At a Glance
- Tasks: Join live projects and tackle real engineering challenges from day one.
- Company: Curtins, an employee-owned engineering consultancy with a passion for sustainable solutions.
- Benefits: Industry-leading benefits, award-winning training, and employee ownership perks.
- Other info: Diverse projects, dedicated mentoring, and opportunities to make a meaningful impact.
- Why this job: Shape the future of communities while developing your engineering skills in a supportive environment.
- Qualifications: Degree in Civil or Structural Engineering, strong problem-solving skills, and a collaborative mindset.
The predicted salary is between 56250 - 68750 £ per year.
At Curtins, we're an employee-owned engineering consultancy driven by a simple ambition: to create a better built environment for everyone. For over 65 years, we've delivered practical, innovative and sustainable solutions that make a positive impact on communities across the UK and Ireland. From major regeneration schemes and commercial developments to education, healthcare and residential projects, our work helps shape the places where people live, learn, work and thrive.
As a Graduate Design Engineer, you'll join a supportive team of engineers, designers and consultants who are passionate about solving problems, sharing knowledge and developing future talent. Whether your interests lie in structures, infrastructure, drainage, highways or sustainable design, we'll help you discover where your strengths and passions fit best.
What you'll be doing
- From day one, you'll be involved in live projects and real engineering challenges.
- Working alongside experienced engineers, you'll:
- Contribute to the design and delivery of a wide variety of projects across multiple sectors.
- Support engineering calculations, technical analysis and design development.
- Assist with the preparation of drawings, reports and engineering documentation.
- Learn how engineering designs progress from concept through to construction.
- Collaborate with colleagues across different disciplines to create integrated solutions.
- Gain exposure to client meetings, project management and commercial awareness.
- Develop an understanding of industry standards, regulations and best practice.
- Participate in STEM activities, community initiatives and wider Curtins events.
No two projects are the same, and neither are the opportunities available to you.
What kind of projects will I work on?
A real mixed bag. At Curtins, we don't pigeonhole our graduates into one type of work. Instead, you'll gain experience across a diverse portfolio of projects, helping you build a broad technical foundation while discovering what interests you most. You could find yourself contributing to:
- Major urban regeneration schemes.
- Residential and mixed-use developments.
- Education and healthcare facilities.
- Industrial and manufacturing projects.
- Commercial offices and workplace environments.
- Sustainable infrastructure and community projects.
You'll work with experienced engineers across a range of design disciplines and learn how different engineering specialisms come together to deliver successful outcomes.
How will Curtins support my development?
Our goal is simple: to help you become the best engineer you can be. Through the Curtins Graduate Academy, you'll follow a structured development programme designed to accelerate both your technical and professional growth. You'll benefit from:
- A structured graduate development programme.
- Dedicated mentoring and coaching.
- Regular technical and professional skills training.
- Support towards professional registration and Chartership.
- Exposure to a wide range of projects, clients and sectors.
- Opportunities to build your network across the business.
You'll be supported by experienced professionals who are genuinely invested in your success and development.
What we're looking for
We're looking for curious, motivated graduates who enjoy solving problems and working collaboratively. You'll ideally have:
- A degree (or be predicted to achieve one) in Civil Engineering, Structural Engineering or a related engineering discipline.
- Strong analytical and problem-solving skills.
- A collaborative approach and willingness to learn.
- Good communication skills.
- An interest in shaping sustainable and innovative engineering solutions.
Most importantly, we're looking for people who share our values:
- Integrity - doing the right thing.
- Being Human - supporting and respecting others.
- Curiosity - asking questions and seeking better solutions.
- Impact - making a meaningful difference through our work.
Why join Curtins?
As an employee-owned business, every person at Curtins contributes to and benefits from our success. Alongside exciting projects and a supportive culture, you'll enjoy:
- Industry-leading benefits package.
- Award-winning training and development programmes.
- Employee ownership benefits.
- Opportunities to get involved in STEM, charity and community initiatives.
- Access to our unique Employee Extras, including our 5-star holiday lodges.
Most importantly, you'll be joining a business where your ideas matter, your development is supported and your contribution makes a real difference. Build your future with Curtins.
Should you wish to discuss any adjustments to the application process or provide us with feedback please contact hr@curtins.com we would be happy to discuss ways we can make the process more suitable to your needs. We value diversity and respect all differences in people. We invite enthusiastic individuals who share in our values of teamwork, client focus, integrity, and quality to apply to join us.
Graduate Engineer in Cardiff employer: Curtins
Curtins is an award-winning, employee-owned engineering consultancy based in Leeds, renowned for its positive impact on the community and commitment to nurturing employee growth. With industry-leading benefits, including access to 5* holiday lodges and award-winning training programmes, we foster a warm and inclusive work culture that values diversity and encourages collaboration. Join us to be part of a team that not only delivers innovative solutions but also creates a lasting legacy in civil engineering projects across various sectors.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Graduate Engineer in Cardiff
✨Join Engineering Meetups!
Get yourself along to local engineering meetups or tech conferences. These are great places to connect with like-minded folks and industry leaders who might just have a lead on that full-time Graduate Engineer role you’re after at Curtins.
✨Show Off Your Projects!
Don’t be shy about showcasing your engineering projects. Whether it’s a funky app, a mechanical design, or a complex algorithm, having a solid portfolio on platforms like GitHub can really make you stand out. Plus, it gives potential employers at Curtins a taste of what you can bring to the table!
✨Engage with Online Communities
Dive into engineering forums and online communities, like Reddit or specific engineering Discord channels. Sharing your insights, asking questions, and being active can help you build connections that might lead to job opportunities at Curtins.
✨Apply Through Company Websites
When you spot a role like Graduate Engineer at Curtins, apply directly through their website. Often, this can show your genuine interest in the company and you might just get noticed quicker than via typical job boards.
We think you need these skills to ace Graduate Engineer in Cardiff
Some tips for your application 🫡
Showcase Your Technical Expertise:When applying for an engineering role like Graduate Engineer, it’s essential to highlight your technical skills. Include any relevant software or tools you're proficient in on your CV—think CAD software, simulation tools, or programming languages. Don't skimp on any engineering projects you've worked on that demonstrate your ability to solve complex problems.
Focus on Results and Impact:In the engineering world, we love numbers and real-world impact. Quantify your achievements wherever possible—like reducing costs by a certain percentage, improving efficiency, or successfully completing a project ahead of schedule. This gives your future employers at Curtins a clear picture of the value you can bring.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter:Use your cover letter to express your passion for engineering and explain why you’re drawn to Curtins specifically. Share what aspects of their work excite you and how your values align with theirs. This is your chance to show a bit of personality while keeping it professional!
Include Relevant Certifications:If you have any engineering certifications, especially ones that are recognised in your field, make sure to feature them prominently on your CV. They demonstrate not just your knowledge, but also your commitment to professional development, which is something we at StudySmarter value highly.
How to prepare for a job interview at Curtins
✨Brush Up on Core Engineering Principles
Before heading into the interview with Curtins, make sure you're solid on the fundamental engineering principles relevant to the role. Be ready to discuss concepts such as thermodynamics, fluid mechanics, or structural analysis, depending on the specifics mentioned in the job description. Don’t skip any hands-on projects or coursework; these can be excellent talking points!
✨Show Off Your Problem-Solving Skills
Expect technical questions or case studies during your interview—after all, engineering is all about solving problems! Prepare a few examples of how you've tackled engineering challenges in the past, whether at university or in any practical experience. Practising with mock technical interviews can really help you articulate your thought process and solutions.
✨Relate Your Experience to the Role
In a full-time role, employers like Curtins want to see that you can adapt and grow within their team. Be ready to discuss how your previous internships, projects, or studies relate directly to the work you'll be doing. Highlight specific experiences that showcase your collaborative skills and how you've successfully worked within a team environment.
✨Know Your Tools and Software
Most engineering roles require familiarity with specific tools and software. Prepare to talk about your proficiency with programmes like AutoCAD, MATLAB, or SolidWorks if they’re relevant to the role. Even better, have examples of projects where you’ve used these tools, as it'll demonstrate your hands-on experience and readiness for the job.
