Graduate Control Panel Designer

Role Overview
As a Graduate Control Panel Designer, you will join our engineering team and begin developing your career in the design of electrical control systems for industrial infrastructure projects.

This entry-level role is ideal for a recent graduate with an interest in electrical design, automation, control systems and the delivery of practical engineering solutions. You will be supported by experienced engineers as you develop your technical knowledge, gain hands-on project experience and contribute to the design of control systems and low-voltage assemblies used across essential UK infrastructure.

At Bridges, we are more than engineers.

We are proud to have been listed in the Sunday Times Top 100 Places to Work 2024. As a team, we help shape and support engineering and construction projects for clients whose work touches the daily lives of millions of people across the UK.

We have a large and diverse team of talented Safe & Happy People, combining their strengths, ambition and experience to deliver innovation, continuous improvement and sustainable outcomes for all stakeholders.

Across our key sectors — Water, Power, Energy and Aggregates — and supported by our regional office network and manufacturing hub in the heart of Somerset, which forms part of our 60,000 sq ft head office complex, we deliver a wide range of interesting and technically varied projects throughout UK infrastructure.

Our projects range in value from £5k to £15m. We act as Principal Contractor and Principal Designer on various schemes, while also supporting valued Tier 1 contractor clients through subcontracting and off-site manufacturing.

Typical Responsibilities

• Produce electrical schematics and control panel layouts.
• Use CAD software (such as AutoCAD Electrical or EPLAN) to create and update drawings.
• Assist with the design of motor control centres (MCCs) and PLC-based control panels.
• Prepare bills of materials and technical documentation.
• Ensure designs comply with relevant electrical standards and customer specifications.
• Work closely with project managers, manufacturing teams, and commissioning engineers.
• Support design reviews and contribute to continuous improvement.

Requirements

• Degree (or expected degree) in Electrical Engineering, Electronic Engineering, Mechatronics, or a related discipline.
• Strong interest in electrical design and industrial automation.
• Good understanding of electrical principles.
• Familiarity with CAD software is advantageous.
• Strong communication, teamwork, and problem-solving skills.
• Willingness to learn and develop professionally.

What You'll Gain

• Experience working on real engineering projects.
• Exposure to industrial automation, control systems, and panel manufacturing.
• Opportunities for professional development and progression towards chartership.

BENEFITS OF WORKING FOR BRIDGES

RoSPA Gold Medal winner, Bridges - is an excellent company to work for and a great place to develop your career. Our goal is to exceed the very highest standards and ensure our people work in a culture of health, safety and well-being.

We are currently holders of the Armed Forces Covenant Gold Award, which reinforces our commitment to supporting the armed forces community.

We are a family-run business with a friendly and welcoming culture, and we are dedicated to helping our employees learn, develop, and achieve success - along with us and throughout their careers.

Bridges also offers an excellent benefits package:

• Competitive salaries
• Health cash plan with Healthshield
• Standard Life Pension Scheme - 5% company contribution
• Life Assurance Scheme
• Employee Discount Scheme
• Bike 2 Work scheme
• Training and development opportunities
• Employee referral scheme - £1,000 if you successfully introduce someone
• Employee recognition schemes
• Enhanced Maternity and Paternity pay

When you join us, you’ll be part of our exciting journey.

Wherever your journey begins with us, through mutual engagement, we’ll make sure you are supported and invested in. We believe in ‘team bridges’ and leadership at all levels with our guiding principles: Safe People, Happy People, Sustainable Business.

Come and be part of our team!

Bridges is an equal-opportunity employer and is committed to ensuring equality and diversity within the workplace