Engineering Graduate Development Programme - September 2026 Intake

National Composites Centre; Bristol; On-site; GBP 28,000 - 32,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading materials science organization in Bristol is seeking graduates for a two-year development program. You will engage in four six-month rotations, contributing to live projects across multiple sectors including defence and aerospace. Ideal candidates have a relevant degree and a passion for engineering solutions. A competitive salary, hybrid working, and great benefits are offered.

Benefits

Private medical insurance

Up to 12.5% employer pension contribution

Annual salary reviews

Honorary status at the University of Bristol

Qualifications

• Degree in a relevant discipline such as materials science, mechanical engineering, or chemical engineering.
• A genuine passion for developing engineering solutions that make an impact.
• Desire to grow, learn, and contribute in a fast-paced, innovative environment.

Responsibilities

• Be part of a two-year development program with rotations across key areas.
• Contribute to real projects in sectors like defence and aerospace.
• Engage in a structured training framework with mentoring and personal development.

Skills

Curiosity

Adaptability

Collaborative mindset

Education

Degree in materials science, mechanical engineering, product design, or similar

Job description

Shape the future. Stay curious. Make a difference.

At NCC we’re pushing the boundaries of materials science and digital engineering to solve some of the world’s biggest challenges — from achieving net‑zero flight to creating sustainable materials for the next generation of transport, energy, and defence technologies.

Our 2026 Graduate Programme is your opportunity to be part of that journey. You’ll work alongside world‑class engineers, scientists, and innovators in an environment built on our values — where curiosity, collaboration, and creativity come together to engineer real impact.

Our Values in Action

• Make a Difference – Your work will tackle real‑world engineering challenges that shape a cleaner, more sustainable future.
• Push the Boundaries – You’ll be encouraged to ask questions, explore new ideas, and challenge the status quo.
• Deliver Excellence Together – Collaboration is at the heart of everything we do, building trust across teams and disciplines.
• Care About Our Future – We support one another to grow, championing inclusivity and sustainability in every decision.

Our graduates are curious explorers — hungry for answers, keen to learn, and confident communicating complex ideas in ways that others can understand. You don’t need to know it all — you just need the drive to find out.

At NCC, you won’t just watch innovation happen — you’ll make it happen. Join us, and together we’ll engineer the future.

🎥 Find out more about us: NCC - Innovating for Industry - Work for NCC

What’s in it for you

• A two‑year development programme with four six‑month rotations across key areas such as Design, Make, Evaluate, Project Management, Digital, Automation, and Modelling.
• Real responsibility from day one — contributing to live projects in sectors like defence, renewables, aerospace, and emerging technologies.
• A structured training framework, combining technical learning, mentoring, and personal development.
• The option to join as a direct‑entry graduate, specialising in a specific field.
• A competitive starting salary with a welcome bonus, hybrid and flexible working, and comprehensive benefits including:
  • Private medical insurance
  • Up to 12.5% employer pension contribution
  • Annual salary reviews
  • Honorary staff status at the University of Bristol
• A workplace that values wellbeing, diversity, and continuous learning.

What we’re looking for

• A degree in a relevant discipline such as materials science, mechanical engineering, product design, textile technology, chemical engineering, automation, or digital engineering.
• A genuine passion for developing engineering solutions that make an impact.
• Curiosity, adaptability, and a collaborative mindset.
• A desire to grow, learn, and contribute in a fast‑paced, innovative environment.

How to apply

1. Create an account on our recruitment system through the Apply button and upload your CV directly through our careers site.
2. Complete the online application form: using Microsoft Forms link below.

👉 https://forms.office.com/e/uWLFBCPUhM

🗓 Deadline: Sunday 4th January 2026 (Please note: Applications will only be considered once both steps are completed.)

Key Dates

• Advert closes: Sunday 4th January 2026 (apply early to avoid disappointment!)
• Shortlist announced: Week commencing 26th January 2026
• Assessment centres: Thursday 26th and Friday 27th February 2026 on site at NCC, Emerson's Green, Bristol
• Offers made: March 2026
• Start date: 28th September 2026

We’re inclusive by design

Not sure you tick every box? Apply anyway. We know that talent comes in many forms. We’re committed to creating a diverse, inclusive, and supportive workplace, and we welcome applicants from all backgrounds. We’ll also support flexible working arrangements wherever possible.

✨ Ready to start your journey?

Be part of a team that’s redefining what’s possible in engineering and materials science.

Apply now — and help us shape the future, one breakthrough at a time.

Use of AI in your application

We understand that AI tools can be incredibly helpful, and we encourage you to use them where they genuinely add value. That said, we recommend using them thoughtfully. Copying and pasting generic AI‑generated responses can work against you and may lead to your application being excluded from consideration.

Our selection process focuses on how well your experiences and communication align with our business. Using AI to polish your writing or improve clarity is absolutely fine—and often appreciated. However, relying on it to generate your answers entirely can make it harder for us to see the real you.

In previous years, around 70% of applicants submitted responses that were nearly identical, often due to overuse of AI. Unfortunately, those applications didn’t make it through. If you choose to use AI, please do so in a way that supports your voice—not replaces it.