2026 UK Graduate Structural Engineering Career Path: Water

Mott MacDonald; United Kingdom; On-site; GBP 28,000 - 35,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading consultancy in engineering is seeking a Graduate Structural Engineer in Cambridge. This role involves collaborating with a multidisciplinary team on innovative water infrastructure projects. Candidates should have a degree in structural engineering expected in 2024 or later and minimal relevant experience. The position promotes growth, team collaboration, and provides opportunities for professional development, along with competitive salary and flexible working options.

Benefits

Biannual salary reviews

Competitive salary

Contributory pension up to 7%

Flexible benefits scheme

Qualifications

• Less than 12 months’ relevant experience needed.
• Degree must be obtained no earlier than 2024.
• Eligibility for security clearance might be required.

Responsibilities

• Develop designs for water infrastructure projects.
• Conduct site visits for inspections and investigations.
• Participate in project meetings and collaborate with teams.
• Review and modify structural designs as needed.
• Prepare necessary technical documentation.
• Gain experience in project management and client interactions.
• Engage with the Early Careers Professionals Network.

Skills

Proactively takes initiative

Effective communication

High quality written work

Structured problem solving

Education

Degree in Structural Engineering

Job description

Before making an application, please browse all graduate opportunities available as we will only accept one application per candidate. Once you have made an application you will not be able to make changes to your selection or make a new application. The exception is if we open new vacancies 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.

Turn your ambition into action - apply now and shape your future with us.

Job Description

Engineer with purpose. Build with integrity. Shape resilient infrastructure.

At Mott MacDonald, we’re proud to be at the forefront of water infrastructure innovation. With strong demand for our services across the UK and internationally, and frameworks secured with major water utility companies, we’re excited to offer an opportunity for a Graduate Structural Engineer to join our Water Division.

This is more than a graduate role—it’s a chance to be part of a multidisciplinary team delivering high-profile, sustainable solutions that protect communities and the environment. You’ll be supported by local experts and our global practice network, empowered to grow, and inspired to make a meaningful impact.

What You’ll Be Doing

You’ll collaborate with engineers, designers, and technical specialists to deliver innovative structural solutions for clients such as UK water companies, D&B contractors, and the Environment Agency.

Your responsibilities may include:

• Structural Design – Develop conceptual, preliminary, and detailed designs for water infrastructure projects that are safe, efficient, and sustainable.
• Site Inspections & Investigations – Attend site visits to carry out inspections and investigations that inform design and delivery.
• Project Collaboration – Actively participate in project, client, and team meetings, contributing ideas and building strong working relationships.
• Design Review & Development – Review, prepare, and modify structural designs to meet technical standards and client needs.
• Technical Documentation – Prepare drawings, reports, and specifications that support project delivery and stakeholder engagement.
• Commercial & Client Exposure – Gain valuable experience in project management, client interaction, and commercial awareness.
• Early Careers Network – Engage with our vibrant Early Careers Professionals Network to connect, learn, and grow alongside peers.

Hear From Our Graduates

“At Mott MacDonald, I’ve been trusted to contribute from day one. The support, the people, and the purpose behind our work make every day meaningful.” – Graduate Engineer, Water Division

Eligibility & Application Guidance

To be eligible for this opportunity, you will have less than 12 months’ relevant experience (excluding placements) and have a degree (obtained no earlier than 2024) or be expected to achieve one in structural engineering.

Some of these opportunities will require you to be eligible to achieve security clearance. Security clearance is dictated by the types of projects we work on and normally requires you to be a UK British national or have lived in the UK for five years or more.

In your application, you should aim to demonstrate your genuine interest in both the opportunity and in joining Mott MacDonald. Highlight any relevant experience or interests – such as modules you've studied, previous work experience, or any research you've undertaken about our company, values, and projects.

We personally review every completed application form we receive as this part of our selection process is entirely human led – we do not use AI tools at this stage and kindly expect you not to either. We want you to answer each application question with authenticity so we can get to know the real you. Joining us as a graduate is your opportunity to shape your own story.

Graduate Strengths We Look For

• Proactively takes initiative to complete tasks efficiently and independently.
• Communicates effectively and clearly with clients and colleagues.
• Delivers high quality written work with strong attention to detail and clarity.
• Demonstrates a structured and analytical approach to problem solving.

Flexible Working

We support flexible working. Please ask us at interview stage about any flexibility you may need.

Visa & Sponsorship

Mott MacDonald Ltd. are not currently offering sponsorship to candidates under the Skilled Worker visa route in the UK. This decision is a consequence of the changes made to the Skilled Worker route by the UK Government in April 2024. Our ethos is to develop, train and retain our graduates and therefore we are looking for a long‑term relationship with our graduates. For this reason, we cannot accept applications from candidates who would be working under the Graduate visa route or other time‑limited visas, (irrespective of visa duration), due to their temporary nature and the requirement for sponsorship under the Skilled Worker route in future. We continue to welcome applications from candidates who are eligible for alternative immigration routes in the UK, that do not require sponsorship as a Skilled Worker now or in future.

About Your Development

A graduate position should be more than just a job. We know this and so do you. That’s why with our graduate roles we aim to give you the experience and technical knowledge you need to progress your career. From the moment you join us, you’ll receive the training you need. You will be assigned a mentor, who will guide you to meet the objectives of your professional training needs. You will join our three‑year early‑careers soft skills development programme – Accelerating your Future, which is designed to give you the skills and tools necessary for a long‑lasting successful career here at Mott MacDonald.

You will have the opportunity to make a difference; learn more about Our Purpose and the difference we can make!

You’re probably wondering what else is on offer. Join us, and you’ll get:

• Biannual salary reviews – we believe that hard work should be rewarded and recognised. Therefore, for the first three years of your career with us, you’ll have biannual salary reviews.
• A competitive salary – in addition to biannual reviews, we will ensure that you’re given a salary that matches the current industry standard.
• Contributory pension up to 7% of your salary – we have the best people on our team, and we like to look out for them. With our support, you’ll have all the advice and options you need to be able to invest in your future.
• A flexible benefits scheme – our company is made up of a range of different people and we understand that different people want different things. That’s why with our flexible plan, you’ll have the ability to manage the range of benefits we have on offer, to suit your specific needs.

Our Social Side

Being part of Mott MacDonald means more than just work; there’s a huge range of fun and exciting things that you can get involved in. From the moment you join us, you’ll have the opportunity to expand your social and professional network, whether it’s meeting other graduates or joining forces with other members of staff from around the company at our annual sports day. Each of our offices have a sports and social committee which will give you the chance to be part of a variety of sports, social and charity events. We’re committed to promoting a strong culture of social responsibility and encourage our staff to play active roles in the local community.

It’s worth noting that sports and social committees tend to vary from office to office, so as well as getting involved in what’s already on offer, don’t be afraid to suggest new events or initiatives that you think could be a great addition. It doesn’t stop there. As well as events, you’ll also have access to discounts on cinema tickets, travel, fashion, utilities and much more as part of our company benefits which you can take advantage of the moment you join.

Equality, Diversity and Inclusion

We put equality, diversity and inclusion at the heart of our business, seeking to promote fair employment procedures and practices to ensure equal opportunities for all. We encourage individual expression in our workplace and are committed to creating an inclusive environment where everyone feels they have the opportunity to contribute.

Agile Working

At Mott MacDonald, we believe it makes business sense for you and your manager to choose how you can work most effectively to meet your client, team and personal commitments. We embrace agility, flexibility and trust.

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, our communities and employee opportunities. A fundamental part of this is respecting each person’s differences and striving to meet their needs. Our values: progress, respect, integrity, drive, excellence.