Mechanical Engineering Graduate in Reading

Are you ready for a unique engineering opportunity? Our Mechanical Engineering Graduate Programme at Thames Water is all about setting you up for success, both now and in your future career. You’ll get hands-on experience with world-class experts and major projects, all while working towards Chartership.

Over two years, you’ll rotate through 3 different engineering departments. These rotations will give you the skills, experience, and knowledge you need to thrive and work towards Chartered Engineer status. Your placements could include time in our Major Projects and Programmes Division and/or Engineering Innovation team, giving you exposure to a range of exciting projects and opportunities.

As a Mechanical Engineering Graduate, you’ll have the chance to explore a variety of placements across different areas of the business. From project design and sustainability to on-site construction and project management, you could be involved in a wide range of exciting experiences across the business.

Here’s a taste of what you might get involved in:

• Design and develop innovative solutions that tackle real-world challenges.
• Attend and represent the business at industry events, building your professional network and learning from sector leaders.
• Analyse data and manage projects to influence key decisions and deliver meaningful outcomes.
• Carry out asset inspections and condition assessments, gaining valuable hands-on, on-site experience.
• Support health & safety audits and environmental management to help create safe and sustainable outcomes.
• Contribute to risk assessments and stakeholder engagement, strengthening your communication and problem-solving skills.

Across your two-year journey, you’ll be empowered by dedicated mentors and managers, with standout opportunities to:

• Accelerate your business and personal growth through real-world development experiences.
• Build essential safety confidence with hands-on health and safety training.
• Make a difference by getting involved in meaningful charity projects and personalised coaching.
• Expand your network through mentoring and collaboration with fellow graduates.
• Inspire future talent by becoming a Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics ambassador.

After the programme, you’ll have the flexibility to shape your career, whether that’s moving into leadership or specialising in an area you’re passionate about.

To thrive in this role, the essential criteria you’ll need is:

• Working towards (or have achieved) a Mechanical Engineering bachelor’s or master’s degree.
• Flexibility to travel across the Thames Valley region.
• A self-motivated, adaptable mindset confident in stepping into new environments.

We’re looking for resilient, proactive individuals who thrive on collaboration and creativity. You’ll be someone who enjoys sharing ideas, influencing others, and working within a diverse team. Above all, you’ll be humble, respectful, and passionate about making a difference in the industry and supporting Thames Water’s future goals.

Starting Salary: Year 1 £32,000, Year 2 £34,000. Location: Hybrid, Reading, Clearwater Court. Expectation to travel across the Thames Valley region will be required. 26 days holiday per year increasing to 30 with the length of service (plus bank holidays). Performance-related pay plan directly linked to company performance measures and targets. Generous Pension Scheme through AON. Access to lots of benefits to help you take care of you and your family’s health and wellbeing, and your finances – from annual health MOTs and access to physiotherapy and counselling, to Cycle to Work schemes, shopping vouchers and life assurance.

Next steps:

• Apply online by completing the application form for the role.
• Complete the online pre-screen and assessment sent to you by email after you apply.
• This stage helps us get to know you better and may include questions about your values, personality, and how you would handle different situations.
• Reasoning exercises (including verbal, numerical, mechanical, or inductive), depending on the programme.
• Upload evidence of your degree(s), or a letter from your university if you are currently studying, when requested.
• Record a video interview so we can learn more about you and your motivations.
• If successful, attend an assessment centre which will be taking place from March 2026.
• Offer and feedback.

We’re the UK’s largest water and wastewater company, with more than 16 million customers relying on us every day to supply water for their taps and toilets. We want to build a better future for all, helping our customers, communities, people, and the planet to thrive.

Thames Water is a unique, rewarding, and diverse place to work, where every day you can make a difference, yet no day is the same. As part of our family, you’ll enjoy meaningful career opportunities, flexible working arrangements and excellent benefits.

If you’re looking for a sustainable and successful career where you can make a daily difference to millions of people’s lives while helping to protect the world of water for future generations, we’ll be here to support you every step of the way. Together, we can build a better future for our customers, our region, and our planet.

We’re committed to being a great, diverse, and inclusive place to work. We welcome applications from everyone and want to ensure you feel supported throughout the recruitment process. If you need any adjustments, whether that’s extra time, accessible formats, or anything else just let us know, we’re here to help and support.

When a crisis happens, we all rally around to support our customers. As part of Team Thames, you’ll have the opportunity to sign up to support our customers on the frontline as an ambassador. Full training will be given for what is undoubtedly an incredibly rewarding experience.

Due to the high volume of applications we receive, we may close the advert earlier than the advertised date, so we encourage you to apply as soon as possible to avoid disappointment.