At a Glance
- Tasks: Design and improve clean water infrastructure while working on real projects.
- Company: Join Arcadis, a global leader in sustainable engineering and consultancy.
- Benefits: Paid placement, hands-on experience, and professional development opportunities.
- Other info: Embrace diversity and inclusion in a supportive work culture.
- Why this job: Make a tangible impact on communities and the environment through innovative solutions.
- Qualifications: Pursuing a degree in Mechanical Engineering or related field.
The predicted salary is between 60750 - 74250 £ per year.
Application Closing Date: 6th November 2026 - Please note we reserve the right to close roles sooner, so Early Application is encouraged.
Arcadis is the world's leading company delivering sustainable design, engineering, and consultancy solutions for natural and built assets. We are more than 34,000 people, in over 30 countries, dedicated to improving quality of life. Everyone has an important role to play. With the power of many curious minds, together we can solve the world’s most complex challenges and deliver more impact together.
Our paid Intern & Placement programme is designed to give you a hands-on insight into the work we do as a company and help to develop skills and knowledge within your chosen field. Supported by signposted training, the programme is based on Arcadis’ core values, giving you both technical training and support to help you develop both personally and professionally whilst with us. You will be exposed to real projects and clients and given a range of experiences to immerse yourself into over the course of your 10–12-week internship or 12-month placement.
As a Mechanical Engineer in our Water team, you will play a vital role in designing and improving the infrastructure that delivers clean water to homes, protects the environment and supports communities across the UK. Working on critical water and wastewater infrastructure projects, you will help develop innovative and sustainable solutions for future generations. You will work alongside multidisciplinary teams on a range of projects, including water treatment facilities, wastewater treatment plants, pumping stations, advanced process technologies, low-carbon solutions and digital engineering initiatives. You will contribute to the design and delivery of mechanical systems that improve water quality, increase resilience and enhance operational performance. Working with experienced engineers and technical specialists, you will develop your technical and professional skills while contributing to projects that make a tangible difference to society and the environment.
Accepted Degrees: BEng, MEng, or MSc Mechanical Engineering or with similar degree with mechanical content.
Qualifications & Experience:
- You will be working towards a degree in a relevant subject.
- You will demonstrate typical Arcadian skills including Resilience, Creativity, Analytical Thinking and being a Team Player.
- You will have excellent communication skills and the ability to use your technical knowledge to influence and consult stakeholders.
- Willing to travel and stay away from home when required (where possible we embrace virtual working).
We can only achieve our goals when everyone is empowered to be their best. We believe everyone's contribution matters. It’s why we are pioneering a skills-based approach, where you can harness your unique experience and expertise to carve your career path and maximize the impact we can make together. You’ll do meaningful work, and no matter what role, you’ll be helping to deliver sustainable solutions for a more prosperous planet. Make your mark, on your career, your colleagues, your clients, your life and the world around you. Together, we can create a lasting legacy. Join Arcadis. Create a Legacy.
Our Commitment to Equality, Diversity, Inclusion & Belonging:
We want you to be able to bring your best self to work every day which is why we take equality and inclusion seriously and hold ourselves to account for our actions. Our ambition is to be an employer of choice and provide a great place to work for all our people. We believe that by working together diverse people with different experiences develop the most innovative ideas. Equality, diversity and inclusion is at the heart of how we improve quality of life and we work closely with our people across six ED&I Workstreams: Age, Disability, Faith, Gender, LGBT+ and Race. A diverse and skilled workforce is essential to our success.
12-Month Work Placement - Mechanical Engineer in London employer: Arcadis
Arcadis UK is an exceptional employer that fosters a collaborative and innovative work culture, where sustainability and resilience are at the forefront of our projects. Employees benefit from continuous professional development opportunities, a supportive environment, and the chance to work on impactful projects in the water and energy sectors. Located in the UK, we offer a dynamic workplace that values diversity and encourages creative solutions to complex engineering challenges.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land 12-Month Work Placement - Mechanical Engineer in London
✨Get Involved with Engineering Societies
Join your university's mechanical engineering society or local engineering clubs. These spaces are golden for networking and often host events where companies scout for placement candidates. Plus, you’ll meet like-minded peers who can share opportunities.
✨Utilise Your University's Career Services
Don't sleep on your university's career centre! They often have exclusive placement programmes and can connect you with companies actively looking to hire students. Pop in or check their website for events like career fairs, which can open doors for your placement.
✨Show Off Your Projects and Skills
Create a portfolio of your engineering projects that showcases your skills and creativity. Whether it's a CAD design or a hands-on project, having something tangible can make you stand out when meeting potential employers. Share it during networking events or on your LinkedIn.
✨Apply Directly Through Company Websites
When you spot a placement position at companies like Arcadis, don’t just rely on job boards. Go straight to their website and apply! This shows genuine interest in the company and can sometimes give you a leg up since you'll be applying where they want candidates.
We think you need these skills to ace 12-Month Work Placement - Mechanical Engineer in London
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Off Your Projects:In mechanical engineering, showcasing any personal or academic projects can really set you apart. Include detailed descriptions in your CV about your design processes, tools you used, and any challenges you overcame. This helps us see your practical skills in action!
Relevant Coursework Matters:For a placement, it’s great to highlight related coursework or projects that align with mechanical engineering principles. Mention specific topics or modules you've excelled in that demonstrate your understanding of the field. Make sure this info shines in your cover letter as well!
Tailor Your Cover Letter:Your cover letter is your chance to express your passion for mechanical engineering and why you’re excited about the placement at Arcadis. Share what you hope to learn and how you can contribute, focusing on your eagerness to grow and gain hands-on experience.
Don’t Forget Certifications:If you've completed any relevant certifications or courses—like CAD software or specific engineering methods—definitely mention those! They can be a huge plus in a mechanical engineering placement application, showing us you’re proactive in developing your skill set.
How to prepare for a job interview at Arcadis
✨Show Off Your Technical Problems Skills
Get ready to tackle some real-world engineering problems during your placement interview. You might be asked to solve things on the spot or work through case studies, so brush up on your problem-solving techniques and be prepared to articulate your thought process clearly.
✨Know Your Software Tools
Mechanical engineering often involves specific software like CAD and MATLAB, and they might throw in some questions about them. Make sure you're pretty familiar with how these tools work and maybe even show off a project where you used them, as this could really impress your interviewers at Arcadis.
✨Emphasise Your Learning Potential
As it's a placement, they're looking for enthusiasm to learn as much as your technical skills. Be ready to talk about what you hope to gain from the experience and how you plan to apply what you've learned in your studies so far to real-world scenarios at Arcadis.
✨Prepare for Hands-On Assessments
Often for placements, you might face practical assessments or group tasks. Don't be shy about showcasing your hands-on experience during the interview, whether it's from university projects, competitions, or part-time jobs. Showing you've got the practical skills to back up your studies will set you apart!
