Joining the Leonardo Graduate Scheme is the opportunity to be part of the next generation of our business. As a Graduate you will join us on £32,000 with a welcome bonus and could receive a generous Temporary Accommodation Allowance if you move more than 40 miles away from home for the role.

You will be provided with a wealth of development opportunities in both virtual and applied working environments. On our programme you will engage with challenging and exciting project work and deliver innovative business or technical solutions as part of a team of subject matter experts. Throughout the programme you will receive coaching and support from your team to achieve your objectives as well as your personal development goals. We are committed to developing our graduates into leading technical or business professionals, and as such we will also support you through your preferred route for chartership.

At Leonardo we value individuals who continuously demonstrate a dedication to their personal development, and this is no different for our graduates. We have partnered with Coursera, the world leading online training platform that offers around 4,000 courses you can sign up to, according to your professional and personal interests. Self-directed learning thrives in this environment.

We have an exciting opportunity for a Graduate Manufacturing Engineer to join the Mechanical Assembly Process Engineering team in Southampton, supporting the manufacture of infra-red detector assemblies.

This is an engaging, hands-on role supporting manufacturing in a cutting-edge environment. It is also an excellent opportunity to develop your career, as the work of the group covers a diverse range of processes, hands-on and desk-based activities, offering a wide variety of options for potential future areas of development, dependant on the individual and business requirements.

What you'll do as a Manufacturing Engineer

  • Train operatives to perform processes correctly
  • Monitor yields, defects & process times
  • Investigate defects (DFRs) and yield issues relating to manufacturing processes •Define and carry out re-work processes where required
  • Define and carry out routine TPM engineering tasks/process checks as required
  • Suggest and implement process improvements in areas of responsibility
  • Write process instructions
  • Monitor the performance of equipment including SPC
  • Run new capital equipment projects
  • Root cause analysis
  • Give input to new product introduction initiatives

Over time there will be opportunities for development within the group dependant on performance, skillset and areas of interest. Example processes supported by the team are:

  • Mechanical assembly (welding, brazing, pressure bonding, gluing etc.)
  • Inspection (including precision measurement equipment e.g. OGP, CMM)
  • Vacuum pumping and leak testing
  • Machine shop
  • Spray blackening
  • Cooler integration
  • Plating shop

What we need from you

All of our roles require (a) a minimum of an upper Second class Bachelors/Integrated Master’s degree, or (b) a higher degree, such as a MSc or PhD in a STEM subject. Manufacturing, Mechanical Engineering or similar degrees are ideal but other STEM degrees will be considered when combined with relevant skills and interests.

We are looking for someone with a combined engineering skillset, who is capable of supporting manufacturing – learning to solve hands-on problems with high-value components, manufacturing processes and equipment – but is also adept at office based data analysis, documentation and communication.

This skillset would likely be demonstrated by qualifications in Manufacturing, Mechanical Engineering – but equally, any STEM degree combined with relevant hobbies/interests that can demonstrate the skillset required would also be suitable. For example, if your hobbies include any “hands-on” activities such as restoring/fixing electro-mechanical machines, model making, fixing cars, repairing electronics, building musical instruments etc. and you have a STEM degree then we would be interested in hearing from you.

Previous manufacturing related experience and knowledge of six-sigma/lean improvement techniques would be an advantage. An interest in learning about and working in a high-value, high-tech manufacturing facility is essential.

Life at Leonardo

With a company funded benefits package, a commitment to learning and development, and a flexible approach to working hours focused on the needs of both our employees and customers, a career with Leonardo has never offered as many opportunities or been more accessible to as many people.

  • Pension: Award winning pension scheme (up to 10% employer contribution)
  • Holidays: 25 days plus bank holidays, option to buy/sell leave and to accrue up to 12 additional flexi leave days per year
  • Flexible Working: Flexible hours with hybrid working options. For part time opportunities, please talk to us
  • Wellbeing: Employee Assistance Programme, access to Mental Health support, Financial wellbeing support, network groups (Enable, Pride, Equalise, Reservists, Carers)
  • Lifestyle: Discounted Gym membership, Cycle to work scheme
  • Company funded flexible benefits: Access to private healthcare, dental schemes, Workplace ISA, Go Green Car Scheme, technology and lifestyle options (£500 annual allowance)
  • Training: Free access to more than 4000 online courses via Coursera
  • Referral Incentive: You can earn a reward for successfully referring a friend or family member
  • Bonus: Scheme in place for all employees at management level and below

For a full list of our Company benefits please visit our website.

Please note that in order to apply for this opportunity you must be eligible for UK Security Clearance. Normally this is to the level of Security Check (typically known as “SC”) for our business which includes having a minimum of 5 years permanent residency in the UK.

At Leonardo, we are strongly committed to supporting all our people, and, as society and the environment we work in changes, our approach to Inclusion and Diversity continues to evolve and adapt to reflect this. A culture of inclusion goes on to create an environment for greater collaboration, innovation and opportunities to develop as an organisation. If you are willing and able to commit to giving your best performance, you will find Leonardo a very rewarding place to work!