Civil and Structural Engineering Graduate Programme

Civil and Structural Engineering Graduate Programme

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What will you do on the programme?

Join our Civil Design Engineering Graduate Programme and play a key role in supporting and maintaining the infrastructure that keeps Devonport Royal Dockyard running. You’ll help ensure that facilities – ranging from waterfront structures to nuclear safety‑related and heritage assets – are safe, fit for purpose, and ready to meet future demands. Your work will bridge the gap between design and reality, ensuring that reference designs accurately reflect the physical state and are correctly configured.

Your day‑to‑day responsibilities will include a mix of office‑based technical tasks and site inspections. You’ll produce technical drawings, models and reports, carry out structural analysis using tools such as finite element analysis, and assess the condition of assets through detailed site surveys.

You’ll also contribute to design modifications and support new build projects, developing engineering solutions and working across the full design lifecycle – from requirements capture and optioneering to detailed design, construction, commissioning, and through‑life support.

How is the programme structured?

This is a Facilities Engineering Development Programme, delivered on‑site at Devonport, Plymouth. Over two years, you’ll rotate through a variety of teams including technical design, facilities management and project management. These rotations are designed to give you broad exposure to the engineering challenges and solutions across the site. You’ll gain experience both in the design office and on‑site, building your technical knowledge and professional relationships while achieving key learning objectives. This structure provides a strong foundation for a career in civil and structural engineering.

How do we develop and support you?

From day one, you’ll receive structured support, personalised training and dedicated mentorship to help you excel throughout your programme and beyond. You’ll join our Graduate Development Programme, featuring expert‑led masterclasses on communication, personal branding, resilience and wellbeing. You’ll also benefit from a wide range of technical and non‑technical training opportunities, including nuclear‑specific development designed to deepen your expertise. To support your journey toward Chartered or Incorporated Engineer status, we offer guidance and cover all associated fees.

What rewards and benefits will you get?

We want you to feel supported, valued and excited about what’s ahead. That’s why we offer a comprehensive package designed to support your development, your wellbeing and your life outside of work too. In addition to a minimum starting salary of £35,000, you’ll benefit from:

• A minimum of 25 days of holiday plus bank holidays, with agile working options subject to discussion with your manager
• Generous pension and employee share schemes
• Adaptable benefits, including cycle‑to‑work scheme, discounts
• Wellbeing support, covering mental, physical, financial, and social wellbeing, with services like our Employee Assistance Programme, digital GP service, and health checks.

You’ll also have the chance to get involved in our STEM outreach activities and volunteering opportunities.

What do you need to apply?

• You’ll need a relevant degree in Civil Engineering or a closely related discipline.
• Many of our graduate programmes are subject to Security Clearance and Trade Control restrictions which mean that your place of birth, nationality, citizenship or residency you hold or have held may impact which programmes you are eligible for. For this programme, you must be able to achieve Baseline Personnel Security Standard (BPSS), Security Check (SC) and Naval Nuclear Propulsion Information (NNPPI) clearance.

Where will you be based?

Places on our Civil Design Engineering Graduate Programme for Autumn 2026 are available in Devonport, Plymouth.

Our business in Plymouth works in partnership with the Ministry of Defence (MOD) and Royal Navy at HM Naval Base Devonport. We provide through‑life support for submarines, surface ships and associated systems and equipment as part of our continuing commitment to support our nation’s naval capability.

Ready to apply?

Applications are reviewed on a rolling basis and the programme may close early if we receive a high volume of interest. To give yourself the best chance of being considered, we recommend submitting your application and completing any required online assessments as soon as possible.