Science and Engineering Innovation Graduate Programme 2026

Empowering people and enabling solutions for a more sustainable future
If you're passionate about science and engineering and are as excited as we are about research and development, then our graduate programme could be for you. We're looking for individuals with curiosity, creativity and commitment to make a real difference. Our world of technology is full of opportunities, and we can't wait to explore it with you.

We create some of the purest vacuum environments on earth for widescale use in industry and research. We take pride in our globally recognised position as the number one technology partner and supplier of vacuum process solutions in support of our customers' environmental and productivity targets. Providing simple solutions to complex problems, it's an exciting journey and you can play a key role. We're actively developing sustainable solutions that enable a significant reduction in our customers' environmental footprint, while also driving down our own carbon footprint within the business through waste reduction and renewable energy projects.

Our caring culture and cutting-edge technology enable us to innovate for a sustainable future, and we believe that passionate people make it happen. One of our greatest strengths is the diversity of our workforce – we believe this is key to success and that everybody should feel valued and able to reach their full potential.

About Our Graduate Programme
Vacuum is one of the hidden secrets behind many of the products we rely on every day. Our products enable scientific research, food preservation and the manufacture of smart devices as well as preventing the release of hazardous gases into the environment. It's a fast-moving market with new applications emerging all the time, so we're looking for bright, innovative and curious people to work in our global research and development team.

You will undertake three main placements over two years, along with a series of 'mini' placements (approximately 1 – 4 months) to help you build wider operational knowledge to help you succeed. Here you're empowered to explore opportunities and drive your professional development and after the two years you will move into a post-programme role to suit your skills and career aspirations. As a graduate you'll have access to all the training, learning and assistance you need to become a specialist within your area of expertise. You'll work alongside some of the world's top experts in vacuum and abatement technology on a broad range of exciting, real-world projects that will transform the way we live, work and communicate.

Day-to-day, As Part Of Our Team, You'll Be

• Growing skills and experience in a technical environment enabling you to gain valuable knowledge and influence and deliver important innovation projects to time and budget.
• Learning vacuum and abatement science and understanding our customers applications.
• Developing new innovative technologies and solutions for deployment in future products.
• Using advanced simulation tools to optimise product design and application solutions.
• Designing, testing and evaluating solutions and making suggestions for improvements.
• Writing technical reports and presenting results to team members and project sponsors.
• Experiencing working within a truly global multidisciplinary organisation.
• Gaining exposure to Intellectual Property, Engineering Processes and Finance disciplines.
• Contributing to our early careers outreach or marketing initiatives to develop essential workplace requirements including teamwork, planning and communication skills.

To Succeed, You Will Need

• To be a recent graduate, or in your final year of University studying Mechanical Engineering and predicted at least a 2:1 or above.
• A genuine passion for working in a scientific/technical environment, with the ability to work with internal clients and stakeholders.
• A good understanding of mechanical engineering principles and the ability to implement them to solve practical problems and develop solutions.
• Curiosity, creativity and commitment to push the forefront of technology and engineering design.
• Good communication skills, with the ability to work effectively as part of a specialist, multidisciplinary team.
• A keen interest in researching and developing solutions across a wide technology arena, utilising advances in engineering, material science, manufacturing processes and digital technology.
• Drive and desire for continuous professional development.
• You will need to have the unrestricted and continuous right to work in the UK. Sponsorship is not available for this position.

In Return, We Offer

• A starting salary of £32,000.00 annual discretionary bonus, 25 days holiday plus bank holidays, health cash plan for free dental, optical and therapies, contributory pension scheme with up to 8% employer contribution, ride-to-work scheme, electric car scheme, Employee Assistance Programme.
• A robust career development plan, including online learning modules and on the job practical training.
• An Early Careers Community forum and a global network.
• A Mentoring programme.
• Health and wellbeing initiatives including football, badminton and wellbeing webinars.
• Diversity and inclusion initiatives, Employee Connection Group-run events, Neurodiversity and LGBTQ+ employee groups.
• Paid volunteering leave days.
• Continuous support and coaching.

Location
You will be based at our Vacuum Technique Business global headquarters in Burgess Hill, Sussex, a short journey from the vibrant and diverse seaside city of Brighton and Hove.

Selection process
The closing date for this role is midnight, Friday 30th January 2026. However, if we receive a high volume of applications we may close for applications sooner.

If you're successful in progressing to the next stage, you'll be asked to complete an online competency assessment. The final stage of the process will be an in-person selection day to be held in Burgess Hill.

We're looking for outstanding students with curiosity and commitment to make a real difference. Our world of technology is full of opportunities, and we can't wait to explore it with you

About Edwards
Edwards is a leading developer and manufacturer of sophisticated vacuum products, exhaust management systems and related value-added services. Edwards solutions are integral to manufacturing processes for semiconductors, flat panel displays, LEDs and solar cells. They are also used within an increasingly diverse range of industrial processes including power, glass and other coating applications; steel and other metallurgy; pharmaceutical and chemical; and for scientific instruments in a wide range of R&D applications.

Edwards has over 4,000 employees worldwide engaged in the design, manufacture and support of high technology vacuum and exhaust management equipment. Edwards has state-of-the-art manufacturing facilities in Europe, Asia and North America.

Our solutions are a key part of most industries - electronics, medical research, renewable energy, food production, infrastructure and many more. Working with us means working with the latest technologies and groundbreaking, sustainable innovations.

Join us on our journey for a better tomorrow.