Date: Jul 14, 2026
Location: Melbourne, AU
Company: AkzoNobel
About AkzoNobel
Since 1792, we’ve been supplying the innovative paints and coatings that help to color people’s lives and protect what matters most. Our world class portfolio of brands – including International, Sikkens and Interpon – is trusted by customers around the globe. We’re active in more than 150 countries and use our expertise to sustain and enhance the fabric of everyday life. Because we believe every surface is an opportunity. It’s what you’d expect from a pioneering and long-established paints company that’s dedicated to providing sustainable solutions and preserving the best of what we have today – while creating an even better tomorrow. Let’s paint the future together.
For more information please visit www.akzonobel.com
© 2024 Akzo Nobel N.V. All rights reserved.
Shape the Future of Manufacturing with AkzoNobel
At AkzoNobel, we are committed to developing the next generation of engineering and manufacturing leaders. Our Graduate Engineering Trainee (GET) Program offers ambitious engineering graduates the opportunity to gain hands-on experience across a diverse range of manufacturing and operational disciplines while building a rewarding long-term career.
Throughout the program, you will work alongside experienced leaders, technical specialists and cross-functional teams, developing the technical, commercial and leadership capabilities needed to succeed in a world-class manufacturing environment.
You will be exposed to real business challenges, strategic projects and operational environments while benefiting from structured learning, mentoring, coaching and professional development opportunities.
What You'll Be Doing
Manufacturing & Process Excellence
Support manufacturing operations by identifying opportunities to improve safety, quality, productivity, sustainability and cost performance.
Analyse production and process data to identify losses, root causes and improvement opportunities.
Participate in troubleshooting activities and implement sustainable solutions to improve process capability, product quality and operational reliability.
Contribute to continuous improvement initiatives using structured problem-solving methodologies and Lean Manufacturing principles.
Assist in developing, reviewing and optimising manufacturing processes, operating procedures and process documentation.
Monitor key process parameters and performance indicators to ensure stable and efficient plant operations.
Support compliance with Safety, Health and Environment (SHE) standards, policies and regulatory requirements.
Engineering Projects
Support the planning, execution and delivery of capital, maintenance and continuous improvement projects.
Assist with project scoping, feasibility assessments, business case development, commissioning and start-up activities.
Coordinate with internal stakeholders, contractors and technical specialists to ensure successful project outcomes.
Monitor project progress against scope, schedule and budget requirements.
Participate in equipment installations, plant modifications and process improvement projects.
Support project documentation, risk assessments and management of change activities.
Asset Reliability & Operational Excellence
Support asset management and reliability improvement programs to maximise equipment availability and performance.
Analyse equipment performance and maintenance data to improve equipment effectiveness and reduce downtime.
Participate in defect elimination, root cause analysis and loss reduction activities.
Contribute to initiatives that improve Overall Equipment Effectiveness (OEE), manufacturing efficiency and cost competitiveness.
Work closely with maintenance and operations teams to identify reliability risks and implement preventive actions.
Support initiatives that improve plant reliability, energy efficiency and operational excellence.
Leadership & Professional Development
Build strong relationships across manufacturing, engineering, supply chain, quality and commercial functions.
Demonstrate commitment to AkzoNobel's values, safety standards and sustainability goals.
Participate actively in learning opportunities, mentoring programs and development activities.
Develop technical, analytical and leadership capabilities through exposure to cross-functional projects and operational challenges.
Communicate effectively with stakeholders at all levels and contribute to a culture of collaboration, innovation and continuous improvement.
Contribute positively to team culture through curiosity, accountability, adaptability and a willingness to learn.
What We're Looking For
Qualifications
You have completed, or are due to complete within the last two years, a bachelor’s or master’s degree in:
Chemical Engineering
Mechanical Engineering
Electrical Engineering
Mechatronics Engineering
Industrial Engineering
Manufacturing Engineering
Process Engineering
Civil Engineering
Or a related engineering discipline
Experience
Recent graduate or up to two years of relevant work experience.
Internship, vacation work, research projects or industry placements within manufacturing, engineering, operations or supply chain environments will be highly regarded.
Technical Skills
Strong analytical and problem-solving skills with the ability to interpret data and identify improvement opportunities.
Sound understanding of engineering fundamentals and their practical application within manufacturing environments.
Interest in process improvement, manufacturing excellence, project delivery and operational performance.
Familiarity with Lean Manufacturing, Continuous Improvement, Six Sigma or related methodologies is advantageous.
Proficiency in Microsoft Office applications, particularly Excel and PowerPoint.
Exposure to data analytics, automation, digital technologies or engineering software is desirable.
Leadership & Personal Attributes
Demonstrated leadership potential through academic, extracurricular, sporting, community or professional activities.
Strong communication and interpersonal skills.
Ability to collaborate effectively and build relationships across diverse teams.
High learning agility, adaptability and resilience.
Strong planning, organisational and project management capabilities.
Positive attitude, growth mindset and passion for continuous improvement.
Demonstrates integrity, accountability and professionalism.
Commitment to safety, sustainability and operational excellence.
Alignment with AkzoNobel's values, behaviours and cultural principles.
Mobility & Flexibility
Willingness to travel domestically as required.
Open to future development opportunities across AkzoNobel sites and functions.
Flexibility to undertake assignments that support both personal development and business needs.
Why Join AkzoNobel?
As a Graduate Engineering Trainee, you'll have the opportunity to:
Work on meaningful projects that drive business performance and operational excellence.
Gain exposure to multiple engineering and manufacturing disciplines.
Learn from experienced leaders and technical experts.
Participate in structured development, mentoring and coaching programs.
Build a strong professional network across the organisation.
Accelerate your career within a global leader committed to innovation, sustainability and continuous improvement.
If you're a motivated engineering graduate ready to make an impact and build a rewarding career in manufacturing, we'd love to hear from you.
Apply now and start your journey with AkzoNobel.
At AkzoNobel we are highly committed to ensuring an inclusive and respectful workplace where all employees can be their best self. We strive to embrace diversity in a context of tolerance. Our talent acquisition process plays an integral part in this journey, as setting the foundations for a diverse environment. For this reason we train and educate on the implications of our Unconscious Bias in order for our TA and hiring managers to be mindful of them and take corrective actions when applicable. In our organization, all qualified applicants receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age or disability.
Requisition ID: 54272
