Structural Testing Graduate Watford 2023

Would you like to Elevate your career at BRE?

Elevate is BRE’s fast-track development programme in becoming a subject specialist and supporting us in being industry leaders in the built environment. Through joining our Elevate programme, you will be challenged, developed, coached and supported on your path to becoming a subject matter expert in your field.

You will spend your first nine months working in your home role of Structural Testing Graduate. You will also have the option of completing two skills development placements at three months each, where these are intended to upskill you in pre-identified areas, followed by your final nine months back in your home role, also working on an exciting project and presentation.

Why does the role exist?

The Structural Engineering team has been at the forefront of BRE since its inception. It continues to work closely with major infrastructure projects, contractors, and global manufacturers to bring new technologies to market through physical testing ranging from the microscopic to full-scale construction in the BRE structures lab (the largest in Europe).

The team require a motivated, problem-solving Graduate to expand the department. The role is a unique opportunity to be involved in innovation and research in the field of civil and structural engineering. You will get the opportunity to design, assemble and operate bespoke tests to validate the design performance of structural elements and assemblies.

This varied role combines hands-on laboratory work with office-based design, calculation and report writing. Applicants would benefit from an interest in or experience of instrumentation, data collection and data processing as well as experience in designing systems with an understanding of the principles of structural mechanics.

You will get the opportunity to learn about design codes and testing standards and assist in the development of risk assessments, method statements and work programmes to contribute to the running of the varied work programmes.

The value you will add

You will work collaboratively to understand and eventually contribute to the engineering design work that establishes the key project requirements. You will work within the laboratory team, delivering practical testing solutions that generate technically robust outputs.

Responsibilities are as follows:

• Conduct data analysis, interpret test outcomes and write test reports
• Manage time to meet project requirements
• Contribute to the design and construction of bespoke and routine test set-ups that allow safe and robust outcomes
• Utilise design specifications, codes and standards with respect to structural elements to develop and optimise test procedures
• Contribute to project planning and developing proposals to customers
• Pro-actively pursue learning and development opportunities
• Work in a team environment to ensure the delivery of work and the growth of customer relationships
• Assist in ongoing operational development projects
• Follow BRE Health and Safety procedures
• Contribute to laboratory housekeeping

How will success be measured?

• The role should contribute to continuous improvement within the business reflected by the efficient execution of processes with limited identified risks and anticipated outcomes
• Laboratory skills should be developed towards the ability to lead testing regimes and show an understanding of health and safety procedures and test management systems
• Experience should be accrued that shows that any codes and standards that have been relevant to work have been understood and executed correctly
• The ability to correctly interpret, process and verify data and report on it effectively should be evident
• It should be seen that client’s needs have been understood and that a contribution has been made to the department’s overall effectiveness in meeting client requirements
• Work should show a developing potential to lead in the design of test regime proposals with an ability to liaise with clients

What skills and experience does the role need?

Essential:

• A degree in mechanical or electro mechanical engineering
• A genuine interest in the built environment
• Practical experience of testing/experimentation within a laboratory setting or on-site
• Experience of data recording, processing and presenting
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills in English with experience in writing technical reports
• A natural curiosity with a desire to develop new skills and relationships
• The confidence to speak up with ideas and seek innovative ways of working
• A logical, inquisitive mindset with good problem-solving abilities
• Must be a team player and demonstrate a professional and courteous attitude
• Good multi-tasking ability and time management skills

Desirable:

• Project management experience
• Experience of working with both technical and non-technical clients and colleagues
• Experience of designing and operating control systems/robotics
• Familiarity with advanced practical or theoretical analysis techniques such as DIC (Digital Image Correlation), dynamic signal processing and/or analytical modelling
• Working knowledge of data processing software

How we will help to Elevate your career

You will have the opportunity to take part in various development activities such as:

• Personal development plans
• Structured coaching in blocks of six sessions with identified deliverables for each block
• Structured mentoring from a senior leader at BRE
• A personal development fund of £1,000 for additional qualifications, conferences or industry events
• Scheduled group development workshops on consultancy skills, problem-solving and presentation skills
• Group transition workshops to support you with the transition out of the Elevate programme and into your team

What salary and benefits does the Elevate programme offer?

Your salary will start at £30,000 in year one, with an increase to £32,000 in year two, then upon a successful interview and completion of the Elevate programme, you will be promoted into a higher-level role in your home team, with a salary of at least £34,000.

Benefits for you and your family

• 25 days annual leave
• Volunteering day
• Flexible hybrid working options
• Learning and development opportunities including free access to our BRE Academy and Percipio courses
• Life assurance – 4x basic salary
• Onsite nursery
• Enhanced maternity package

Rewarding and recognising you

• Annual salary review
• Pension scheme with 5% matching employer contribution
• Pensions advice
• Recognition schemes including retail vouchers and cash awards
• Employee referral scheme (£1,000)
• Professional membership reimbursement

Supporting your health and wellbeing

• Lifeworks – employee assistance programme
• Healthpartners – cash back on a wide range of health and wellbeing costs including prescriptions, physiotherapy, dental care and more
• Regular health and wellbeing events
• Onsite restaurant
• Free onsite parking including free EV charging points
• Local bus service to site
• Cycle to work scheme

What to expect from the application process

• Stage 1 – Complete your application form and upload your CV onto our careers site by 10th March
• Stage 2 – Successfully shortlisted candidates will be invited to complete online assessments by 24th March
• Stage 3 – Successfully shortlisted candidates will be invited to attend a remote Teams screening conversation with a member of the Resourcing team by 7th April
• Stage 4 – Successfully shortlisted candidates will be invited to attend an Assessment Day at our Science Park in Watford on one of the following dates: 9th May, 11th May, 16th May or 18th May
• Stage 5 – Offers to be made and feedback to be provided to unsuccessful candidates by end of May
• Start date for successful hires – Monday 11th September 2023