Engineering Operations Graduate Programme 2021

We want candidates that are technically minded and interested in the processes that work inside a 24/7 fully automated warehouse. Ocado Group desire candidates that want to know how things work, how they can fix them and how they can better the technology and themselves. Can you master a robot filled chess board the size of a factory?

Whilst our engineers design and create the automated robotic equipment which powers our unique Ocado solution, our Engineering Operations Graduates will be responsible for maintaining and fault finding problems with our advanced machinery. As a successful graduate, you will attend a two week Bot School at the start of your programme where you will receive full hands on training in how our bots work to ensure that you have a working knowledge of our manual handling processes. To be successful, we require our graduates to be fully geographically flexible in the UK as you could be placed at any of our Hatfield, Andover, Bristol, Erith, Welwyn Garden City, Purfleet or Dordon sites.

Ocado is underpinned by ever changing engineering operations and at the forefront of technology in warehouse design. Engineering Operations are responsible for all maintenance, repair and continuous improvement of the automated mechanical handling equipment (AMHE) used across all our warehouses (which we call "Customer Fulfilment Centres" or "CFCs"). Graduates on this 18 month scheme are some of the first to have the opportunity to work with our newly installed Ocado-owned unique automated solutions. The programme will cover aspects of “applied” engineering to AMHE environment.

Some of your responsibilities could involve:

• Setting up analytical analysis processes using statistical process control (SPC) and Six sigma approach to preventative maintenance systems
• Engaging with engineering teams on Root Cause Analysis and solutions
• Setting up “LEAN” initiatives similar to 5S and total quality management (TQM)
• Reacting to MHE breakdowns (both mechanical and electrical), locating the fault, analysing the issue and completing the fix in a timely manner to keep operation downtime to a minimum
• Increasing machine reliability on existing and new equipment, diagnosing equipment breakdowns and actioning repairs ensuring direction of labour and planned engineering activities fully support the operation

Potential placements include:

• Continuous improvement team – Getting an introductory view of your base CFC, learning the essentials of all things bot and getting to know the technical aspects and how to fix what powers our CFC’s
• Engineering Team Manager – With added responsibility, you will be involved not only in the operation of bots, but managing a team to ensure they work efficiently
• General Engineering Operations – This rotation provides you with a broader perspective and vantage point of the CFC you work in, whilst becoming familiar with standardised processes

In this role you will develop and refine essential engineering, teamwork and management skills whilst gaining valuable experience across the wide range of responsibility areas discussed. Your development will be supported throughout your placements by fantastic teams and the use of personal targets and development plans set by your managers. You will be expected to complete Engineering & Management training courses alongside an array of additional training opportunities available to graduates at Ocado from negotiation training courses to presentation skills workshops.

We are innovators, we are creators and we are problem solvers. We are Ocado Group Grads, are you?

Working at Ocado Group

Graduates are an important part of teams across the Ocado Group and play an important role in developing and growing our business. Applications for our schemes are welcome from graduates of every discipline and each application will be judged on its merits. Candidates will take part in a screening process involving online testing, a video interview and an assessment centre. 

Our schemes vary in length but all graduates are recruited on a permanent contract. We expect our graduates to be willing to be mobile as part of their schemes We aim to be as flexible and accommodating as possible and we welcome your questions and queries.

Our Application Process

Applications to our schemes open on Monday 28th September and should be made through the Ocadogroup.com/careers/graduates website, due to high volumes of applications our vacancy close dates are subject to change and our suggestion would be to apply as soon as possible. Following online applications, candidates may be invited to complete a series of online tests and a video assessment. Applicants who successfully complete these will be invited to attend a virtual assessment centre. Assessment centres will be held in November and February and successful candidates will be invited to begin their roles in early September 2021.