Graduate Mechanical Engineer Review
at Thales
Graduate Scheme
Manufacturing, Mechanical Engineering
Cheadle Heath
Review Submitted: September 2026
Overall Rating
4.3 /5
The Overall Rating is the average of all the ratings given in each category. We take those individual ratings and combine them into one final score!
4.3/5
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Overview of the Role
4.4/5
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Experience & Company Culture
4/5
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Recommendations & Advice
Overview of the Role
Overall, how would you describe your experience at Thales?
I've enjoyed my experience at Thales so far. I immediately settled within my role in Industrial Process Engineering and have grown to the point where I feel a fully fledged member of the team with two projects of my own.
What are the main responsibilities of the role and which elements of the role do you enjoy the most?
My main responsibilities within IPE include, reviewing engineering datapacks, assessing industrial maturity of products through MRL Reviews. Managing engineering change through non-conformance management. I regularly use ERP & PLM software.
To what extent does your role give you the opportunity to contribute meaningfully and feel valued by your team?
5/5
I feel like a full member of the IPE team and feel respected when voicing my opinions. I currently run two of my own projects making me feel like I hold a strong amount of responsibility.
How does your compensation package - including perks & benefits - fairly remunerate you for the work you do?
3/5
I think the compensation is fairly competitive, however I feel like for the work I do that I should no longer be considered as a graduate.
How well do you feel the role is preparing you for your future career?
4/5
This role has prepared me well for a career in manufacturing. I would like to branch out to discover other roles of interest.
How would you rate the extent to which you were developing new or existing skills through formal training and your day-to-day role?
5/5
I have developed many new skills particularly within a manufacturing setting and have set goals to learn about more sectors within manufacturing e.g. lean & 5S.
Experience & Company Culture
How is the support you receive?
5/5
The support I have received from my managers and peers has been fantastic. They have always been prepared to help me when I was developing in my role and to assist with my workload when I have been overloaded.
How is your work-life balance?
5/5
The work-life balance is strong particularly with a 4 day working week within industry.
What is the organisational culture, values and general atmosphere like?
4/5
The workplace is inclusive and welcoming with good hybrid working options.
How would you rate Thales initiatives when it comes to equality, diversity, inclusion and accessibility?
4/5
I feel as though Thales seems like a strongly diverse workplace with many events such as the Women in Thales network & LGBT+ networking events.
How would you rate Thales CSR (Corporate Social Responsibility) initiatives?
4/5
Thales has good opportunities for volunteering with allocated hours provided to employees, however I feel like opportunities for volunteering could be better advertised.
Recommendations & Advice
Would you recommend Thales to a friend?
Yes
Why?
Thales has been a great place for me to learn and develop as a young engineer, has a strong culture and good development.
How well did the role match your expectations based on the recruitment process?
4/5
I think the role has matched my expectations however I would have liked a better graduate scheme structure to have been planned out. Once I started I almost felt like I had to seek out graduate opportunities.
When considering the recruitment & onboarding process, have you any specific tips or advice you would give to others applying to Thales?
I would suggest asking as many questions as possible to learn from others around you.
