2026 UK Graduate Civil Engineer: Water
2026 UK Graduate Civil Engineer: Water

2026 UK Graduate Civil Engineer: Water

Full-Time 28800 - 48000 ÂŁ / year (est.) No home office possible
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At a Glance

  • Tasks: Design sustainable water systems and collaborate on innovative engineering projects.
  • Company: Join Mott MacDonald, a global leader in engineering and consultancy.
  • Benefits: Competitive salary, flexible working, and structured training for career growth.
  • Why this job: Make a real impact on communities and the environment through your work.
  • Qualifications: Recent graduates with a degree in civil engineering and a passion for sustainability.
  • Other info: Be part of a diverse team that values inclusion and personal development.

The predicted salary is between 28800 - 48000 ÂŁ per year.

Overview

Before applying, please browse all graduate opportunities as we will only accept one application per candidate. Once you have applied you will not be able to change your selection or apply again, unless new vacancies open in the new year. To avoid missing out on your preferred role, apply as early as possible as positions close when filled.

Engineer a Better Tomorrow – For People, Planet, and Progress

At Mott MacDonald, we’re not just designing infrastructure—we’re shaping the future of water. As a wholly employee-owned company, we focus on delivering social outcomes, empowering our people, and protecting the communities and environments we serve. As a Graduate Civil Engineer, you’ll join one of our specialist teams—Water Engineering or Dams & Reservoirs, each playing a vital role in solving complex challenges and delivering sustainable solutions that improve lives and safeguard the environment.

Water Engineering – Designing Resilient Infrastructure

Join our Water Division, a centre of excellence tackling climate change, ageing infrastructure, and population growth. You’ll contribute to safe, sustainable water systems for generations to come.

What You’ll Do

  • Design pipelines, water and wastewater treatment facilities through feasibility, outline, and detailed stages.
  • Collaborate with multidisciplinary teams to deliver integrated, sustainable solutions.
  • Support projects from planning and modelling to construction, commissioning, and handover.
  • Use digital tools to enhance design quality and efficiency.
  • Grow your technical and project management skills through mentoring and training.

Dams & Reservoirs – Protecting Communities and Resources

Be part of a legacy of innovation in dam and reservoir engineering. You’ll help design and assess critical infrastructure that supports water supply, flood protection, and hydropower.

What You’ll Do

  • Develop conceptual, preliminary, and detailed designs for dams, spillways, intakes, and drawdown facilities.
  • Undertake hydraulic and structural analyses, contributing to flood studies and emergency planning.
  • Attend site inspections and monitoring activities for hands-on experience.
  • Prepare drawings, reports, and specifications that shape real-world outcomes.
  • Gain exposure to project, commercial, and client management.

Why These Roles Matter

  • Empowering Growth: We support your development with structured training, mentoring, and real-world experience.
  • Celebrating Achievements: Your contributions are recognised and celebrated—individually and as part of a team.
  • Inclusive Culture: We value diversity and foster a workplace where everyone feels seen, heard, and respected.
  • Wellbeing First: We prioritise your wellbeing with flexible working, mental health support, and a caring environment.
  • Societal Impact: Your work helps deliver essential services, protect the environment, and build climate resilience.

Candidate Specification

We are looking for committed and motivated graduates with a genuine passion and a desire to make a difference in the world. If this describes you, apply today to launch your career at Mott MacDonald. To be eligible for this opportunity, you will have less than 12 months’ relevant experience (excluding placements) and have a minimum of a bachelor’s degree (obtained no earlier than 2024) or expected to achieve a degree in civil engineering.

In your application, you should aim to demonstrate your genuine interest in both the opportunity and in joining Mott MacDonald. Highlight any relevant experience or interests such as modules studied, previous work experience, or any research about our company, values, and projects.

We personally review every completed application form; this part of our selection process is human-led, and we do not use AI tools at this stage. Answer each question with authenticity to show the real you. Joining us as a graduate is your opportunity to shape your own story.

We Are Looking For Graduates With The Following Strengths

  • Proactively takes initiative to complete tasks efficiently and independently.
  • Communicates effectively and clearly with clients and colleagues.
  • Delivers high quality written work with strong attention to detail and clarity.
  • Demonstrates a structured and analytical approach to problem solving.

We support flexible working. Please ask us at interview about any flexibility you may need.

Immigration and Sponsorship

Mott MacDonald Ltd. are not currently offering sponsorship to candidates under the Skilled Worker visa route in the UK. This decision reflects changes to the Skilled Worker route by the UK Government in April 2024. We cannot accept applications from candidates who would be working under the Graduate visa route or other time-limited visas, due to temporary nature and future sponsorship requirements. We continue to welcome applications from candidates eligible for alternative immigration routes in the UK that do not require Skilled Worker sponsorship now or in future.

About Your Development

A graduate position should be more than just a job. From day one you’ll receive the training you need, be assigned a mentor, and join our three-year early careers soft skills development programme – Accelerating your Future. You’ll have the opportunity to make a difference; learn about Our Purpose and the impact we can make.

You’ll also receive the following benefits during the first years of your career:

  • Biannual salary reviews.
  • A competitive salary aligned with industry standards.
  • Contributory pension up to 7% of your salary.
  • A flexible benefits scheme to suit your needs.

Our Social Side

Being part of Mott MacDonald means more than work. You can join a range of sports, social, and charity events, and access discounts on cinema tickets, travel, fashion, utilities, and more from day one. Offices may vary in their activities, and you’re encouraged to suggest new events.

Equality, Diversity and Inclusion

We place equality, diversity and inclusion at the heart of our business, promoting fair employment and equal opportunities. We encourage individual expression and strive for an inclusive environment where everyone can contribute.

Agile Working

We believe it makes sense to choose how you work to meet client, team and personal commitments. We embrace agility, flexibility and trust.

More About Mott MacDonald

We’re a global engineering, management and development consultancy. Our purpose is to improve society by considering social outcomes in everything we do, focusing on excellence and digital innovation, transforming our clients’ businesses, communities and employee opportunities. We respect differences and aim to meet diverse needs. Our values are: progress, respect, integrity, drive, excellence.

Location

Cambridge, Leeds, Cardiff, Inverness, Bristol, Glasgow, Edinburgh, Reading, Newcastle Upon Tyne, Belfast, Brighton, Manchester, Aberdeen.

Contract Type: Permanent

Work Pattern: Full Time

Market: Water

Discipline: Civil

Job Ref: 11626

Recruiter Contact: earlycareers.recruitment@mottmac.com

2026 UK Graduate Civil Engineer: Water employer: Mott MacDonald

At Mott MacDonald, we pride ourselves on being a wholly employee-owned company that champions social outcomes and environmental stewardship. Our inclusive culture fosters personal and professional growth through structured training and mentorship, while our commitment to wellbeing ensures a supportive work environment. With opportunities to engage in meaningful projects across various locations, you will not only develop your skills as a Graduate Civil Engineer but also contribute to creating sustainable solutions that positively impact communities and the planet.
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Contact Detail:

Mott MacDonald Recruiting Team

StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫

We think this is how you could land 2026 UK Graduate Civil Engineer: Water

✨Tip Number 1

Get to know Mott MacDonald inside out! Research their projects, values, and culture. This will not only help you tailor your conversations but also show your genuine interest during interviews.

✨Tip Number 2

Network like a pro! Connect with current employees on LinkedIn or attend industry events. Building relationships can give you insider info and might even lead to referrals—who doesn’t love a good foot in the door?

✨Tip Number 3

Practice makes perfect! Prepare for common interview questions and have your own ready to ask. This shows you're engaged and serious about the role. Plus, it’ll help calm those pre-interview nerves!

✨Tip Number 4

Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen. Plus, applying early means you won’t miss out on your dream role as positions fill up fast!

We think you need these skills to ace 2026 UK Graduate Civil Engineer: Water

Civil Engineering
Water Engineering
Design Skills
Hydraulic Analysis
Structural Analysis
Project Management
Problem-Solving Skills
Attention to Detail
Communication Skills
Collaboration
Digital Tools Proficiency
Report Writing
Client Management
Initiative
Analytical Skills

Some tips for your application 🫡

Do Your Homework: Before you start your application, take some time to research Mott MacDonald and the specific role you're applying for. Understanding our values and projects will help you tailor your application and show us that you're genuinely interested in joining our team.

Be Authentic: When filling out your application, let your personality shine through! We want to see the real you, so answer each question honestly and authentically. Highlight your experiences and interests that align with the role, and don’t be afraid to share what makes you unique.

Attention to Detail: Make sure to proofread your application before hitting submit. Spelling mistakes or unclear writing can distract from your qualifications. We appreciate high-quality written work, so take the time to ensure everything is clear and polished.

Apply Early: Don’t wait until the last minute to submit your application! Positions can close as soon as they’re filled, so applying early gives you the best chance of securing your preferred role. Head over to our website and get your application in today!

How to prepare for a job interview at Mott MacDonald

✨Know Your Stuff

Before the interview, dive deep into Mott MacDonald's projects and values. Familiarise yourself with their work in water engineering and how they tackle climate change. This will not only show your genuine interest but also help you connect your skills to their mission.

✨Showcase Relevant Experience

When discussing your background, highlight any relevant coursework, projects, or internships related to civil engineering. Be specific about your contributions and what you learned, especially if it relates to water systems or sustainable solutions.

✨Ask Thoughtful Questions

Prepare a few insightful questions about the role or the company culture. This demonstrates your enthusiasm and helps you gauge if Mott MacDonald is the right fit for you. Think about asking how they support new graduates in their career development.

✨Be Authentic

During the interview, let your personality shine through. Mott MacDonald values authenticity, so be honest about your motivations and aspirations. Share why you’re passionate about making a difference in the world through civil engineering.

2026 UK Graduate Civil Engineer: Water
Mott MacDonald

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