Graduate / Junior Mechanical Engineer Job in Cambridge, UK at Accora

Accora is recruiting a Graduate / Junior Mechanical Engineer to join its research and development team in Orwell, Cambridge, United Kingdom. This full-time opportunity is suitable for recent mechanical engineering graduates, apprentice-trained engineers, and junior professionals who enjoy practical engineering, product design, fabrication, and prototyping.

The successful candidate will help develop products from early concepts into working prototypes while gaining practical experience with mechanical design, workshop equipment, and product testing. Accora also provides in-house training and opportunities to develop engineering skills within a growing company.

Job Overview

• Job Title: Graduate / Junior Mechanical Engineer
• Company: Accora
• Location: Orwell, Cambridge, United Kingdom
• Job Type: Full-time
• Salary: £28,000 to £38,000 per year, depending on experience
• Work Arrangement: On-site engineering and workshop work
• Experience Level: Graduate or junior engineer
• Required Education: Mechanical engineering degree, engineering apprenticeship, or relevant junior engineering background
• Visa Sponsorship: Not available for applicants who require sponsorship
• Driving Requirement: A valid UK driving licence and personal transport are preferred
• Holiday: 25 days plus public holidays

About the Employer

Accora designs and develops assistive medical equipment intended to improve the safety, independence, and comfort of people affected by age, disability, or injury.

The company offers an opportunity to work with a collaborative research and development team, contributing to products that have practical applications. Employees can develop their mechanical design, fabrication, and product development abilities while working on projects from the initial concept stage through to completion.

Job Description

The Graduate / Junior Mechanical Engineer will contribute to the design, development, assembly, and testing of mechanical products. The position combines computer-aided design with hands-on workshop activities, making it suitable for candidates who enjoy building and improving physical products.

The engineer will use SolidWorks and other relevant engineering tools to develop components, mechanisms, and assemblies. The role also involves experimenting with designs, identifying practical solutions to engineering problems, and working alongside experienced engineers.

Candidates with personal projects, vehicle restoration experience, fabrication skills, or university design-and-build projects are encouraged to demonstrate these abilities in their CVs.

Key Responsibilities

• Develop new products from initial concepts into functional prototypes.
• Use SolidWorks to create mechanical components, mechanisms, and assemblies.
• Build, assemble, modify, and test designs in the workshop.
• Work with sheet metal, fabrication equipment, welding equipment, CNC machines, mills, lathes, and hand tools.
• Test designs and experiment with different solutions to practical engineering challenges.
• Collaborate with experienced engineers throughout the product development process.
• Develop practical workshop skills alongside mechanical design abilities.

Qualifications and Requirements

Applicants should have a mechanically focused degree, an engineering apprenticeship, or a relevant junior engineering background.

The employer is particularly interested in practical ability and evidence of engineering work, whether gained through employment, education, hobbies, or personal projects.

Candidates should demonstrate:

• Practical mechanical engineering experience.
• Confidence using hand tools and an understanding of mechanical principles.
• A logical and practical approach to solving problems.
• A positive attitude and willingness to learn.
• Interest in mechanical design, fabrication, prototyping, and product development.

Experience with car or motorcycle restoration, welding, metal fabrication, machining, mechanical assembly, robotics, go-karts, or other engineering projects is valuable.

Knowledge of SolidWorks or other 3D CAD software, mechanical linkages, CNC equipment, milling, turning, and design for manufacture would also be beneficial.

Full in-house training and development are provided.

Applicants must have the right to work in the UK without requiring visa sponsorship, either now or in the future. A valid UK driving licence and access to personal transport are preferred because of the worksite location.

Salary and Benefits

The advertised salary is £28,000 to £38,000 per year, depending on experience.

Benefits include:

• 25 days of annual holiday plus public holidays.
• Private medical healthcare cover.
• Opportunities to work on engineering projects from concept to completion.
• Career progression within a growing company that promotes from within.
• A supportive team environment where employees can contribute ideas.
• In-house training and professional development.

Visa Sponsorship and Relocation

Accora explicitly requires applicants to have the right to work in the UK without needing visa sponsorship now or in the future. Therefore, this vacancy is not suitable for applicants who would need the company to sponsor their work visa.

The listing does not confirm relocation assistance or accommodation.

Who Should Apply

This position is suitable for recent mechanical engineering graduates, apprentice-trained engineers, and junior engineers who enjoy practical engineering work.

Candidates with experience in fabrication, welding, machining, mechanical assembly, vehicle restoration, robotics, or university engineering projects may be particularly well suited to the role.

Applicants should highlight their practical engineering achievements in their CV rather than focusing only on academic qualifications.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. What is the salary for the Graduate / Junior Mechanical Engineer position?

The advertised salary is £28,000 to £38,000 per year, depending on experience.

2. Where is the job located?

The position is based in Orwell, Cambridge, United Kingdom.

3. Is this a full-time job?

Yes. The vacancy is advertised as a full-time position.

4. Is a mechanical engineering degree compulsory?

The listing accepts candidates with a mechanically focused degree, an engineering apprenticeship, or a relevant junior engineering background. Practical engineering experience is also important.

5. Can applicants without professional engineering experience apply?

Candidates may demonstrate their practical abilities through university projects, hobbies, personal engineering projects, or other relevant experience. The employer values evidence of practical skills and enthusiasm for learning.

6. Does Accora offer visa sponsorship?

No. Applicants must already have the right to work in the UK without requiring visa sponsorship now or in the future.

7. What benefits does Accora provide?

The listed benefits include 25 days of holiday plus public holidays, private medical healthcare cover, in-house training, career progression, and opportunities to work on product development projects.

8. Is a driving licence required?

A valid UK driving licence and access to personal transport are preferred because of the site location, but the listing does not state them as absolute requirements.