Graduate Engineering Trainee

About the Opportunity:

We are currently seeking dedicated and ambitious Graduate Engineer to join our manufacturing team based in Sunshine North, Melbourne.

Are you a fresh graduate, ready to kick-start your engineering career with a global leader in paints and coatings? At AkzoNobel, we’re offering a unique graduate program designed to give you hands-on experience, real responsibility, and the chance to make a meaningful impact from day one.

As part of our Graduate Engineering Trainee (GET) program, you’ll rotate through several key areas of our manufacturing operations including:

• Continuous Improvement
• Project Engineering
• Process Engineering
• Production Planning
• Reliability Engineering. 

This rotational exposure will equip you with a broad understanding of manufacturing operations and prepare you for future leadership roles. Upon successful completion of the program, and based on your performance and readiness, you will be considered for a permanent role in consultation with the Regional Manufacturing Organisation. You may also have the opportunity to be deployed to another AkzoNobel site within the Asia–Pacific (APAC) region for broadening your exposure and accelerating your career.

Key Responsibilities Will Include:

• Actively participate in all site Health, Safety, Environment, Quality, and Sustainability (HSEQS) initiatives.
• Apply statistical analysis and business excellence methodologies to identify improvement opportunities and develop actionable plans.
• Investigate root causes of process failures, resolve non-conformance issues, and implement corrective actions.
• Contribute to the development of the site’s manufacturing strategy and provide input into long-term site development plans.
• Benchmark and adopt best practices from external sources to enhance internal systems and processes.
• Utilise the Integrated Asset Management Program and lean operating principles, including Work Management, Condition Monitoring, Defect Elimination, and Operate for Reliability
• Analyse data to maximize equipment effectiveness and reduce lifecycle costs.
• Use charts and graphs to identify production losses and prioritize improvement initiatives.
• Collaborate with planning, procurement, logistics, and sourcing teams to optimize production schedules and material efficiencies.
• Lead and support projects that address key business needs, from planning through to implementation.
• Actively contribute to continuous improvement (CI) projects aimed at increasing Overall Equipment Effectiveness (OEE) and production rates.

Process Engineering:

• Collaborate with R&D, Marketing, and Central Engineering to industrialize new products, raw materials, and recipe changes
• Provide technical support to operations during process troubleshooting.
• Conduct process studies and contribute to pre-project scoping and business case development for capital projects.
• Support commissioning, start-up, and training during project execution, and assume ownership of the technology post-implementation.
• Stay current with relevant technologies, SHE standards, and company developments, and apply this knowledge to site improvements.
• Participate in CI and ALPS (AkzoNobel Leading Performance System) initiatives.
• Coordinate New Product Introduction (NPI) activities related to manufacturing, where applicable.
• Ensure compliance with corporate and site-specific policies related to HSE and Product Safety & Regulatory Affairs (PSRA).

Project Engineering:

• Plan, schedule, and monitor assigned engineering projects to ensure timely and cost-effective delivery.
• Ensure compliance with applicable codes, quality standards, and performance specifications.
• Communicate regularly with project stakeholders to understand requirements and provide technical support.
• Oversee quality control across all project phases and report on progress and performance.
• Manage project budgets and timelines, ensuring alignment with approved limits.
• Conduct post-project audits to evaluate outcomes against original goals.
• Review engineering deliverables and initiate corrective actions as needed.
• Remain informed about technological advancements and SHE standards, applying relevant insights to project execution.

To be considered for this role, you should:

• Hold a Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Engineering, ideally in one of the following disciplines: Electrical, Mechanical, Chemical, Mechatronics, Aeronautical, Civil, or Industrial Engineering.
• Be a recent graduate, with no more than one year of full-time work experience. This role is designed for early-career professionals ready to launch their journey in the coatings and manufacturing industry.
• Demonstrate a genuine passion for engineering—not just in theory, but in practice. Whether through academic projects, internships, or personal tinkering, you should be eager to solve real-world problems and thrive in a dynamic, hands-on environment.
• Be a practical, hands-on individual who enjoys field-based work. If you’ve ever taken apart a machine just to see how it works—or spent time on-site during a university project—you’re likely the kind of person we’re looking for.
• Show a particular interest in Automation Systems. Perhaps you’ve studied PLC programming, worked with robotics, or completed a capstone project involving automated processes.
• Be comfortable explaining technical concepts to both engineers and non-technical stakeholders, and capable of managing your time and priorities effectively.
• Have some exposure to continuous improvement methodologies, such as Lean, Six Sigma, or Kaizen.
• Understand the importance of safety and compliance, including awareness of Functional Safety legislation and Safety Integrated System.

Why Consider This Opportunity?

• Accelerate Your Career: This program is designed to fast-track your development. You’ll gain hands-on experience, mentorship, and exposure to senior leaders across the business.
• Make a Real Impact: From day one, you’ll be working on projects that improve safety, efficiency, and sustainability at our Sunshine site.
• Company Culture: Experience a dynamic and inclusive culture that values innovation and collaboration.
• Performance Bonuses: You can earn more with performance bonuses on top of your base salary!
• Health and Wellbeing: Your health matters to us. Take advantage of free flu vaccinations, counselling services, and online support through our Employee Assistance Program.
• Exclusive Discounts: Enjoy exclusive discounts on HP products, discounted private health insurance with Bupa, and special corporate rates for car rentals through Avis.

How to Apply:

Ready to take your career in engineering to the next level? Don't miss this opportunity to join our team at AkzoNobel. Apply now with your resume and cover letter outlining your relevant experience and why you'd be a great fit for this role.