Launching an engineering career: James' Unipart graduate experience
Design engineer James O’Malley shares his experience working on innovative projects and developing his career at Unipart.
Get in touchJames O’Malley joined our Unipart Graduate Programme in September 2024 after studying a Bachelor’s in Mechanical Engineering and a Master’s in MSc in Petroleum Engineering at Teesside University.
James has found the programme rewarding and insightful, valuing the chance to work on a wide variety of projects and gain experience in both the practical and design aspects of his role as design engineer.
We asked James to share his thoughts on the programme and his career aspirations as he approaches one year into the Unipart Graduate Programme.
Can you describe your current role and key responsibilities?
“For my current placement at MetLase as a design engineer, I am working on a variety of different projects and utilising CAD (computer-aided design) to solve problems. One of my key responsibilities here has been assisting with the manufacture of some big projects, such as fixtures for EV battery use with Hyperbat, AMR (autonomous mobile robot), and a fixture focused on the manufacture of rocket bodies, to name a few.
“I’ve handled a variety of design tasks, including creating a canopy to cover a charger and 3D models for battery terminals. My responsibilities also include concepting, designing, conducting design reviews, and operating a laser cutter.”
How would you describe the structure of the programme?
“I think the structure provides an interesting approach as we get to experience the company as a whole. It has been a great experience to integrate with the team at MetLase and gain a clear insight into what it is like to work as a design engineer, especially regarding the variety of different customers they work with.
“The projects are fascinating. You don’t expect the first project you work on to be for a company working within the space and exploration industry. We have had many amazing opportunities in terms of group graduate training that have enabled us to work together as a cohort to learn the different frameworks that Unipart utilises. For instance, we did a session on personality insights, which allowed us to understand ourselves as well as the teams we work with better, which was a highlight training session. In addition, we have had unique opportunities to meet different members of the Executive Leadership Team team to understand their roles and journeys, which, as someone just starting, is very insightful.”
What has been the most valuable part of the programme so far?
“The most valuable part has been the interaction with my co-workers and being entrusted to work on significant projects with the shared goal of delivering an exceptional service for our customers. Likewise, the feedback has been useful to see how to improve for future projects. I think the opportunity to look back and see the growth I have experienced since starting the graduate programme has been a very rewarding experience, which I look forward to continuing throughout my next placement.”
How has this programme shaped your career ambitions?
“This programme has helped me understand that I enjoy both the practical and design elements of the role of design engineer. Working on a problem in the workshop or the accomplishment of seeing something you manufactured leave on a truck to the customer is rewarding. However, this satisfaction is heightened when you have followed that product through its journey from design to manufacture.”
How has the training and development provided supported your growth?
“The training has pushed me to think about different aspects of the business that I don’t normally interact with in my current placement. Seeing how other areas of the business run their operations makes you understand the variation between technology, manufacturing, and logistics.
“I spent a large amount of time within the workshop early on, being able to observe issues and also making mistakes has allowed me to grow and apply my lessons learned to the design aspect of my placement. This paired with the feedback from project engineers, workshop technical leads and other design engineers has been valuable to my growth.”
How would you describe the culture of the company and your team?
“Unipart is a supportive company, in which everyone has the time to uplift each other, as well as fostering a great work culture. Regarding the teams I have worked with, everyone is encouraging and creative with their approaches to problem-solving, and also encourages you to achieve your goals.
“It’s nice to see how each role in the business supports one another, from design engineers supporting quotes to the workshop staff highlighting problems within designs that help the designers avoid them next time to improve the process.”
To apply to our 2025/26 graduate programme, click here.