Mechanical Engineering Graduate Programme

Job Details

Mechanical Engineering Graduate Programme

What we offer

You will enjoy excellent benefits and scope to grow. Rewards vary according to the business area but mostly include:

• Free travel on the TfL network for you and a nominee who lives in the same household
• Final salary pension scheme
• Discounted national rail and Eurostar travel
• 30 days Annual leave (Pro rata dependent on role) plus public and bank holidays
• Private healthcare discounted scheme
• Tax-efficient cycle-to-work programme
• Retail, health, leisure, and travel offers

Duration

2 years

Entry requirements

• A minimum of 2:2 MEng or MSc accredited Institution of Mechanical Engineers (IMechE) degree in Mechanical Engineering or a closely related subject.
• Please be advised that should you be successful in getting an offer for this graduate scheme, your offer will be subject to a satisfactory medical assessment.

Proposed start date

8th September 2025

Job overview

Our Engineers focus on the assets that form the foundation of our transport system. The emphasis of our graduate scheme is on developing world-class mechanical engineers who seek to become the senior engineers, subject matter experts and leaders of the future.

Your work will include finding solutions to meaningful problems, spanning multiple transport modes. You will collaborate with multi-disciplinary teams from across TfL and with customers, local government, and the supply chain to deliver city-defining programmes and cutting-edge technology. Some current works include:

• Piccadilly Line Upgrade – Transforming the existing signalling system and procuring a new fleet of modern trains.
• Step-Free Access – Improving accessibility across the Tube and Overground networks by making more stations step-free.
• Bus Electrification – Enabling greener, cleaner travel by upgrading existing buses to zero tailpipe emissions
• New Station Construction – primarily on London Overground, delivering improved network capacity by rail

Sustainability

Sustainability is intrinsic to TfL’s work ethos, and we ensure that we operate in a sustainable way to protect and regenerate the natural world. You will play a part in transforming the most recognised transport network in the world and helping us to deliver our ambition of creating a greener, healthier, and more prosperous city.

What will I be doing?

As a graduate, your two-year development programme will be made up of around eight placement rotations. Our aim is to equip you with the range of skills and experience you need for your successful career. We also understand that everyone’s career is different, so every graduate’s journey is unique. Here’s an example of what yours could look like:

Year 1

• Placement 1 - Rolling Stock Enhancements – 3 months You could work on a major train upgrade project, undertaking 3D Computer-Aided Design, and developing, testing, and implementing solutions on our vehicles.
• Placement 2 – Track Engineering – 3 months You could be trialling new technologies to help us catch faults early, carrying out risk simulations, track inspections and reviewing new track layouts. There would be opportunities to be involved with track maintenance work which often occurs at night
• Placement 3 – Lifts and Escalators Engineering – 3 months You could learn about safety standards, implementing technology updates and reviewing system designs to best create a more accessible network for our customers.
• Placement 4 – Depot Operational Engineering – 3 months Based at one of our train maintenance depots, you could learn how to apply root-cause analysis, carry out hands-on maintenance inspections and implement upgrades generated by the rolling stock design team.

Year 2

• Placement 5 - Station Systems Engineering – 3 months You could deliver station power savings or carry out Computational Fluid Dynamic simulations of wind speeds, cooling systems, and passenger flows, and plan the layout of operational equipment.
• Placement 6 - Project Sponsorship – 3 months Your responsibilities could include leading stakeholder engagement with local government and defining the requirements and direction for projects relating to London’s Net Zero, Zero Harm and Accessibility targets.
• Placement 7 – Major Projects – 3 months As a more strategic placement, you could experience the commercial aspects of Engineering at a pan-TfL level, on anything from Cycle Superhighways, Bridges and Structures, Crossrail 2 to Tube Upgrades.
• Placement 8 – Building Services Engineering – 3 months You could be focused on local station upgrades including implementing and maintaining step-free access schemes and planning for bus station accommodation upgrades.

Towards the end of the two-year scheme, we hope that graduates will have experienced enough of the TfL Engineering Directorate to understand which asset area they would prefer to roll-off into and submit their preferences. After moving into a permanent role, further support will continue to be available from IMechE accredited mentors until Chartership.

Where can this career take me?

Our mechanical engineers have the chance to create a huge impact. A career with us will be varied and exciting, with opportunities across TfL Engineering. Within five years, you should expect to have achieved Chartered Engineer status with the IMechE. In ten years, you could be working at Senior Engineer level, an expert in a technical discipline, responsible for the performance of an engineering team, or informing strategic decisions on designs and processes.

What training and support will you get?

Our award-winning teams will support your ongoing development, through a wide range of on-the-job practical experience and placements. We'll support your professional development through a combination of training, mentoring, and networking. You'll also receive one-to-one guidance throughout the programme from your:

• Placement manager: Responsible for your day-to-day management and support with your development
• Scheme sponsor: A senior manager who acts as a technical and professional adviser and has line manager responsibility
• Buddy: Usually a second-year graduate who gives support to you and ensures that you feel welcomed in the organisation
• Chartered IMechE mentor: Supports your professional development through providing career coaching and mentoring towards chartership

What do we look for?

Our core values are extremely important to us, and we desire candidates who are:

• Caring about our colleagues, our customers and our work
• Open to each other, to new ideas and to working together
• Adaptable to diverse needs and willing to innovate

What Qualifications will I gain?

Our aim is to equip you with the range of skills and experience that you need for a successful engineering career. We will also support your route to gaining Chartered Engineer status with the IMechE, and your selection of a permanent role within the TfL Engineering Directorate.

Assessment process

You will receive support and information around each assessment stage as you progress through your application. Please pay close attention to emails and deadlines provided noting you have 1 week to complete assessments - we cannot re-issue these tests. Assessment centres for graduates and intern roles will take place from January - March, please note that many roles only have 1 assessment day and we are unable to guarantee additional dates. We are conducting assessment centres in person and virtually (role dependent).

Inclusive Recruitment Process

We operate a transparent recruitment process that removes barriers for candidates with a disability. Please let us know if you require reasonable adjustments for any stages of the application process. We're a Disability Confident employer, and we offer guaranteed interviews to candidates who apply via the scheme where the minimum criteria for skills, knowledge and experience have been met. In High Volume campaigns including Graduate, Apprentice and Intern recruitment the minimum criteria we set is achieving a pass mark in our first stage assessments, adopting a proportionate approach as part of the Disability Confident scheme.

Who are Transport for London (TfL)?

We’re the integrated transport authority responsible for meeting Mayor Sadiq Khan's strategy and commitments on transport in London. We run the day-to-day operation of the Capital's public transport network and manage London's main roads.

With such a vast and varied transport network, no two days at TfL are the same but we have one key purpose: to keep London moving. Working at TfL gives you the opportunity to have a meaningful impact on London and Londoners.

‘Employer of Choice’ award for the Transport & Logistics sector by The Times

How to apply

To apply for this role and to find out more, please click on the apply button.

Please note that applications may close before the application deadline, so apply early to avoid disappointment.

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