2026 UK Graduate Ground Engineering career path

Mott MacDonald; Sheffield; On-site; GBP 25,000 - 30,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading engineering consultancy is seeking graduates for a geotechnical engineering role in Sheffield. You'll work on major civil projects, performing soil mechanics analyses and structural design. Candidates should have relevant degrees in Geotechnical or Civil Engineering and limited work experience. The role offers benefits like biannual salary reviews, pension contributions, and flexible benefits. This position serves those passionate about making an impact in engineering and contributing to pioneering projects.

Benefits

Biannual salary reviews

Competitive salary

Contributory pension scheme

Flexible benefits scheme

Discounts on cinema and travel

Qualifications

• Less than 12 months relevant work experience in geotechnical or civil engineering.
• A relevant bachelor's degree or expected to achieve one.

Responsibilities

• Perform soil mechanics analyses for foundation design.
• Model soil-structure interaction for substructures.
• Conduct analysis and design of foundations.

Skills

Soil mechanics analysis

Geotechnical engineering

Structural analysis

Team collaboration

Modeling with Plaxis

Education

Geotechnical Engineering

Civil Engineering

Job description

2026 UK Graduate Ground Engineering career path

Please note you may only submit one application for our graduate opportunities. Once submitted, changes or new applications cannot be made — unless new vacancies open in the new year.

To avoid missing out on your preferred role, we recommend applying as early as possible, as positions will close once filled.

Job Description

We manage and deliver designs for major below‑ground civil projects and are recognised as authoritative and innovative in ground engineering. We specialise in all aspects of foundations, geotechnics, and tunnelling, and contribute to some of the largest and most demanding structures in the world. Projects include Crossrail in London, Thames Tideway, South East Strategic Reservoir Option (SESRO), A9 Dualling from Tomatin to Moy, Tarbela Dam, Baku Metro, Dublin Interconnector, and TfL tunnels refurbishment.

In this role, you will join Mott MacDonald’s Geotechnics Practice, learning directly from experienced geotechnical engineers and engineering geologists through online webinars, workshops, and Practice‑led initiatives.

Areas of expertise include value management, value engineering, geotechnical advice, information management, site investigation, rock engineering, slope engineering, coastal engineering, environmental geotechnics, engineering geology, advanced numerical modelling, seismic and hydrogeology expertise. Work will vary but you are likely to undertake the following type of work:

• Perform soil mechanics analyses for the design of foundations, substructures, slopes, earthworks, reinforced earth structures, and retaining structures.
• Model soil‑structure interaction for retaining walls and underground structures using tools like Plaxis.
• Conduct structural analysis and design of foundations and subsurface structures.
• Contribute to ground model interpretation and derivation of parameters for design and risk management.
• Prepare technical reports, risk assessments and specifications.
• Engage collaboratively with project managers and specialists.

Locations: Sheffield.

Candidate Specification

To be eligible for this scheme, you will have less than 12 months relevant work experience and have a degree or be expected to achieve one of the following degree disciplines:

• Geotechnical Engineering
• Civil Engineering

All opportunities require a relevant bachelor's degree as a minimum requirement; some may also require a master's degree.

We want you to demonstrate your genuine interest in the role and Mott MacDonald by highlighting relevant experience—modules, work placements, and research into our values, projects, and purpose.

We personally review every completed application. Authentic answers help us get to know the real you.

Sponsorship and Visa

Mott MacDonald Ltd. is not currently offering sponsorship to candidates under the Skilled Worker visa route in the UK. We also cannot accept applications from candidates who would be working under the Graduate visa route or other time‑limited visas that require future sponsorship due to the temporary nature of those visas. We continue to welcome applications from candidates eligible for alternative immigration routes in the UK that do not require sponsorship as a Skilled Worker now or in future.

Benefits

• Biannual salary reviews for the first three years.
• Competitive salary aligned with industry standards.
• Contributory pension up to 7% of your salary.
• Flexible benefits scheme.

Other perks include discounts on cinema tickets, travel, fashion, utilities, and access to social and sports events. You can also suggest new initiatives.

Equality, diversity and inclusion

We put equality, diversity and inclusion at the heart of our business, promoting fair employment practices to ensure equal opportunities for all.

We embrace agility, flexibility and trust, allowing you to work most effectively to meet your commitments.

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, relentlessly focusing on excellence and digital innovation, transforming our clients’ businesses, communities and opportunities.
Our values: progress, respect, integrity, drive, excellence.