Job Description - Mechanical Engineering Graduate Scheme (047107)
Organisation
HR Director
Job
Mechanical Engineering
Position Type - Full Time
Thank you for your interest in applying for this TfL Graduate Scheme.
We’d like to remind you that you must ensure you are eligible for this scheme before applying. Please read through the eligibility criteria below carefully and ensure that you are eligible before applying.
This application will also contain a series of questions to establish whether or not you are eligible. It is important that you take great care in reading and answering these questions as we will not be able to revert your application if an error is made.
Please Note: We only allow one application for any of our Graduate schemes per year. Any subsequent applications will be withdrawn.
Mechanical Engineering Graduate Scheme
Every Journey Matters
I love that I can tailor my placements to help target my specific interests and development objectives, from track to rolling stock and everything in between. The mix between site and office work really helps my understanding as a visual learner and makes no day the same!
Everyone on the scheme and supporting the scheme are so friendly and encouraging - I know I have made the right decision for myself and my career joining the TfL graduate scheme.
- Olivia, Mechanical Engineering Graduate
Our engineers are at the heart of the design and innovation that enables 30 million customer journeys around the Capital, every single day.
£31,000, rising to £32,250 in the second year.
Location
London / Hybrid
The role will be based in London. Hybrid working (typically working from home no more than 50% of the time) will be the default arrangement going forward, although some courses and placements will require full-time attendance.
All employees have the right to request flexible working; we will consider all requests in a reasonable manner. Hybrid working arrangements can evolve subject to business requirements.
What we offer
You will enjoy excellent benefits and scope to grow. Rewards vary according to the business area but mostly include:
1. Free travel on the TfL network for you and a nominee who lives in the same household
2. Final salary pension scheme
3. Discounted national rail and Eurostar travel
4. 30 days Annual leave (Pro rata dependent on role) plus public and bank holidays
5. 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.
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:
1. Piccadilly Line Upgrade – Transforming the existing signalling system and procuring a new fleet of modern trains.
2. Step-Free Access – Improving accessibility across the Tube and Overground networks by making more stations step-free.
3. Bus Electrification – Enabling greener, cleaner travel by upgrading existing buses to zero tailpipe emissions.
4. 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 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.
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.
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:
1. Placement manager: Responsible for your day-to-day management and support with your development.
2. Scheme sponsor: A senior manager who acts as a technical and professional adviser and has line manager responsibility.
3. Buddy: Usually a second-year graduate who gives support to you and ensures that you feel welcomed in the organisation.
4. 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:
1. Caring about our colleagues, our customers and our work.
2. Open to each other, to new ideas and to working together.
3. 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.
Application Process
The application process consists of 5 steps, including online assessments which will need to be completed within an allocated time frame. We highly recommend that you read through this document thoroughly so that you can familiarise yourself with the process.
If you already hold your qualification certificates, please upload copies of these to your application. If you are due to sit final exams or need to replace any certificates, these can be provided at a later stage.
Inclusive recruitment process
We operate a transparent recruitment process that removes barriers for disabled candidates.
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.
Our candidate experience continues to be underpinned by a fair and robust reasonable adjustments process, in collaboration with our Occupational Health colleagues, and other expert organisations.
Contact us
Please let us know if you require any reasonable adjustments.
Contact the recruitment team by:
Phone: 0203 005 1680 (Monday to Friday between 09:00 and 17.30)
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