Mechanical Engineering Graduate - Reading

Mechanical Engineering Graduate Programme at Thames Water

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 three 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.

What you’ll be doing as a Mechanical Engineering Graduate

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.

• 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.

Two‑year journey opportunities

• Accelerate your business and personal growth through real‑world development experiences.
• Build essential safety confidence with hands‑on health & 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.

What you should bring to the role

• Working towards (or having 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.
• 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.

What’s in it for you?

• Starting Salary: Year 1 £32,000, Year 2 £34,000.
• Location: Hybrid, Reading, Clearwater Court.
• Expectation to travel across the Thames Valley region required.
• 26 days holiday per year increasing to 30 with 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 a range of benefits to support health, wellbeing, finances, including annual health MOTs and access to physiotherapy and counselling, 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.

Who are we?

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. It’s a big job and we’ve got a long way to go, so we need help from passionate and skilled people, committed to making a difference and getting us to where we want to be in the years and decades to come.

Working at Thames Water

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. 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. It’s also a great opportunity to learn more about our business and meet colleagues.

Disclaimer: 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.