Graduate Process Engineer - Exeter

Pell Frischmann group; Croydon; On-site; GBP 24,000 - 30,000; Full time

Job summary

A multidisciplinary engineering firm is looking for a Graduate Process Engineer to join their Exeter office. You will assist with mechanical design for water and wastewater treatment projects, and collaborate with a team of engineering professionals. This role includes opportunities for site visits and project involvement from conception to construction, as well as enrollment in a 2-year Graduate program that fosters professional development. A degree in Mechanical Engineering is essential, with a proactive and eager approach desired.

Qualifications

• Graduate or early-career level (0–2 years) experience required.
• Keen interest in a career within Process Engineering.
• Chemical Engineering study background preferred.

Responsibilities

• Assisting with mechanical design for water and wastewater treatment facilities.
• Supporting the specification of mechanical equipment.
• Producing and checking mechanical calculations and technical schedules.

Skills

Understanding of core mechanical engineering principles

Strong communication and teamwork skills

Proactive approach and eagerness to learn

Education

Degree (BEng or MEng) in Mechanical Engineering or a related discipline

Tools

Microsoft Office

2D/3D CAD tools (e.g. AutoCAD, Inventor, SolidWorks)

Job description

As part of our September 2026 Early Careers cohort, we are looking to hire a Graduate Process Engineer to be based in our Exeter office.

You will be joining a hard working and experienced team specialising predominantly on wastewater and clean water projects, infrastructure, or non-infrastructure.

The team work collaboratively across the UK and this role would be based in our Exeter office. You will have the opportunity to work on many key projects in the Water sector. One of our recent successes was the upgrade of the Arley Sewage Treatment Works to comply with stringent water quality targets under the Water Framework Directive. Please follow the link to find out more and explore other exciting projects you could be working on!

On joining Pell Frischmann you will become part of an expert, multidisciplinary team where you will gain training and experience in your chosen specialism. Working alongside an experienced multidisciplinary engineering team you will be engaged in projects from conception through to tender and construction. Generally, schemes will include site visits, internal and client design review meetings, contractor, and vendor liaison etc.

Additionally, you will be enrolled onto our 2 year Graduate programme. This exciting programme is built around the competence requirements of professional institutions and a great way to kick start your career. You will have opportunity to network with others graduates across the Group and develop key skills such as project management, business and personal effectiveness.

Key Responsibilities

• Assisting with mechanical design for water and wastewater treatment facilities
• Supporting the specification of mechanical equipment (e.g. pumps, valves, pipework, screens)
• Producing and checking mechanical calculations and technical schedules
• Supporting the preparation of drawings, datasheets, and design reports
• Working collaboratively with civil, electrical, and process design teams
• Supporting risk assessments, design reviews, and value engineering exercises
• Learning and applying water industry standards and best practice

Skills, Experience & Qualifications

Qualifications

• Essential: Degree (BEng or MEng) in Mechanical Engineering or a related discipline
• Desirable: Working towards or interest in Chartership (IMechE or equivalent)

Experience

• Essential: Graduate or early-career level (0–2 years)
• Desirable: Experience through placements, internships, or a year in industry in water or process engineering

Technical Skills

• Essential: Understanding of core mechanical engineering principles
• Desirable: Knowledge of water/wastewater treatment processes
• Essential: Ability to produce calculations and technical documentation
• Desirable: Familiarity with pumps, pipework systems, and rotating equipment
• Essential: Awareness of health & safety and design risk management
• Desirable: Experience with non-infra water assets and treatment plant design

Software & Tools

• Essential: Competence in Microsoft Office
• Desirable: Experience with 2D/3D CAD tools (e.g. AutoCAD, Inventor, SolidWorks)
• Essential: Willingness to learn new engineering software
• Desirable: Familiarity with industry design tools or BIM environments

Personal Skills

• Essential: Strong communication and teamwork skills
• Desirable: Ability to manage small design tasks independently
• Essential: Proactive approach and eagerness to learn
• Desirable: Client-facing experience or site exposure

To be considered for this role you would need to have a keen interest in a career within Process Engineering and come from an Chemical Engineering Study Background too.

Right to Work Requirements

We are unable to provide visa sponsorship for this role due to salary thresholds. Applicants must already have the existing, unrestricted right to work in the UK for the full duration of our 2 to 3 year graduate programme. Unfortunately, this means we cannot accept applications where the right to work is time-limited and would expire before the programme ends (July 2029).