Graduate Specialist Program - Design Engineering

Location: Vernon Hills, IL, us

Company Description

Bosch Rexroth is one of the world’s leading providers of Drive and Control Technologies. Regardless of the motion task that customers face anywhere in the world, they will always find a Bosch Rexroth team with local experience and the appropriate know-how from more than 30 industries and all drive and control technologies. Our associates take on their customers’ challenges with passion and persistence until the right solution is found. This is what makes Bosch Rexroth a strong, reliable partner for Mobile Applications, Machinery Applications and Engineering and Factory Automation. As the Drive & Control Company, we develop, produce, and distribute our components and system solutions in over 80 countries.

Bosch Rexroth, dba HydraForce, Inc. offers one of the most comprehensive lines of high-quality hydraulic cartridge valves for the mobile and industrial equipment markets. We design and manufacture high performance valves that meet virtually any need encountered in machine design. Our cartridge valves are designed to fit a wide range of industry-common valve cavities. Our employees enjoy a fast-paced and challenging work environment that provides them with daily opportunities to Power Forward their careers. For almost 35 years, Bosch Rexroth, dba HydraForce, Inc. has been producing the most innovative elector-hydraulic control solutions for the mobile machinery and industrial equipment markets.

Job Description

The Graduate Specialist Program – Design Engineering is a full-time rotational development program designed for high-potential engineers who aspire to grow into future technical and managerial leaders within HydraForce, a Bosch company.Over  the duration of the program, you will complete four strategically designed rotations that provide broad exposure across engineering and operations. This immersive experience builds deep technical expertise, cross-functional business acumen, and leadership readiness — preparing you for a challenging specialist or project leadership role within Design Engineering upon successful completion.

Together, we lay the foundation for your long-term career success.

What You Can Expect

Structured Rotations

• Four personalized rotations, including one at another Bosch facility within the U.S.
• Exposure to diverse engineering disciplines such as:
  • Valve Design
  • Manufacturing Engineering
  •  Product Resource Management (PRM)
  • Quality & Purchasing
• Opportunity to understand the full product lifecycle — from concept through serial production

Challenging & Impactful Work

• Engage in meaningful technical and project-based assignments
• Balance operational execution with strategic problem-solving
• Take ownership of deliverables from day one

Executive Mentorship & Development

• Dedicated mentor from upper management supporting your professional and personal growth
• Peer onboarding partner from the current trainee cohort
• Continuous feedback and development planning throughout the program

Global Networking

• Connect with fellow Graduate Specialists and leaders across Bosch locations
• Build a strong internal network across departments and business units

Flexible Start & Permanent Employment

• Customized start date aligned with graduation timeline
• Full-time employment from day one
• Clear pathway into a long-term Design Engineering role

Responsibilities During the Program

As a Graduate Specialist – Design Engineering, you will:

• Assist in the development, testing, and validation of new hydraulic products
• Solve complex design challenges by adapting and improving existing products
• Interpret technical requirements and translate them into detailed designs for custom hydraulic manifold housings and valves
• Develop and maintain accurate technical drawings and documentation
• Collaborate cross-functionally with manufacturing, quality, and purchasing teams to resolve product and process challenges
• Drive continuous improvement in engineering processes and daily operations
• Support projects from concept through serial production launch
• Demonstrate increasing ownership and leadership within project teams

The salary range for this position is $65,000-$75,000 annually

Qualifications

Education

• Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering or Industrial Design
• Graduation date: 2025 / May 2026 or recent graduate (within 3 years)
• Minimum GPA of 3.5
• Master’s degree preferred

Experience

• Internship or co-op experience within engineering or manufacturing environments
• Exposure to product design, manufacturing processes, or hydraulic systems preferred

Skills & Attributes

• Strong analytical and problem-solving capabilities
• Demonstrated initiative and intellectual curiosity
• Clear written and verbal communication skills
• Ability to work independently and collaboratively across teams
• Adaptability and willingness to take on new challenges
• Willingness to travel domestically during rotations

Physical Requirements

• Ability to lift and move up to 5 pounds without assistance
• Ability to sit and work at a computer for extended periods

Work Environment

This position operates primarily in a professional office setting with occasional exposure to manufacturing environments. Noise levels range from quiet to moderate.

The salary range for this position is $65,000-$75,000 annually

Additional Information

Equal Opportunity Employer, including disability / veterans

Indefinite U.S. work authorized individuals only.  Future sponsorship for work authorization unavailable.

BOSCH is a proud supporter of STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering & Mathematics) Initiatives

• FIRST Robotics (For Inspiration and Recognition of Science and Technology)
• AWIM (A World In Motion)