Hardware Engineering Graduate - Robotics & Automation

Ocado Technology Group; Welwyn Garden City; Hybrid; GBP 80,000 - 100,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading technology firm in the UK is looking for graduates to join its Hardware Engineering Graduate Programme starting September 2026. The two-year program offers rotational placements across various engineering disciplines, ensuring hands-on experience in various settings, including Customer Fulfilment Centres. Ideal candidates will have an accredited engineering degree and a passion for solving real-world challenges. This program seeks innovative self-starters ready to make a significant impact while developing essential professional skills.

Benefits

25 days annual leave

Work remotely up to 30 days a year

Free shuttle service from Hatfield Train Station

Competitive pension and private medical insurance

Discounts on retailers and gyms

Qualifications

• Degree in Engineering accredited by a professional institution recognized by the UK Engineering Council.
• Hands-on experience through internships or extracurricular activities is valued.
• Ability to tackle real-world engineering challenges.

Responsibilities

• Engage in four rotational placements across various engineering disciplines.
• Develop and support automated engineering systems.
• Gain practical experience in implementation and operational engineering.

Skills

Strong engineering background

Problem-solving

Self-starter

Innovative thinking

Education

Undergraduate degree in Engineering

Job description

Looking to kickstart your career and make a global impact? Join Ocado Group’s Graduate Programme and become a driving force in the future of technology.

Ocado Group delivers innovative technology solutions powered by the latest advancements in automation, robotics, machine learning, and artificial intelligence, catering to the online grocery and non-grocery distribution sectors.

With over 20 years of experience in the online grocery industry and a portfolio of patented technologies, we strive to transform the economics and service standards of grocery ecommerce on a global scale.

A workplace culture that celebrates diversity, collaboration, and creativity. Discover more about Ocado Group’s story here .

Hardware Engineering Graduate Programme 2026

• Start Date: Early September 2026
• Closing date for applications: Rolling
• Duration of Programme: 2 years
• Contract Type:Fixed-term, full-time
• Educational Requirements:An undergraduate degree in Engineering accredited by a professional institution recognized by the UK Engineering Council (e.g., IMechE, ICE, IET) and leading to Chartered Engineer status, or an international equivalent that meets the standards set by the Washington Accord and equivalent professional engineering bodies.
• Location:Hatfield, Welwyn Garden City, and our cutting edge Customer Fulfilment Centres (CFCs) around the world. We embrace hybrid working, so placements will involve a blend of remote work and on-site presence depending on business requirements. A valid UK driving licence is desirable and may be required for specific rotations.

Our Hardware Scheme:

• This 2 year programme consists of four exciting and varied placements, that develop, deliver and support our physical automated engineering systems for today and tomorrow.
• You’ll work alongside like-minded engineers tackling real-world business and engineering challenges. These rotations will allow you the opportunity to develop new specialisms, ranging from electrical engineering projects to verification engineering depending on business need.
• From developing and testing new technologies and solutions, to getting hands‑on with our bots in an operational warehouse, or analysing data on products and components - this programme offers an enriching and well‑rounded experience of engineering at Ocado Group.
• The graduate scheme is designed to help you identify where your strengths, interests, and ambitions align within engineering, providing a solid foundation for your future career.

Hands-On Experience:

Not all engineering graduate placements are based at our head offices though! You will spend time in our Customer Fulfilment Centres (CFCs), where you’ll gain practical experience in implementation, construction, commissioning, and operational engineering. You may also have the chance to work with our global manufacturers and on client sites around the world.

The programme is flexible and designed to adapt to your skills, interests, and the evolving needs of the business.

In this role you will develop and refine essential engineering, leadership and personal skills whilst gaining valuable experience across a broad range of areas. Your development will be supported throughout your placements with the use of personal targets and development plans set by your managers. You will be expected to complete various additional training modules to complement your development and engineering and personal career to help you thrive and realise your best potential.

We are looking for people with a strong engineering background. This could come from your degree area, a placement year, hands‑on experience, or involvement in extracurricular activities. We value individuals who go beyond academics - whether that's through a year in industry, internships, personal projects, or active participation in clubs and societies. We’re looking for self‑starters, problem‑solvers, and innovators who are passionate about ‘working alongside link-minded engineers to’ tackling real-world challenges. At Ocado Group, we’re creators, thinkers, and doers. Are you ready to join us?

What You’ll Gain:

• Hands‑on experience through rotational placements across key business areas.
• A personalised learning journey, designed to accelerate your growth and career development.
• Development Opportunities: Throughout the programme, you will have development opportunities designed to help you grow as a purposeful leader. It’s a chance to challenge yourself, build confidence, and collaborate with graduates from across the business while exploring how to make a real impact. In your second year, you’ll also have opportunities to volunteer, get involved in wider initiatives, expand your professional network, and receive support to prepare for the next stage of your career.
• 25 days annual leave, with the option to purchase more.
• Work up to 30 days per year from anywhere in the world.
• Free shuttle service from Hatfield Train Station.
• Competitive pension, share schemes, and private medical insurance.
• Exclusive discounts on retailers, gyms, cinemas, and more.

How to Apply:

Our application process is designed to showcase your unique strengths. We’ll guide you every step of the way:

• Online Application: Share your story and aspirations.
• Video Interview: Let us get to know you better.
• Online Tests: Show us your problem-solving skills.
• Assessment Centre: Collaborate with peers and demonstrate your abilities.

Join us on this journey

At Group, we celebrate diversity and are committed to fostering an inclusive workplace where everyone can thrive. Learn more about our approach to Diversity and Inclusion here .

This role does not qualify for Skilled Worker Sponsorship and is subject to your right to work in the UK for the full duration of the programme.

Build a career with everyday pioneers. If you’re ready to transform the way the world shops, apply today!

We’re reviewing applications on a rolling basis, so we encourage you to apply soon as the role may close at any time

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