Graduate Engineer Trainee

Graduate Engineer Trainee

About Tyndall
Tyndall National Institute is an international leader in semiconductors, photonics and deep-tech research and innovation. As a leading collaborative European research institute, Tyndall is a key actor and hosting partner in the delivery of the ‘Chips for Europe Initiative’ (EU Chips Act).

Tyndall is Ireland’s leading research and innovation organisation and it is the national focal point for excellence in deep-tech research, development and graduate training at the convergence of nanotechnology, microelectronics, photonics, electronics and AI. Tyndall is recognised as an international research leader in semiconductor, chip and digital technologies, particularly as applied to the fields of Information & Communications, Health & Life Sciences, Agritech & Food Security, Energy and Climate Mitigation, emerging fields such as quantum, and novel computing paradigms.

The Institute’s key objective is to see frontier research activities having a significant impact on economic development and societal challenges in Ireland, Europe and beyond. Central to Tyndall’s mission is delivering economic impact through research excellence in partnership with industry and academia. With an annual turnover of more than €50m, the Institute has a community of over 600 researchers, engineers, support staff, postgraduate students, interns and industry researchers-in-residence.

With significant committed Irish government support, Tyndall will grow to be 1,000 people by 2030, with approximately 750 researchers, including 250 PhD students. A new 17,000 m2 research building is under development adjacent to the Cork headquarters and there are developing plans to expand Tyndall’s existing Dublin research labs and to establish other research sites within Ireland.

Tyndall’s expansion is also supported by recent national and EU funding wins for significant (M€10’s) additional research equipment across a range of areas such as semiconductor processing, microscopy, quantum technologies, heterogeneous integration, ultra-high speed optical communications and RF through THz characterisation.

Introducing the Tyndall Graduate Engineering Programme

Tyndall National Institute, nestled in the vibrant city of Cork, is a beacon of engineering excellence, pioneering breakthrough innovations in Process and Maintenance Engineering.

Our commitment to pushing technological boundaries positions us at the forefront of semiconductor and ICT research and development. At Tyndall, we are devoted to nurturing the next generation of engineering leaders through our immersive graduate programmes.
Join our 2-year structured Graduate Engineering Programme leading to an MSc, designed to accelerate your professional development by providing a comprehensive rotation across two pivotal engineering disciplines: Process Engineering and Maintenance Engineering.  Supported by dedicated managers and mentors, graduates will immerse themselves in hands-on experiences and holistic growth across the multifaceted engineering activities at Tyndall. Expect hands-on learning on semiconductor equipment operation, maintenance and associated process development as well as on the day to day operation of a fabrication facility.

Programme Highlights

• Structured activities across Process and Maintenance Engineering disciplines
• Mentoring & Coaching: Targeted objective setting and guidance during each assignment
• Tailored MSc Training Programmes: Including Engineering Modules – Nanofab processing & Instrumentation, Nanofab Metrology Techniques, and Nanofab Utilities & Maintenance, Project Management, Presentation Skills, Time Management, Personal Effectiveness, ISO 9001 NSAI Quality Management System training

Graduates will navigate through a targeted development programme that amalgamates assignments, projects, job shadows, mentorships, and strategic training, ensuring a well-rounded learning and professional development experience.

Essential Criteria - Qualifications and Skills

• Bachelor’s degree in Engineering or related field.
• Strong analytical, problem-solving, and critical thinking skills.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal abilities.
• Eagerness to learn, adapt, and apply practical knowledge in dynamic environments.
• Prior internships or projects related to engineering are advantageous.
• Interest in or prior knowledge of semiconductor process equipment and / or fabrication facility hardware systems is a bonus.

Next Steps

• Assess: Shortlisted candidates will be invited for an initial assessment
• Meet: Successful candidates will be invited for interviews
• Decide: Final candidates will receive offers and initiate their journey with Tyndall!

What We Offer

Apart from offering a position in a very successful and positive research environment, with a collaborative ethos full of diverse competencies to boost your career, we offer the following:

• A springboard for your career in engineering with potential future opportunities.
• A structured, comprehensive, and supportive learning environment.
• Engage in real-world projects and operations that shape the technology of the future.
• A community where your ideas are valued and your professional growth is prioritized.

• Impactful Work: Opportunities to contribute to ground-breaking research and innovation that shape Ireland’s economy and the society at large.
• Continuous Learning: Strong support for formal training, further study and professional development.
• Interdisciplinary Environment: Where academia, industry, and innovation intersect - supported by cutting-edge infrastructure and expert knowledge.
• Blended Working: Flexibility to work remotely and on-site, where the role allows.
• Comprehensive Benefits: Access to UCC pension, long-term illness benefit, life assurance, and more.
• Generous Leave: Competitive annual leave entitlements.
• Equity & Inclusion: Athena Swan Bronze award holder, with ongoing initiatives led by a dedicated People and Culture team to ensure equity for all.
• Core Values: A culture grounded in Ambition, Collaboration, Diversity, Excellence, and Integrity.
• Entrepreneurial Spirit: A proactive, innovation-driven environment that welcomes entrepreneurial and creative thinkers, including those with start-up experience.
• Supportive Onboarding: Structured induction and mentoring to help new hires integrate and thrive.
• Vibrant Culture: A collaborative, people-first workplace with a strong sense of community.

Terms of Employment

Contract Category: Full-Time
Contract Type: Fixed Term (2 years)

Appointment may be made on the SEA Scale B salary scale  €39,827 - € 55,116  per annum. Salary placement on appointment will be in accordance with the public sector pay policy.

Informal enquiries can be made in confidence to [email protected]
Closing date for applications for this position is 1pm, 12th January 2026

Application Instructions

Please make sure to attach an up-to-date CV/Resume AND a brief motivation letter outlining how you meet the ‘Essential Criteria’ for this role.

A full candidate information pack is available to download by clicking here.

Please note that Garda vetting and/or an international police clearance check may form part of the selection process.
Please note that an appointment to posts advertised will be dependent on university approval, together with the terms of the employment control framework for the higher education sector.
Tyndall National Institute is an equal opportunity employer.
We celebrate diversity and encourage applications from all qualified individuals.
Tyndall National Institute does not require the assistance of recruitment agencies.