Graduate Blast & Protective Design Engineer (5587) in London

Our resilience, security and risk practice has consistently been at the forefront of the field since it was formed in the mid-1990s. The practice brings together threat specialists, physical and electronic security engineers, operational security specialists and blast engineers in a unique multi‐disciplinary environment, helping our clients manage malicious risk, natural hazards and operational reliability in each aspect of their businesses and operations.

We bring together a talent for engineering and design with a sound knowledge of fluid dynamics and the theory of structural dynamics, allowing us to use first principles to understand the fundamental behaviour of structures under extreme loads and develop innovative design solutions.

We are looking for Graduate Blast Engineers to join our team in London or Manchester. Your role will be to prepare blast engineering analysis and design of structural and façade systems, working in collaboration with multi‐disciplinary design teams formed of architects, engineers, cost consultants and project managers to integrate our design solutions into the built environment.

Unlike traditional codified design, blast engineering requires a very different approach to the design but requires a designer's empathy with regard to aesthetic, form and function of any proposed facility. As such, this is a great opportunity for a structural engineering graduate to position their future career, providing strategic input and undertaking first‐principles design.

Often working outside mandatory codes of practice in a risk‐based framework, you will be responsible for developing the design basis and then preparing a design to meet these requirements. You will work with our threat specialists to assist our clients in developing their design requirements and will manage the client relationship throughout the project to ensure the client remains involved in the decision‐making process about the level of blast performance they require, the risk they are prepared to accept and the design and cost impact of mitigating these risks.

Blast engineering is one aspect of protective design. As part of this team, you will also be looking at counteracting malicious threats by considering options to minimise the effects of blast loading. This is often achieved by the introduction of Hostile Vehicle Mitigation measures. Your role will also include developing Hostile Vehicle Mitigation strategies that complement the assumptions made in determining the magnitude of blast loads.

The team has a comprehensive training system to allow you to apply the fundamental theory you have gained from your University Degree into the blast engineering field. You'll join an unrivalled community of experts, where everyone is supported in their career path and encouraged to work towards a professional qualification.

We are looking for graduate blast engineers with curiosity, personal drive and technical know‐how. You will be able to confidently and articulately communicate concepts of threat, risk and risk mitigation, supported by our threat specialists, and will be able to develop and present conceptual ideas. Through thorough understanding of the planning, design and construction process in the development of design solutions in a multi‐disciplinary design environment you will be able to manage the detailed analysis, design and specification of blast hardening measures and hostile vehicle mitigation systems.

Qualifications, Skills and Knowledge

• Masters degree in Civil Engineering, Structural Engineering or Structural Engineering with Architecture, on track to achieve a 2:1/60% or above
• Excellent written, verbal and sketch communication skills
• Interest/experience in Fluid Dynamics, Structural Dynamics, Post‐elastic non‐linear Structural Response
• Strong understanding of Structural Behaviour and philosophy of Structural Design

Additional Qualities

• Changemakers: A passion for sustainable development and creating a better world is key.
• Innovative minds: We're looking for critical thinkers who embrace new ideas and challenge the status quo.
• Growth seekers: You have a growth mindset, always eager to learn and explore new ways of working.
• Adaptable adventurers: You're ready to take on any challenge that comes your way.

You should be able to start this opportunity in September 2026.

Advert closing date 15th November 2025

Location Preferences

While the role you applied for is based in the location specified in the job advert, we may have other opportunities that align with your profile. To help us assess this, please let us know which Arup office locations you would be interested in working in on your application form.

Eligibility

We are unable to offer visa sponsorship for this role. Therefore, you must ensure that you are eligible to work permanently in the UK without our sponsorship.