Job hunting decisions and tips
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Can't find an engineering job or internship? Get graduate engineers' advice
If your applications for engineering graduate jobs or internships have been unsuccessful, read this advice from engineers who’ve already started their careers.
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What jobs can you do with an electrical engineering degree?
Graduates with electrical engineering degrees can choose from careers in a wide range of engineering industries. Here’s what you could do in each.
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Choose the right engineering career and graduate employer
How do you decide which engineering employer to join? It all depends on the industry you want to work in, the career you want to have, and the life you want to lead.
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Your essential engineering application timeline
Our engineering careers action plan for both non-finalists and finalists reveals what you should do each month to help you secure an engineering graduate job or internship.
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What jobs can you do with an electronic engineering degree?
Careers for electronic engineering graduates can be found in a range of industries, from automotive to utilities. Electronic engineers are also sought by IT companies.
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What jobs can you do with a mechanical engineering degree?
Find out what kinds of work mechanical engineering graduates can carry out in which engineering industries – or how you could pursue a totally different career.
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How to be a better job hunter in engineering, design and manufacturing
Find out how other students interested in engineering, design and manufacturing employers are finding and applying for jobs – and use our four tips to help you get a job offer.
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Find great graduate jobs in small engineering firms
Big job opportunities for engineering graduates aren't only to be found in big companies: explore bijou engineering employers as well.
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How do I get an engineering graduate job?
Find out about the engineering industries you can work in, typical salaries for graduate engineers, how to become professionally registered and how to apply to engineering graduate schemes.
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How to choose the right engineering career in construction, by a graduate fire engineer
Many engineering students aren’t aware of the full range of engineering jobs in the construction industry. We interviewed Paul Matthews, a fire engineer at Mott MacDonald, to find out why he chose his.
Applications
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CVs and covering letters: convince engineering recruiters you're perfect for their graduate job
Use our engineering CV and covering letter examples and our advice to help you fine tune your own CVs and covering letters.
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Which engineering employers accept graduates with 2.2 degrees?
Worried you won’t achieve a 2.1? Never fear – there are numerous engineering employers who recruit engineers with 2.2s for their graduate schemes.
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How to get hired by Jaguar Land Rover: cover letter and interview advice
Find out everything you need to know if you’re thinking of applying to one of Jaguar Land Rover’s graduate schemes or undergraduate placements.
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How graduates can engineer great online job applications
Online applications for graduate engineering jobs or internships must be tailored to each employer if you want to impress engineering recruiters.
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Researching graduate employers: boost your chances and get that engineering job!
Even a modest amount of time spent researching engineering employers can increase your chances of success in applications and job interviews.
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Want an engineering graduate job or internship? Why applying before the deadline gives a big advantage
Early birds have better odds of getting an engineering job than those who leave their application till the last minute.
Interviews and assessment centres
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Technical interviews for graduate engineering jobs
With the right preparation, you'll be ready to tackle your technical interviews with confidence and secure an engineering graduate job or internship.
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Engineering interview questions and how to answer
Take a look at these common engineering interview questions and our tips on how to answer them, plus what questions you could ask recruiters when the tables are turned.
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Giving presentations at engineering assessments: tips for job-seeking graduates
You may be asked to give a presentation as part of an engineering assessment centre. Use our top tips to structure a winning presentation.
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Engineering assessment centres: what to expect and tips for success
An assessment centre is usually the final step in securing an engineering graduate job or internship. Find out what tasks to expect and how to prepare.
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Numerical tests for graduate engineering jobs
Surprisingly, engineering graduates don't always score highly on numerical tests. To beat the competition and bag that job you'll need to get to grips with the figures.
Industry sectors
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Energy (power generation): industry sector overview
Large energy companies tend to cover power generation, transmission networks and end users. If you're generating power, it's more cost effective to sell and distribute to your own customers.
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Materials and metals: industry sector overview
There are several large materials and metals companies across Europe, although there is also competition from companies further afield, for example in China and Russia, says Peter Toms, a senior engineering manager at Tata Steel.
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Aerospace engineering: industry sector overview
Electric aircraft, vertical take-off and landing vehicles, supersonic aircraft and distributed propulsion are all potential areas to be pursued by the aerospace industry, says Andrew Smyth, a research engineer at Rolls-Royce.
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Engineering careers in retail: industry sector overview
In retail, engineers can build and refurbish stores, improve technical processes and reduce a company's carbon footprint.
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Pharmaceuticals: industry sector overview
One key objective in the pharmaceuticals industry is optimising efficiency. It can take anything between 10 and 15 years to develop and release a product into the market, says Colette Cochrane, an engineering director at GSK.
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Automotive engineering: industry sector overview
The automotive industry is seeing a move towards smart cities and autonomous, connected and electrified (ACE) vehicles, explains Jo Lopes, head of technical excellence at Jaguar Land Rover.
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Engineering consultancy: industry sector overview
Graduates following careers in engineering consultancy will use their technical expertise to help their clients.
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Rail engineering: industry sector overview
Safety is at the forefront of everything that is done within the rail industry. Reliability is also key as the more reliable the railway is, the more people will want to use it, says Elen Jones, a programme engineering manager at Network Rail.
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Chemical engineering: industry sector overview
Graduates within the chemicals industry will usually find work in one of four areas: research and development (R&D), design, commissioning or operations, says Sean David, a process engineer at Johnson Matthey.
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Engineering design and construction (EDC): industry sector overview
Graduates in engineering design and construction can work all around the world on large-scale projects for big-name clients.
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Research and development (R&D): industry sector overview
A research and development job allows graduate engineers to use their skills to push the frontiers of science forward.
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Construction engineering: industry sector overview
A lot of organisations in the construction industry have head offices in London but many offices in cities around the UK, such as Birmingham, Bristol, Edinburgh, Glasgow, Leeds and Manchester, says Chris Kitching, a director at Mott MacDonald.
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Control engineering: industry sector overview
Graduates with a good understanding of software engineering are needed to help develop control systems.
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Fast moving consumer goods: industry sector overview
Engineers in the fast-moving consumer goods industry work on familiar products that are used in people's daily lives, says Helen Hudson, a personal care factory director at Unilever.
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Telecommunications: industry sector overview
Within the telecoms industry, you could work in research and development, technical sales and marketing or installation and technical support, says Fiona Corden, a technical team lead at Metaswitch.
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Utilities: industry sector overview
As well as engineering knowledge, the utilities industry is looking for people with software, telecoms, customer, commercial and data analytics skills, says Lynne McDonald, a smart grid engineer and manager at UK Power Networks.
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Defence: industry sector overview
The defence industry covers everything from land, sea and air capabilities to electronics and cyber security. Just one product can encompass a huge range of elements, says Pamela Wilson, an engineering manager at BAE Systems.
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Food manufacturing: industry sector overview
Engineers are the essential link in getting food to your table. Graduate engineers in this industry may get the chance to travel.
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Electronic engineering: industry sector overview
Engineers in the electronics industry may work in different areas: design of the chips, layout, manufacturing, packaging, testing and field support engineering, says Adam Malpass, a senior analog design engineer at Dialog Semiconductor.
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Manufacturing engineering: industry sector overview
Engineers in the manufacturing industry could work in areas such as design, production, supply chain or logistics.
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Energy (oil and gas): industry sector overview
Graduate engineers in the oil and gas industry might find themselves moving into roles that broaden their business skills, such as analyst roles, says Sonia Bingham, a chemical engineer and plant manager at ExxonMobil.
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Marine engineering: industry sector overview
The marine industry operates in four key areas: naval, commercial, leisure and offshore renewable energy, says Sarah Hilder, a project manager at Babcock International Group.
Skills and competencies
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Networking for engineers: your questions answered
There are lots of opportunities for engineering students to network. Here are our answers to common questions about networking to get you started.
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What skills do engineering employers look for?
You need to show engineering recruiters that you have the skills they’re looking for. These five competencies are at the top of engineering employer's wish lists.
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Assessment centres: the key competences graduate engineers must prove they possess
HR specialist Jane Lees reveals which skills recruiters test for at engineering assessment centres and how to demonstrate them.
Internships and placements
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Which engineering employers offer summer internships or industrial placements?
The majority of leading engineering companies offer work experience to student engineers. Here’s what’s on offer.
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What to plan for your summer if you can't find an engineering internship
If you don’t have an engineering placement lined up for the summer, boost your employability through shorter work experience stints and other activities.
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Engineering work experience: a beginner's guide
An engineering placement year or summer internship will impress employers and help you with career decisions. Non-engineering work experience is useful too.
Pay and progression
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Engineering salary round-up: from graduate to chartered engineer
Discover what a typical engineering graduate salary is like, how much the top graduate schemes pay and average salaries for incorporated and chartered engineers.
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The engineering employers who boast the best benefits and bonuses
From welcome bonuses and location allowances to track days and charitable giving, find out which graduate engineering recruiters offer the best employee benefits.
Training and qualification
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Engineering postgraduate study: MSc, PhD or EngD?
Which qualification? Which university? If you want to study for a postgraduate engineering degree before getting a graduate job, here’s what to consider.
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Becoming a chartered or incorporated engineer after starting a graduate job
Engineering graduates often work towards towards professional qualification as a chartered engineer (CEng) or incorporated engineer (IEng). Find out what this involves.
Women in engineering
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Female engineers find the way to career success from 'inspiring' event
Student Jemma Hart found the inspiration she needed to land a graduate job at the Future female engineers networking day – here’s why you should do the same.
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Top female engineers give students their tips for graduate career success
Here are the most useful careers hints and tips we heard at TARGETjobs Events’ Future Female Engineers networking event, from seeking out role models to being confident.
Alternative careers
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Spotlight on patent attorneys: training and progression
Becoming a trainee patent attorney is the first step in your career. But what happens next? Peter Silcock, a partner at J A Kemp, outlines the typical progression route for a patent attorney and the salary you might earn, as well as the training you will receive.
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Spotlight on patent attorneys: what working life is like
If you want to use your engineering or science degree but you don’t want to be an engineer, or scientist, a career as a patent attorney could be for you. Peter Silcock, a partner at J A Kemp, reveals what life is like as a patent attorney.
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Spotlight on patent attorneys: how to get a graduate job
Competition for trainee patent attorney jobs is tough. Peter Silcock, a partner at J A Kemp, describes the qualifications and skills you’ll need to impress patent attorney firms and what you can expect from the application and interview process.
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What can I do with an engineering degree, apart from being an engineer?
Logistics, patent law, technical consulting, teaching or technical sales... there are many alternative jobs that graduate engineers can do, whether you want to stay within the engineering industry or pursue an entirely different career path.
Career essentials
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Career tips for engineers from a rising star at National Grid
David Adkins, an engineer with National Grid, shares his advice on how to improve your career prospects both at university and at work.
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Engineering professional bodies: how to make the most of your student membership
We asked the Royal Aeronautical Society and the Institution of Civil Engineers about joining professional engineering institutions as a student and how your membership can help with your degree and graduate job hunt.
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So-so salaries, satisfying careers: what graduate engineers think of their jobs
Graduate engineers tell us they have job satisfaction, despite the fact they could earn more in other industries. Highlights include good work/life balance and interesting work.
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Travel opportunities for graduate engineers: UK and abroad
Considering engineering graduate jobs abroad? There are lots of opportunities for engineers to work overseas. Or you could find a job that involves travel within the UK.
Job descriptions
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Validation engineer: job description
There’s plenty of scope for validation engineers to specialise in roles including process validation, computer systems validation and equipment validation.
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Technical sales engineer: job description
Technical sales engineers provide pre- and post-sales technical advice and support about products.
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Packaging technologist: job description
Packaging technologists are responsible for the design, development and manufacture of packaging for a range of products.
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Building services engineer: job description
Building services engineers advise about, design, install and maintain cost-effective and energy efficient systems for building services such as water, lighting, heating, air conditioning, lifts, and telecoms.
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Automotive engineer: job description
Automotive engineers work as part of a team responsible for vehicle design, development, manufacture and testing.
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Manufacturing machine operator: job description
Manufacturing machine operators keep the wheels of industry rolling and are a vital component in the manufacturing process.
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Electrical engineer: job description
Electrical engineers research, design, develop and install a part of, or the complete life cycle of, electrical products or systems.
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Patent attorney: job description
Patent attorneys (also known as patent agents) secure and help to protect the granting of patents for their clients.
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Chemical (process) engineer: job description
Chemical engineers are responsible for the chemical, biochemical and physical processes and machinery used to transform raw materials into valuable products.
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Manufacturing engineer: job description
Manufacturing engineers are responsible for the technical management, maintenance and development of new and existing production lines.
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Materials engineer: job description
Materials engineers use their expertise to produce specifications for, design, process and apply materials effectively.
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Manufacturing toolmaker: job description
A manufacturing toolmaker produces, modifies and repairs the tools used in the manufacturing process.
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Engineering geologist: job description
Engineering geologists undertake technical and scientific analysis of rock, soil, groundwater and other conditions to determine the likely impact that major construction developments will have on sites.
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Patent examiner: job description
Patent examiners are responsible for ensuring that patent applications received from patent attorneys conform to relevant requirements.
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Civil engineer: job description
Civil engineers design, plan and oversee construction projects such as railways and roads.
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Site engineer: job description
Site engineers provide technical advice about, plan, organise and supervise construction projects.
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Materials specialist: job description
Materials specialists make sure the right material is used for the right job and may be involved in developing, selecting or evaluating materials for specialist uses.
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Ergonomist: job description
Ergonomists ensure that the designs of systems, equipment and facilities provide the best levels of efficiency, comfort and health and safety for anyone using them.
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Petroleum engineer: job description
Petroleum engineers assess the potential location, quantity and quality of hydrocarbon deposits, and plan, manage and optimise extraction.
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Commissioning engineer: job description
Commissioning engineers work at a client's site, where they are responsible for commissioning and overseeing the installation of systems, plants and equipment.
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Mechanical engineer: job description
Mechanical engineers produce specifications for, design, develop, manufacture and install new or modified mechanical components or systems.
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Water engineer: job description
Water engineers supply, manage and maintain clean water and sewerage/waste water services and prevent flood damage.
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Biomedical engineer: job description
Biomedical engineers are specialists who help to develop advanced healthcare technology.
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Communications engineer: job description
Communications engineers are responsible for the research, design, development and production of communications equipment and systems.
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Metallurgist: job description
Metallurgists develop and manufacture metal items and structures that range from tiny precision-made components to huge engineering parts.
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Industrial/product designer: job description
Industrial/product designers work from design briefs to create solutions for new products that are innovative, practical and suitable for manufacturing.
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Aeronautical engineer: job description
Aeronautical engineers design, develop, manufacture, maintain and modify military and civil aircraft, aeronautical components and associated systems.
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Structural engineer: job description
Structural engineers design, plan and oversee the construction of new buildings and bridges, or alterations and extensions to existing properties or other structures.
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Mining engineer: job description
Mining engineers assess the feasibility, safety and productivity of mine locations and plan, manage and optimise the extraction of surface and underground deposits.
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Land-based engineer: job description
Land-based engineers generate solutions to engineering problems within the fields of forestry, horticulture, agriculture, food processing and the environment.
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Production manager: job description
Production managers are responsible for the technical management, supervision and control of industrial production processes.
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Design engineer: job description
A career as a design engineer is all about transforming ideas into real products. It offers the chance to combine creativity with engineering expertise.
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Electronics engineer: job description
Electronics engineers work in a rapidly advancing profession that is key to the development of the world’s IT.
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Control and instrumentation engineer: job description
Control and instrumentation engineers research, design, develop and install the devices and systems used in manufacturing facilities and plants.
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Naval architect: job description
Naval architects work as part of a team responsible for designing, producing and repairing safe, sea-worthy surface or underwater vessels.
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Maintenance engineer: job description
Maintenance engineers undertake scheduled and breakdown maintenance of engineering equipment or plants.
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Quality assurance manager: job description
Quality assurance managers work with other staff to establish procedures and quality standards and to monitor these against agreed targets.
