Graduate Founding Associate - Engineering Consultancy

This is not a standard graduate scheme. We are working with an early-stage specialist consultancy solving some of the UK’s most complex industrial challenges across advanced manufacturing, defence, aerospace, energy and critical supply chains. The business works with senior leaders, innovators and programme teams at the point where speed, structure and judgement matter most. Their work helps turn promising technologies, complex products and ambitious programmes into real-world delivery. For a high-performing STEM graduate, this is a rare chance to join at the founding stage of a consultancy with serious ambition, experienced leadership and nationally significant work. The Opportunity As a Graduate Founding Associate, you will work on live client projects from day one, supporting analysis, delivery and problem-solving across complex engineering and industrial programmes. This is not a traditional graduate scheme. There is no slow rotation programme or gradual ramp-up. You will be trusted early, stretched quickly and given the opportunity to take ownership of meaningful workstreams as your capability develops. Your work could include: Analysing technical, operational and supply chain data Identifying constraints in production, delivery and supply chain systems Mapping supplier capability, risk and readiness Producing briefing notes, decision papers and recommendations Supporting senior client conversations and project delivery Helping teams make better decisions under pressure and uncertainty The role is UK-based and will involve regular travel to client sites during the working week. You should be comfortable working in client environments and adapting to different project locations. Full expenses will be covered. What we can offer you: £45,000 starting salary plus £2,500 sign-on bonus, and an individual performance-based bonus Real responsibility from day one Direct access to founders and experienced consultants Work of national significance across complex engineering and industrial programmes Accelerated progression, with strong performers expected to take on meaningful leadership responsibility within 2 to 3 years A founding role, giving you a genuine hand in shaping how the firm develops Intellectually demanding work across scale-up, supply chain, programme readiness and operational problem-solving What We’re Looking For We’re looking for exceptional STEM graduates with the intellectual ability, drive and resilience to thrive in a fast-paced consultancy environment. You’ll ideally have: A first-class or strong 2:1 degree in Engineering, Physics, Maths, Computer Science, Materials Science or a related STEM subject Strong analytical and quantitative ability Clear written and verbal communication skills Full UK driving licence (or commitment to obtain one before starting). A master’s degree, year in industry, coding/data skills or consulting exposure would be useful, but is not essential.