Graduate Mechanical Engineer

At HR Wallingford, we design smart, resilient solutions across the natural and built environments to help everyone live and work more sustainably with water. By harnessing research, data insights and the power of our collective expertise, we help the world to better understand the changing influence and impact of water. HR Wallingford’s Equipment and Technology Division is a small to medium, high expertise team who develop and supply a comprehensive range of physical modelling technology for hydraulic, marine and coastal research facilities.

With more than 70 years’ experience on our own modelling projects, our designs have been rigorously proven in use. For the past 30 years we have been sharing our technology and expertise with other model users, and are proud to have supplied equipment to more than 300 institutions worldwide Examples of the equipment we deliver includes wave generation systems, absorbing beaches, tidal generators, towing carriages, instrument positioning systems, force measuring equipment, dynamometers, and remote platforms. com/ Alongside delivering word class engineering solutions to our clients, you will be helping us develop and capitalise new, innovative technologies to enhance our product portfolio and continue the organisation’s growth in strategic markets.

About The Role

We are recruiting for two Graduate Mechanical Design Engineers. This is a full lifecycle design engineering role, offering the opportunity to be involved in projects from initial concept through to delivery and commissioning. You will draw on a strong understanding of engineering fundamentals and designing for manufacture, ideally supported by experience in an industrial environment, particularly in the design of machinery.

The role includes opportunities to contribute to testing, prototyping, and the installation and commissioning of equipment, where a practical, hands-on approach will be valuable. It would suit a graduate Mechanical Engineer with experience in electrically actuated drive systems gained through an industrial placement, or someone in the early stages of their career who is looking to develop further. Based in either our Wallingford or Manchester offices, the role also offers opportunities to travel and collaborate with clients worldwide.

Working closely with cross-functional teams, you will undertake design, analysis, and testing activities; produce technical documentation and 3D CAD models; participate in design reviews; collaborate with suppliers; support commissioning; and contribute to customer support and business development activities. About you We’re looking for a candidate with a strong academic background in a relevant discipline, such as Mechanical Engineering. A degree is preferred; however, we will also consider applicants with an HND or equivalent qualification who can demonstrate a proven track record in the design and development of mechanical systems.

You will have experience using 3D CAD software (ideally Creo or SolidWorks) and feel confident creating, developing, and reviewing designs. An understanding of geometric dimensioning and tolerancing (GD T), limits and fits, and designing for manufacture will be important to support high-quality, practical engineering solutions. A solid knowledge of core mechanical engineering principles—including mechanics, dynamics, and material properties—is essential.

Experience working with electric motors, rotating machinery, mechanical drive or actuation systems, bearings, and seals is desirable but would beneficial, as would exposure to engineering design in submerged environments. We also value hands-on experience gained during fabrication, construction, or commissioning phases, enabling you to bring practical insight into the design process and support successful project delivery.