Graduate Electrical, Controls & Instrumental Engineer

Join the next generation of engineers powering global manufacturing.

At Projective, we don’t just engineer solutions, we energise progress. We are a global engineering consultancy specialising in utilities and facilities consultancy, design and support, working with recognised clients in the pharmaceutical, food & beverage and FMCG sectors. Our collaborative, client-centric approach combines deep technical expertise with agile thinking to deliver intelligent, tailored solutions that improve performance, reliability and long-term sustainability.

We are launching a new graduate scheme and are looking for four Graduate Engineers to join us in September 2026. This is an opportunity to build your career in a business that values curiosity, collaboration and continuous improvement, while gaining hands-on experience on real engineering challenges from the start.

This is an opportunity to fast-track your development through structured support, professional mentoring, real project responsibility and a clear progression route from graduate level through to Engineer. You will have the opportunity to contribute to projects for some of the world’s most recognised manufacturing businesses, supporting everything from decarbonisation and new technology assessments to engineering design and build delivery.

For the first three months, this role will be office-based to support onboarding, training and integration into the business. After this period, the role will remain primarily office-based, with some flexibility and opportunities for site visits depending on project requirements.

About the role

As a Graduate Electrical, Controls & Automation Engineer, you will work alongside experienced engineers to support the delivery of control systems and automation projects for industrial clients. This role combines engineering design, technical problem-solving and practical project support, giving you the opportunity to develop both your technical capability and your understanding of how automation solutions are delivered in real operating environments.

This is an exciting time to build a career in controls and automation. As industrial facilities adopt smarter systems, AI-enabled tools, digital technologies and more advanced control solutions, demand is growing for engineers who can understand complex systems, solve

problems and help make things work in practice. At Projective, you will gain exposure to leading suppliers, different technology platforms and a range of automation solutions across live projects.

You will gain experience in how control and automation systems are developed from concept through to design, implementation and commissioning. This role is suited to candidates who are interested in how engineering, technology and automation come together to improve performance, reliability and efficiency in complex facilities.

What you will be doing

Your responsibilities may include:

· Working on live engineering projects alongside experienced multidisciplinary teams for leading global industrial clients.

· Taking part in site visits to understand existing systems, design constraints and installation requirements

· Supporting decarbonisation projects, including heat pumps, electrification and other low-carbon technologies.

· Assisting with the development of control philosophies, system architecture and functional design documentation

· Supporting the preparation and review of control system documentation, including I/O schedules, cause and effect matrices and equipment schedules

· Supporting system integration activities across plant equipment, instrumentation and control systems.

· Taking ownership of defined tasks on control and automation projects in regulated and high-hazard environments, including systems where ATEX and SIL considerations are important.

· Supporting commissioning, testing and troubleshooting activities where required

· Developing an understanding of utilities, facilities and industrial systems within regulated environments

· Building strong relationships with colleagues and clients through professional, clear communication.

As part of Projective’s graduate scheme, you will be supported to develop both technically and professionally. The programme will give you exposure to real projects, structured development, and close support from experienced colleagues.

You can expect

· Competitive salary with annual progression, starting salary: £28,000-£30,000

· A structured induction with the wider cohort

· Career progression within a growing company and a pathway to Chartership

· Exposure to live client projects and operational environments

· Site visit experience and involvement in real-world projects

· Mentoring and regular development reviews

· Experience working in a collaborative consultancy environment

· Paid professional membership with a relevant institution

· A clear progression pathway, with the opportunity to develop towards the next level within 3 to 5 years, depending on performance and development

· Opportunities for domestic and international travel.

Essential requirements

To be considered for this role, you must have:

· a BTEC, BEng or equivalent qualification in Controls, Automation, Electrical Engineering or a related discipline

· A genuine interest in controls, automation and industrial systems

· Strong problem-solving and analytical skills.

· The ability to communicate clearly and professionally, both verbally and in writing

· A proactive, self-motivated attitude and willingness to learn

· The ability to work both independently and as part of a team

· A professional and adaptable approach to working with colleagues and clients

· Willingness to travel as required for site visits, project work and client engagement

· The right to work in the UK for the duration of employment without employer sponsorship.

Desirable

The following would be advantageous:

· Previous internship, placement or work experience in a relevant engineering or automation environment

· Familiarity with automation systems such as Raspberry Pi, single-board computers or industrial control systems

· Experience of instrumentation, electrical systems or control panel design

· An interest in sustainability, utilities, process improvement or industrial infrastructure

· A full UK driving licence, or willingness to obtain one in time for the role.

Our graduate engineer promise

At Projective, our commitment to graduate engineers is clear:

· Your ideas are valued

· Your development is structured

· Your impact is important

Graduate engineers are not observers. They are active contributors to projects that shape the utilities and facilities powering modern manufacturing worldwide. Join our growing global team of engineers — where your ideas help shape the utilities and facilities that power modern manufacturing.

Further Graduate Programme Details

·Start date: September 2026, (or earlier, flexible based on availability)

·Requirement: BTEC, BEng or equivalent in Controls, Automation, Electrical Engineering or a related discipline.

· Working Arrangement: Full time (40 hours), Permanent & Office-based at our Head Quarters in Fleet (GU51 2UY)

· Travel: some travel will be required for site visits, project support and client work