Graduate Mechanical Engineer in Leeds

Let's transform society together. We are Sweco, Europe's leading design, engineering, environment and regulatory consultancy. We are future planners, city shapers, urban innovators, digital transformers, net zero chasers, community connectors, social enterprisers and lifestyle improvers. We are #DifferenceMakers. We are now seeking applicants for the November 2026 cohort of our Early Careers Graduate Scheme. Uniquely, we recruit to role - and right now we're looking for a Graduate Mechanical Engineer that shares our ethos and values to join our dynamic Water department in Leeds.

At Sweco, we shape sustainable water solutions for communities and industries of all sizes. Our expertise covers every aspect of water and wastewater treatment and infrastructure—from initial feasibility studies through all design stages to construction and commissioning. As trusted leaders in the water sector, our specialists are dedicated to delivering safe, clean drinking water, efficient wastewater recycling, and reliable water transit systems. We pride ourselves on developing innovative, sustainable solutions that help protect and enhance the environment for future generations.

What does the role involve?

As a Graduate Mechanical Engineer in our Water department, you will have the opportunity to contribute to projects that make a real difference in the community and the environment. As part of multi-discipline project teams, you will collaborate with experienced professionals, learning from their expertise while bringing your fresh ideas to the table. Your role will involve:

• Assisting with the development of outline and detailed designs and specifications for mechanical works.
• Providing day to day technical input as part of a team of engineers and technicians.
• Ensuring your design output is completed in accordance with the scope of works, timescales and budgets.
• Working in close collaboration with colleagues from other disciplines as required to deliver project requirements and added value to the client.
• Ensuring all projects adhere to health, safety, and environmental regulations and implement best practices to promote sustainable and safe engineering solutions.

What do you need to apply?

We want to hear from you if you:

• Have a degree relevant to the role you're applying for.
• Have less than 12 months of relevant work experience (excluding placements).
• Are confident using Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, Outlook, Teams, PowerPoint).
• Are driven, proactive, and solution oriented.
• Can work in the UK without restrictions either now or in the future.

This is a permanent role, and we're looking for candidates who can grow their careers with Sweco without a time limit.

What's in it for you?

Our Graduate Scheme offers a two-year blended learning experience, with a tailored programme delivered virtually and face-to-face. You'll have the chance to network and grow with the 2026 cohort. Personal growth will be supported by our Early Careers team, mentors and subject matter experts from across the business. Structured masterclasses focus on fundamental skills, internal insight, and functional expertise, helping fast-track your development as you pursue professional accreditation. The programme builds your confidence early in your career and gives you a platform for genuine impact within Sweco. You'll receive a permanent position with an industry-standard salary and benefits package, including 25 days holiday, a great pension and life assurance.

Please note, we will hold an assessment centre for this position in January / February 2026. All applicants will be contacted regardless of the outcome. We provide feedback to all attendees of interviews or assessment centres but are unable to offer personal feedback at the application stage.

Ready to make a difference with us? Apply now, and let's transform society together.

About Us

Transforming society together, we're planning and designing sustainable communities and cities of the future. Solving the great societal challenges of our time is more relevant, demanding and inspiring than ever before. At Sweco, we bring together experts with different perspectives and skills to develop solutions that address the challenges of urbanisation, harness the positive power of digitalisation and make societies more sustainable. We offer our clients a combination of global expertise and local presence, adapted to their business and reality. Our ambition is to be our clients' most relevant partner, working together to help them solve their challenges, today and into the future.

Sweco is committed to enabling all its colleagues to achieve a great balance between work and their other priorities, such as caring responsibilities, leisure activities, further learning or other interests. We offer flexible start and finish times, part time and hybrid working options so that you can flex your hours around your day to day needs.

Equality, Diversity & Inclusion

It's important to us that all our colleagues thrive at work - we strive to have a friendly and inclusive culture which respects the contribution individuals can bring to Sweco. We aim to promote equality, inclusivity and diversity for everyone. Here at Sweco we positively encourage applications from suitably qualified and eligible candidates regardless of sex, race, disability, age, sexual orientation, gender reassignment, religion or belief, marital status, pregnancy or maternity / paternity. We have signed the Armed Forces Covenant to ensure those who serve or have served, and their families, are treated fairly.

We are also proud to be a Disability Confident Committed employer, and will interview applicants covered by the Equality Act 2010 that opt into the guaranteed interview scheme on the application form and meet the minimum criteria for the role.

If you’re an applicant with a disability that requires a reasonable accommodation to complete any part of the application process or are limited in the ability or unable to use the online application system and need an alternative method for applying, please contact GB_Function-HR-Resourcing@sweco.co.uk for assistance.

In order to address your request the following information is needed:

• Name
• The best method for contacting you (Phone or email)
• The position title
• Requisition / vacancy number

Upon receipt of this information, we'll respond to you promptly to obtain more information about your request. We reserve the right to close vacancies before the advertised closing date.

Sweco UK has an internal resourcing team who are responsible for all recruiting activity. We have a Preferred Supplier List of trusted agencies who we work with on those "hard to fill" roles. We have defined processes for recruitment applications and it is company policy not to accept speculative CVs. Any speculative CVs received into the business (whether to a manager or member of the resourcing team) will become the property of Sweco and the agency will not be eligible for an introductory fee. Our Preferred Supplier List was reviewed in November 2024 and we are not looking to add any additional agencies. We'll be reviewing the PSL again at the end of 2025 and non-compliance with the above statements could be detrimental to you having the opportunity to be included.