Graduate Automated Vehicles Test Engineer

Tests and assesses connected and automated vehicle technologies, coordinating test programmes and supporting vehicle certification to ensure systems meet UK and international safety, technical and regulatory standards.

Job summary

Are you a graduate looking for a new adventure and an exciting opportunity to make a real difference? Interested in shaping the future of connected and automated vehicles?

Would you like to apply your engineering skills to the testing, assessment and regulation of advanced vehicle technologies? Do you want a tailored graduate programme that supports your professional development and progression towards professional status?

If you are looking for the next step in your career and professional development, our Graduate Scheme could be for you.

About Us

Our work is focused on improving vehicle safety and environmental protection by providing robust testing and certification to national and internationally recognised standards. We are a part of the Department of Transport as the designated UK Vehicle Type Approval Authority. With more than 40 years’ experience, we have become one of the largest and well-respected approval bodies around.

This position has been built on a reputation for technical expertise and quality, which is at the heart of everything we do, and what you could be a part of.

Joining our department comes with many benefits, including: 

• Employer pension contribution of 28.97% of your salary. 25 days annual leave, increasing by 1 day each year of service (up to a maximum of 30 days annual leave), plus 8 bank holidays a privilege day for the King’s birthday 

•  Flexible working options where we encourage a great work-life balance. 

Job description

Joining the Vehicle Certification Agency (VCA) and wider Department for Transport (DfT) Graduate Scheme as a permanent member of staff will open the door to a wide range of professional development opportunities.

Collaborating with vehicle manufacturers, testing organisations and technical specialists across the automotive sector, you will aid the evolution, testing and approval of some of the world's most advanced vehicle technologies.

As a Graduate Automated Vehicle Test Engineer, you will spend your first two years developing a broad understanding of vehicle testing, certification and regulatory compliance through a combination of on-the-job experience, structured learning and placements.

You will undertake rotations across VCA and may have opportunities to gain experience with organisations such as the Department for Transport, the Office for Zero Emission Vehicles and the Centre for Connected and Autonomous Vehicles.

Extensive travel within the UK and overseas is an essential part of the scheme, with potential opportunities to work alongside VCA's international offices in Japan and North America.

Following your initial training period, you will progress into a substantive Higher Executive Officer role within VCA's International Operations Division. Here, you will work closely with manufacturers, laboratories and test facilities to assess vehicles and systems against UK and international regulatory requirements, while developing expertise in connected and automated vehicle technologies.

Throughout the scheme, you will receive support from a dedicated mentor and professional network, with encouragement and guidance to work towards Incorporated or Chartered Engineer status through the IMechE MPDS or IET Career Manager frameworks.

Your main duties will include but will not be limited to:

• Work towards CEng or IEng by engaging with the IMechE MPDS or IET Career Manager frameworks

• Produce quarterly and annual development reports and ensure these are approved and submitted on time

• Maintain disciplined record-keeping, tracking objectives, evidence, and progress

• Develop and support technical knowledge in vehicle systems, components, and associated technology

• Follow agency procedures and quality requirements

• Work to support and update GB national regulations to ensure vehicles stay safe, secure and environmentally friendly throughout their lifetime

• Engagement with mentor and line manager by attending regular meetings to review your goals, report progress, and set development goals. Activley seeks feedback from mentor, line manager and subject matter experts

• Objective setting and self-management

• Support the coordination of connected and automated vehicle test activities across the UK and international locations as required

• Utilise training and development to build practical capability and automated vehicle systems, including sensors, connectivity, automation, and regulatory compliance

• Contribute to the safe, efficient, and high-quality execution of connected and automated vehicle test programmes within the Operations team

Person specification

To be successful in this role you will need to have the following experience: 

• Educated to degree level, or equivalent, in an IMechE or IET accredited degree (Mechanical Engineering, Automotive Engineering), or any engineering discipline closely linked to those, including degrees with a focus on technologies relevant to automotive technology. Equivalent qualifications from a mutually recognised accreditation body will also be considered.

• Proven communication skills

• The ability to work as part of a team and on your own initiative with minimum supervision

• Willingness to travel extensively in the UK and overseas, including overnight stays

• Understanding the importance of maintaining confidentiality and respecting intellectual property rights

Visa Sponsorship  

Please note that we are currently unable to offer Skilled Worker Sponsorship. Candidates must ensure they have the appropriate right to work in the UK before applying. 

Licences

Full UK Category B Driving Licence

Qualifications

Educated to degree level, or equivalent, in an IMechE or IET accredited degree (Mechanical Engineering, Automotive Engineering), or any engineering discipline closely linked to those, including degrees with a focus on technologies relevant to automotive technology. Equivalent qualifications from a mutually recognised accreditation body will also be considered.

You will be required to provide evidence that you hold any essential qualifications at some point during the recruitment process. If you cannot provide evidence, your application will be withdrawn.

Behaviours

We'll assess you against these behaviours during the selection process:

• Making Effective Decisions

• Delivering at Pace

• Working Together

Technical skills

We'll assess you against these technical skills during the selection process:

• Government Science and Engineering Career Framework - Building and applying knowledge (applying technical knowledge)

• Government Science and Engineering Career Framework - Building and applying knowledge (developing/maintaining expertise)

Benefits

Being part of our brilliant Civil Service means you will have access to a wide range of fantastic benefits: 

• Employer pension contribution of 28.97% of your salary. 25 days annual leave, increasing by 1 day each year of service (up to a maximum of 30 days annual leave). 

• 8 Bank Holidays plus an additional Privilege Day to mark the King’s birthday.  

• Access to the staff discount portal.

• Excellent career development opportunities and the potential to undertake professional qualifications relevant to your role paid for by the department, such as CIPD, Prince2, apprenticeships, etc.

• 24-hour Employee Assistance Programme providing free confidential help and advice for staff.

• Flexible working options where we encourage a great work-life balance.