Oliver Valves
Graduate Mechatronics Engineer

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Role: Graduate Mechatronics Engineer
Location: Knutsford, Parkgate Industrial Estate
Working Hours: Mon-Fri, 8:30am till 5pm. 40 hours per week
We are seeking a Graduate Mechatronics Engineer to support the development, integration and continuous improvement of automated R&D and production systems. This is a hybrid role combining hands-on engineering with PLC/software development, electrical, mechanical and instrumentation work.
You will take ownership of engineering problems from investigation through to implementation, commissioning and documentation, with a strong focus on understanding existing equipment, troubleshooting systematically and integrating practical improvements.
About Us
With over 45 years of valve technology innovation, Oliver Valves is a global leader in the design, manufacture and supply of high-quality valves and valve systems for oil and gas, petrochemical and other critical sectors. We are a profitable, privately owned and fast-moving company with recognised awards for Export, Manufacturing, Growth and Industry.
What You'll Be Doing
- PLC & Automation: Develop, modify, fault-find and commission PLC-based automation systems, including CODESYS / IEC 61131-3 applications.
- R&D Test Systems: Support test rigs, control panels, instrumentation and data acquisition used with valves, actuators, motors, sensors and pressure equipment.
- Hands-On Engineering: Assemble, wire, modify and fault-find equipment using schematics, P&IDs, wiring diagrams and technical manuals.
- Software & Connectivity: Develop Python, Linux and browser-based HMI solutions and work with EtherCAT, Modbus, OPC UA and industrial Ethernet.
- Problem Solving: Investigate issues systematically, understand existing systems before making changes, test and verify improvements before deployment.
- Project Ownership: Source components, maintain configuration control, document changes and support commissioning across R&D and production.
Reasons to use Rodeo
I’m in my final year doing Economics and I don’t know whether to apply for grad schemes now or do a masters first. What do you think?
Honest answer — it depends on where you want to end up. A lot of top grad schemes (Big 4, civil service, banking) don’t need a masters. Let’s look at the ones you’d be competitive for now, and we can decide if a masters actually adds anything.
Also worth knowing: most autumn 2026 applications are open now. Timing matters more than you think.
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Graduate Consultant — 2026 Scheme
Why you're a good match
StrongYour economics background and your summer at a regional bank line up with what PwC looks for on the consulting scheme. Applications close in four weeks.
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Every day your agent scans the market matching roles against what actually matters to you, not just keywords on a CV.
Why you're a good match
You’ve got the grades and the economics background, and your bank internship is exactly the experience this scheme looks for. Apply soon — deadlines close within the month.
Experience fit
Your summer at the bank plus your econometrics coursework map directly to the day-one responsibilities on this scheme — client modelling, market briefings, and deal support.
Only hits
No noise. No "maybe this fits." Just roles with a clear explanation of why they're right — and where to focus when applying.
The Tech Stack You'll Use
- PLC & Control: CODESYS V3, IEC 61131-3 Structured Text, Beckhoff I/O and EtherCAT.
- Coding & Systems: Python, Linux, HTML, JavaScript and CSS.
- Communications: OPC UA, Modbus TCP/RTU and industrial Ethernet.
- Hardware & Design: Pressure instrumentation, sensors, motors, drives, actuators, control panels, SolidWorks and AutoCAD.
What You'll Bring
- A degree-level qualification in Mechatronics, Electrical/Electronic Engineering, Automation, Control Engineering or a closely related discipline.
- Practical engineering experience gained through employment, an industrial placement, university projects, Formula Student, personal projects or similar.
- Hands-on experience building, wiring, commissioning, repairing or modifying engineering equipment.
- Some practical PLC or industrial automation experience, including writing, modifying or fault-finding control logic.
- The ability to interpret electrical schematics and/or P&IDs, with a basic understanding of sensors, actuators and instrumentation.
- A proactive problem solver: able to investigate independently, troubleshoot systematically and take ownership through to a verified solution.
- Practical, collaborative and safety conscious: comfortable working independently, communicating clearly and learning unfamiliar systems quickly.


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What's On Offer?
- Competitive salary (£27k-£32k) + Discretionary Bonus.
- Comprehensive Medical Cash Plan (Dental, Physio, etc.).
- A company pension scheme with an employer contribution of 4% to help you plan for the future.
- A clear path for career development in a multi-award-winning engineering firm (x2 Queen's Award winners) within a King's Award-winning group. We offer world-class mentorship in a high-growth, prestigious environment.
- Long service awards, recognising your continued commitment.
- Increased annual leave based on length of service.
- Access to an Employee Assistance Programme, offering free and confidential support.
- Monday to Friday (8:30 am - 5:00 pm) - No weekend shifts.
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