Graduate Engineer Programme 2026/2027 – Aerospace & Defence

Element Materials Technology is one of the fastest growing testing, inspection and certification businesses in the world. Globally we have more than 9,000 brilliant minds operating from 270 sites across 30 countries. Together we share an ambitious purpose to ‘Make tomorrow safer than today’. When failure in use is not an option, we help customers make certain that their products, materials, processes and services are safe, compliant and fit for purpose. 

Who Are We Looking For?

Are you passionate about launching a career in the Aerospace and Defence industry, with a keen interest in areas such as:

• Aerospace materials and composites
• Materials science and structural integrity
• Product design and installation
• Engineering and systems integration
• Manufacturing and production processes
• Product certification and compliance
• Research and development of aerospace technologies

Join us on an exciting graduate engineer programme where you will gain hands-on experience across various functions within our aerospace and defence business. This is your chance to build a solid foundation for a rewarding career in one of the world’s most dynamic and innovative industries.

Placement within our programme will be dependant on business requirements. 

Closing dates for applications 28th February 2026.

What to Expect:

• Exposure to diverse projects spanning design, testing, certification, and production
• Opportunities to collaborate with multidisciplinary teams driving cutting-edge aerospace solutions
• Limited travel between our UK and European sites, with potential longer placements at other locations for candidates who are keen to broaden their experience

What We’re Looking For:

• Degree qualified 2:1 or above in engineering, materials science, aerospace engineering, or related STEM subjects
• Analytical thinker with strong problem-solving abilities and a passion for technical challenges
• Methodical, organised, and able to work effectively to deadlines
• Confident decision-maker, able to prioritise tasks and justify solutions clearly
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills, with strong attention to detail
• Comfortable delivering presentations and engaging with stakeholders
• Opportunities available at varying site locations

Benefits of Working with Us:

• 33 days annual leave (25 days holiday + 8 public/bank holidays)
• Life Assurance and Legal & General Pension Scheme with matched contributions up to 6%
• Enhanced company sick pay
• Flexible working arrangements
• Cycle to work scheme
• Free onsite refreshments
• Recommend a Friend bonus scheme
• Access to Perks At Work discount platform

#LI-LM1

Element is one of the fastest growing testing, inspection and certification businesses in the world. Globally we have more than 9,000 brilliant minds operating from 270 sites across 30 countries. Together we share an ambitious purpose to ‘Make tomorrow safer than today’.

When failure in use is not an option, we help customers make certain that their products, materials, processes and services are safe, compliant and fit for purpose. From early R&D, through complex regulatory approvals and into production, our global laboratory network of scientists, engineers, and technologists support customers to achieve assurance over product quality, sustainable outcomes, and market access.

While we are proud of our global reach, working at Element feels like being part of a smaller company. We empower you to take charge of your career, and reward excellence and integrity with growth and development.

Industries across the world depend on our care, attention to detail and the absolute accuracy of our work. The role we have to play in creating a safer world is much bigger than our organization.

At Element, we always take pride in putting our people first. We are an equal opportunity employer that recognizes diversity and inclusion as fundamental to our Vision of becoming “the world’s most trusted testing partner”.

All suitably qualified candidates will receive consideration for employment on the basis of objective work related criteria and without regard for the following: age, disability, ethnic origin, gender, marital status, race, religion, responsibility of dependents, sexual orientation, or gender identity or other characteristics in accordance with the applicable governing laws or other characteristics in accordance with the applicable governing laws.

The contractor will not discharge or in any other manner discriminate against employees or applicants because they have inquired about, discussed, or disclosed their own pay or the pay of another employee or applicant. However, employees who have access to the compensation information of other employees or applicants as a part of their essential job functions cannot disclose the pay of other employees or applicants to individuals who do not otherwise have access to compensation information, unless the disclosure is (a) in response to a formal complaint or charge, (b) in furtherance of an investigation, proceeding, hearing, or action, including an investigation conducted by the employer, or (c) consistent with the contractor’s legal duty to furnish information. 41 CFR 60-1.35(c) 

“If you need an accommodation filling out an application, or applying to a job,  please email Recruitment@element.com”