Vacancies Graduate Engineering Trainee

At AkzoNobel we are committed to developing the next generation of engineering and manufacturing leaders. Our Graduate Engineering Trainee (GET) Program offers ambitious engineering graduates the opportunity to gain hands-on experience across a diverse range of manufacturing and operational disciplines while building a rewarding long-term career.

Throughout the program you will work alongside experienced leaders technical specialists and cross-functional teams developing the technical commercial and leadership capabilities needed to succeed in a world-class manufacturing environment.

You will be exposed to real business challenges strategic projects and operational environments while benefiting from structured learning mentoring coaching and professional development opportunities.

Manufacturing & Process Excellence

• Support manufacturing operations by identifying opportunities to improve safety quality productivity sustainability and cost performance.
• Analyse production and process data to identify losses root causes and improvement opportunities.
• Participate in troubleshooting activities and implement sustainable solutions to improve process capability product quality and operational reliability.
• Contribute to continuous improvement initiatives using structured problem-solving methodologies and Lean Manufacturing principles.
• Assist in developing reviewing and optimising manufacturing processes operating procedures and process documentation.
• Monitor key process parameters and performance indicators to ensure stable and efficient plant operations.
• Support compliance with Safety Health and Environment (SHE) standards policies and regulatory requirements.

Engineering Projects

• Support the planning execution and delivery of capital maintenance and continuous improvement projects.
• Assist with project scoping feasibility assessments business case development commissioning and start-up activities.
• Coordinate with internal stakeholders contractors and technical specialists to ensure successful project outcomes.
• Monitor project progress against scope schedule and budget requirements.
• Participate in equipment installations plant modifications and process improvement projects.
• Support project documentation risk assessments and management of change activities.

Asset Reliability & Operational Excellence

• Support asset management and reliability improvement programs to maximise equipment availability and performance.
• Analyse equipment performance and maintenance data to improve equipment effectiveness and reduce downtime.
• Participate in defect elimination root cause analysis and loss reduction activities.
• Contribute to initiatives that improve Overall Equipment Effectiveness (OEE) manufacturing efficiency and cost competitiveness.
• Work closely with maintenance and operations teams to identify reliability risks and implement preventive actions.
• Support initiatives that improve plant reliability energy efficiency and operational excellence.

Leadership & Professional Development

• Build strong relationships across manufacturing engineering supply chain quality and commercial functions.
• Demonstrate commitment to AkzoNobels values safety standards and sustainability goals.
• Participate actively in learning opportunities mentoring programs and development activities.
• Develop technical analytical and leadership capabilities through exposure to cross-functional projects and operational challenges.
• Communicate effectively with stakeholders at all levels and contribute to a culture of collaboration innovation and continuous improvement.
• Contribute positively to team culture through curiosity accountability adaptability and a willingness to learn.

Qualifications

You have completed or are due to complete within the last two years a bachelors or masters degree in:

• Chemical Engineering
• Mechanical Engineering
• Electrical Engineering
• Mechatronics Engineering
• Industrial Engineering
• Manufacturing Engineering
• Process Engineering
• Civil Engineering
• Or a related engineering discipline

Experience

• Recent graduate or up to two years of relevant work experience.
• Internship vacation work research projects or industry placements within manufacturing engineering operations or supply chain environments will be highly regarded.

Technical Skills

• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills with the ability to interpret data and identify improvement opportunities.
• Sound understanding of engineering fundamentals and their practical application within manufacturing environments.
• Interest in process improvement manufacturing excellence project delivery and operational performance.
• Familiarity with Lean Manufacturing Continuous Improvement Six Sigma or related methodologies is advantageous.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office applications particularly Excel and PowerPoint.
• Exposure to data analytics automation digital technologies or engineering software is desirable.

Leadership & Personal Attributes

• Demonstrated leadership potential through academic extracurricular sporting community or professional activities.
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills.
• Ability to collaborate effectively and build relationships across diverse teams.
• High learning agility adaptability and resilience.
• Strong planning organisational and project management capabilities.
• Positive attitude growth mindset and passion for continuous improvement.
• Demonstrates integrity accountability and professionalism.
• Commitment to safety sustainability and operational excellence.
• Alignment with AkzoNobels values behaviours and cultural principles.

Mobility & Flexibility

• Willingness to travel domestically as required.
• Open to future development opportunities across AkzoNobel sites and functions.
• Flexibility to undertake assignments that support both personal development and business needs.

As a Graduate Engineering Trainee youll have the opportunity to:

• Work on meaningful projects that drive business performance and operational excellence.
• Gain exposure to multiple engineering and manufacturing disciplines.
• Learn from experienced leaders and technical experts.
• Participate in structured development mentoring and coaching programs.
• Build a strong professional network across the organisation.
• Accelerate your career within a global leader committed to innovation sustainability and continuous improvement.

If youre a motivated engineering graduate ready to make an impact and build a rewarding career in manufacturing wed love to hear from you.

Apply now and start your journey with AkzoNobel.