Graduate Automated Vehicles Test Engineer

Job description

Graduate Automated Vehicles Test Engineer

Vehicle Certification Agency

Apply before 11:55 pm on Thursday 12th November 2026

📍 Location: Nuneaton (This role is suitable for hybrid working)

💷 Salary: £33,477

Advertised salary is inclusive of a base salary of £32,027 plus an additional graduate allowance of £1,450.
Plus a Civil Service Pension with an employer contribution of 28.97%

🕘️ Contract Type: Permanent – Flexible working, Full-time, Job share, Part-time

🏆️ Available Positions: 1

Joining the Vehicle Certification Agency (VCA) and wider Department for Transport (DfT) Graduate Scheme as a permanent member of staff will open the door to a wide range of professional development opportunities. Collaborating with vehicle manufacturers, testing organisations and technical specialists across the automotive sector, you will aid the evolution, testing and approval of some of the world's most advanced vehicle technologies.

As a Graduate Automated Vehicle Test Engineer, you will spend your first two years developing a broad understanding of vehicle testing, certification and regulatory compliance through a combination of on-the-job experience, structured learning and placements. You will undertake rotations across VCA and may have opportunities to gain experience with organisations such as the Department for Transport, the Office for Zero Emission Vehicles and the Centre for Connected and Autonomous Vehicles.

Extensive travel within the UK and overseas is an essential part of the scheme, with potential opportunities to work alongside VCA's international offices in Japan and North America.

Top Responsibilities

• Work towards CEng or IEng by engaging with the IMechE MPDS or IET Career Manager frameworks
• Produce quarterly and annual development reports and ensure these are approved and submitted on time
• Maintain disciplined record-keeping, tracking objectives, evidence, and progress
• Develop and support technical knowledge in vehicle systems, components, and associated technology
• Follow agency procedures and quality requirements
• Work to support and update GB national regulations to ensure vehicles stay safe, secure and environmentally friendly throughout their lifetime

For more information on the role and responsibilities please see the full job advert on CS Jobs using the link provided.

Benefits

• Employer pension contribution of 28.97% of your salary. Read more about Civil Service Pensions here 
• 25 days annual leave, increasing by 1 day each year of service (up to a maximum of 30 days annual leave). 
• 8 Bank Holidays plus an additional Privilege Day to mark the King’s birthday.  
• Access to the staff discount portal.
• Excellent career development opportunities and the potential to undertake professional qualifications relevant to your role paid for by the department, such as CIPD, Prince2, apprenticeships, etc.
• 24-hour Employee Assistance Programme providing free confidential help and advice for staff.
• Flexible working options where we encourage a great work-life balance. 

About You

To be successful in this role you will need to have the following experience: 

• Educated to degree level, or equivalent, in an IMechE or IET accredited degree (Mechanical Engineering, Automotive Engineering), or any engineering discipline closely linked to those, including degrees with a focus on technologies relevant to automotive technology. Equivalent qualifications from a mutually recognised accreditation body will also be considered.
• Proven communication skills
• The ability to work as part of a team and on your own initiative with minimum supervision
• Willingness to travel extensively in the UK and overseas, including overnight stays
• Understanding the importance of maintaining confidentiality and respecting intellectual property rights

Additional Information

Licences

Full UK Category B Driving Licence

Qualifications

Educated to degree level, or equivalent, in an IMechE or IET accredited degree (Mechanical Engineering, Automotive Engineering), or any engineering discipline closely linked to those, including degrees with a focus on technologies relevant to automotive technology. Equivalent qualifications from a mutually recognised accreditation body will also be considered.

You will be required to provide evidence that you hold any essential qualifications at some point during the recruitment process. If you cannot provide evidence, your application will be withdrawn.

How to Apply

👉 Read the full description and apply at CS Jobs using the link provided.

This vacancy closes at 23:55 on Thursday 12th November 2026

Reference 225809906