Oliver Hydcovalves
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 recognized 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, recognizing 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.
With over 45 years of valve technology innovations, Oliver Valves is a global leader in the design, manufacture, and supply of high-quality valves and valve systems, serving industries such as oil and gas, petrochemical, and other critical sectors.
We have won recognized awards for Export, Manufacturing, and Growth – as well as the coveted Queen's Award and more recently, the King's Award for Industry. We’re a profitable, privately owned, and fast-moving company looking for talented individuals to join our team and deliver our strategic objectives.
“It took my CV and asked me questions relevant to understanding what kind of jobs to suggest for me. Suggestions were almost perfect. Jobs were exactly what I’ve been looking for.”
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