Graduate Mechanical Engineer

Your impact

Are you ready to launch your career and make an impact on real-world projects from day one?

At Leonardo, we’re looking for graduates for Mechanical Engineering who want to be part of something extraordinary—shaping innovation, advancing technology, and enhancing global safety.

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 professional development. The role requires an enthusiastic individual who has a passion for overcoming technical challenges.

Our 18-month Graduate Programmes give you the opportunity to work on exciting and challenging projects alongside industry leaders.

On joining, you will receive a starting salary of £34,000 per annum, plus a £1,000 welcome bonus. You’ll also be eligible for a £1,000 exit bonus upon successful completion of the programme. In addition, you may be eligible for a Temporary Accommodation Allowance (TAA), subject to specific criteria.

We encourage you to spend at least three days each week on site to integrate with your team and maximise your learning experience.

During the programme, as a Mechanical Engineer/you will

• • Support the design and development of our world leading electro-optic, communications and information systems products under the guidance of experiences mechanical engineers.
  • Be introduced to state of the art methods, technology and tools to enable you to explore all aspects of the engineering lifecycle, including requirements analysis, design, implementation, test, build, production and in-service support.

This role allows a mixture of on-site and remote working; with attendance at our Essex facility required when Customer requirements dictate.

Key Responsibility Areas

• • Acquiring the skills required to work effectively within a professional engineering environment.
  • Supporting members of the mechanical engineering team in the delivery of technical solutions that meet our customer needs.
  • Creating and presenting design data to the appropriate departmental ‘best practices’ and utilising industry leading tool sets.
  • Delivering detailed designs, including numerical calculations, tolerance studies, etc.
  • Producing manufacturing data packs in line with BS8888, including appropriate use of GD&T.
  • Generating piece parts, assemblies and mechanisms within the constraints defined by the mechanical lead.
  • Working to meet cost, schedule and quality demands.

What you will bring

• • All of our roles require (a) a minimum of a 2:2 Bachelors/Integrated Master’s degree, or (b) a higher degree, such as a MSc or PhD.

For the Graduate Mechanical Engineer role, the acceptable degrees are:

• • Mechanical Engineering
  • Aero-Mechanical Engineering
  • Mechatronics
  • Electro Mechanical

Personal Attributes

• • Be a self-motivated individual, willing to take on new challenges and drive continuous personal development
  • Strong communication skills across a variety of mediums i.e. written, verbal, digital, etc.
  • The ability to develop effective working relationships with peers and stakeholders
  • Adaptable to the ever changing demands that will be encountered within the role
  • Offer novel ideas and methods for solving complex problems, drawing on personal experiences and knowledge learned during academic studies
  • Demonstrate relevant project work and/or placements in Industry are beneficial, but not essential

Security Clearance

Many of our roles are subject to security and export control restrictions set by UK Government Security requirements and customer obligations. As a result, and in line with the UK Government Baseline Personnel Security Standard (BPSS) requirements, all successful applicants will be asked to provide evidence of identity, eligibility to work in the UK, criminal record declaration information and employment and/or education history verification for the previous five years.

For staff operating in more sensitive posts, there is an additional range of personnel security controls referred to as National Security Vetting (NSV). As part of this process, a range of factors may be considered, including an individual's background, travel history, nationality, previous nationalities held and other information relevant to the vetting assessment.

To be eligible for National Security Vetting at SC level, applicants will generally be expected to have continuously resided in the UK for the previous five years. For DV clearance, this is typically ten years. In some circumstances, time spent overseas may be accepted, with additional overseas checks. Additional vetting requirements may apply upon appointment.

For more information and guidance please visit: https://careers.uk.leonardo.com/gb/en/security-and-vetting

Why join us

At Leonardo, our people are at the heart of everything we do, key contributors in shaping innovation, advancing technology, and enhancing global safety.

We offer a comprehensive, company-funded benefits package that supports your wellbeing, career development, and work–life balance. Whether you're looking to grow professionally, care for your health, or plan for the future, we’re here to help you thrive.

• • Time to recharge: Enjoy generous leave with the opportunity to accrue up to 12 additional flexi-days each year.
  • Secure your future: Benefit from our award-winning pension scheme with up to 15% employer contribution.
  • Your wellbeing matters: Free access to mental health support, financial advice, and employee-led networks championing inclusion and diversity (Enable, Pride, Equalise, Armed Forces, Carers, Wellbeing and Ethnicity).
  • Rewarding performance: All employees are eligible for our bonus scheme.
  • Join in our success: Our annual Employee Stock Ownership Plan provides you the opportunity to own shares in Leonardo.
  • Tailored perks: Spend up to £500 annually on flexible benefits including private healthcare, dental, family cover, tech & lifestyle discounts, gym memberships and more.

For a full list of our company benefits please visit: https://careers.uk.leonardo.com/gb/en/company-benefits

We are committed to building an inclusive, accessible, and welcoming workplace. We believe that a diverse workforce sparks creativity, drives innovation, and leads to better outcomes for our people, communities and our customers. If you have any accessibility requirements to support you during the recruitment process, just let us know.

Be part of something extraordinary- apply now!

Primary Location

GB - Basildon

Contract Type

Permanent

Hybrid Working

Hybrid