Summer Placement - Tunnelling (Summer 2026) in Croydon

Company Description

Work with Us. Change the World. At AECOM, we're delivering a better world. Whether improving your commute, keeping the lights on, providing access to clean water, or transforming skylines, our work helps people and communities thrive. We are the world's trusted infrastructure consulting firm, partnering with clients to solve the world's most complex challenges and build legacies for future generations.

There has never been a better time to be at AECOM. With accelerating infrastructure investment worldwide, our services are in great demand. We invite you to bring your bold ideas and big dreams and become part of a global team of nearly 50,000 planners, designers, engineers, scientists, digital innovators, program and construction managers and other professionals delivering projects that create a positive and tangible impact around the world.

We're one global team driven by our common purpose to deliver a better world. Join us.

Job Description

AECOM offers a comprehensive tunnelling and underground structures consultancy service to clients seeking cost-effective, buildable, and state-of-the-art tunnel projects. Our team has proven global design experience across a wide range of tunnels in challenging geological conditions. We have successfully delivered sustainable projects in some of the world’s most congested cities, working collaboratively across multidisciplinary teams.

Our current projects include London Power Tunnels, Elephant & Castle Station upgrade, Pumped Hydro Storage schemes, Snowdonia Power Tunnels, and Thames Tideway Sewer. We also work for Network Rail, Water Authorities, and the UK’s Geological Disposal Facility for radioactive waste.

As an Industrial or Summer Placement student in our Tunnelling & Underground Structures team, you will gain hands-on experience across a variety of technical and project activities, such as:

• Assisting with tunnel, shaft, and cavern designs using a variety of construction methods.
• Supporting feasibility studies and preliminary/detailed design tasks, with a focus on safe and constructible solutions.
• Reviewing and analysing technical data to support engineering decisions.
• Contributing to problem-solving and developing design solutions under supervision.
• Participating in site visits to observe construction methods or gather project information.
• Collaborating with engineers and other professionals across AECOM disciplines to deliver integrated solutions.
• Applying health and safety practices during site and office-based tasks, while considering sustainability principles.

Qualifications

• Currently pursuing a degree in Civil or Civil & Structural Engineering, with an expected 2:1 classification (or equivalent) or higher.
• Strong interest in tunnelling and underground structures, with a passion for developing a career in this field.
• Some prior exposure to an engineering environment (e.g., placement, shadowing, or relevant coursework) is desirable.
• Interest in software-based engineering and design (e.g., CAD, 3D modelling, or finite element software).
• Creative, practical, adaptable, and enthusiastic mindset.
• Strong attention to detail, methodical thinking, and problem-solving ability.
• Excellent communication skills, both written and verbal.
• Proficient in Microsoft Office; experience with CAD or engineering design software is an advantage but not essential.
• Willingness to travel for project-related site visits as required.

Training and Support

You’ll gain invaluable experience, supported by mentors and technical experts, with a structured development framework to help you grow and thrive. We celebrate diversity, including neurodiversity, and believe it enriches our team. We welcome applications from all backgrounds and abilities.

If you meet some of the requirements above or have transferable skills you believe would benefit us, we would be delighted to hear from you!

Additional Information

Applicants are encouraged to apply as early as possible since CVs will be reviewed, and candidates selected on a rolling recruitment basis for either immediate or advanced offer start. You must have the right to work in the UK.