rotation 2: Operations | Months 9-16

Build on your engineering foundation by moving into Operations, where you'll gain first-hand experience of biopharmaceutical manufacturing and learn how products are produced in a highly regulated GMP environment. You'll work closely with manufacturing teams to understand the processes, systems and controls that ensure the safe and reliable supply of medicines to patients.

• Support batch execution and day-to-day manufacturing activities within a GMP-regulated environment.


• Develop an understanding of manufacturing processes, SOPs, quality requirements and operational excellence principles.


• Gain exposure to Quality, Supply Chain and other site functions, building an understanding of how different teams collaborate to ensure reliable product delivery.

Rotation 3: Engineering Projects & Validation | Months 17-23

Complete your graduate journey in Engineering Projects and Validation, where you'll apply the technical and operational knowledge gained throughout the programme while contributing to projects that support site expansion, equipment implementation and regulatory compliance. You'll gain valuable experience managing complex initiatives and ensuring systems and equipment are fit for their intended use in a regulated environment.

• Support engineering projects from planning through execution, collaborating with internal stakeholders and external vendors to deliver project objectives safely, on time and within scope.


• Participate in qualification and validation activities, including commissioning, IQ/OQ/PQ execution, documentation review and compliance with GMP requirements.


• Contribute to continuous improvement, technology implementation and facility enhancement projects while developing project management, stakeholder engagement and problem-solving skills.

Your development focus

Throughout the programme, you'll develop the technical, operational and leadership skills needed to build a successful career in Engineering within a biopharmaceutical manufacturing environment.

• Develop a strong understanding of manufacturing operations, engineering systems and GMP-regulated processes.


• Build problem-solving, project management and cross-functional collaboration skills by working with teams across Operations, Engineering, Supply Chain and MSAT.


• Gain hands-on experience in continuous improvement, equipment reliability, troubleshooting and operational excellence, while developing the confidence to lead initiatives and drive meaningful business outcomes.

Your growth, our commitment

Your development is at the heart of our programme. Here's what you can look forward to:

• Three diverse rotations: Explore different functions and build a broader understanding of the business.


• Dedicated cross-functional mentor: Receive guidance from an assigned mentor, with monthly check-ins throughout the programme.


• A buddy in every rotation: Get practical, day-to-day support as you settle into each new team.


• Hands-on training: Learn directly from experienced colleagues and develop skills through practical experience and training opportunities.

Who we're looking for

We're looking for curious, motivated graduates who are eager to learn, collaborate and explore new opportunities.

To be eligible, you'll need to:

• Have graduated within the past two years or be due to graduate before 1 September 2027.


• Hold a minimum 2.1 primary degree or a Master's degree in Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Chemical Engineering, Manufacturing Engineering, Process Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Mechatronics Engineering or a related discipline.


• Have full, unrestricted right to work in Ireland.

Essential skills

• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills, with the ability to identify opportunities for improvement and implement practical solutions.


• Excellent communication and collaboration skills, with the confidence to work effectively across multidisciplinary teams.


• Strong organisational and project management skills, with the ability to prioritise tasks in a fast-paced environment.


• A proactive mindset, demonstrating curiosity, adaptability and a willingness to learn within a regulated manufacturing environment.

Desirable qualifications

• Relevant internship, co-op placement, university project or work experience within Engineering, Manufacturing, Pharmaceutical, Medical Device or related industries.


• Knowledge of continuous improvement methodologies such as Lean Manufacturing, Six Sigma or Operational Excellence principles.


• Familiarity with engineering systems, maintenance practices or manufacturing processes within a regulated environment.


• Experience using data analysis and reporting tools, with a good understanding of Microsoft Excel and other technical software packages.

Previous experience through internships, placements or relevant work is an advantage, but not essential.

About Sanofi

We're an R&D-driven, AI-powered biopharma company committed to improving people's lives and delivering compelling growth. Our deep understanding of the immune system & the innovative pipeline – enables us to invent medicines and vaccines that treat and protect millions of people around the world.

Together, we chase the miracles of science to improve people's lives.

What we offer

Alongside structured professional development, you'll receive:

• Annual salary: €41,600 gross per annum


• Bonus: Performance related bonus 8% (STI)


• Benefits: Access to an attractive benefits package.

Your recruitment journey

We want you to know what to expect at every step:

• Apply & complete a short survey: After applying, you'll receive a mandatory screening survey.


• On-demand video interview: Selected candidates can record their responses at a convenient time within the given deadline.


• Short connect call: An informal conversation with our recruitment team to discuss your application and confirm a few details.


• In-person assessment centre: Final assessments are planned for January 2027 at our Waterford site.

Candidates will be assessed at each stage, with Progression to the next step depending on the outcome. Further details will be shared with those progressing.

Ready to start your journey?

You don't need to have your whole career figured out. If you're curious, eager to learn and excited to explore what the pharmaceutical industry has to offer, we'd love to hear from you.

Three rotations. Two years. Your future starts here.