2027 UK Graduate Civil and Structural Engineering Career Path: Buildings

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.

The Opportunity

Building Structures

As a Graduate Structural Engineer, you will work alongside experienced engineers and multidisciplinary teams to deliver structural engineering solutions across a diverse range of projects and sectors.

You'll gain exposure to all stages of the project lifecycle, from feasibility studies and concept design through to detailed design, construction support, and site inspections.

What You'll Do

• Assist in the design and analysis of structural solutions for buildings and infrastructure projects.
• Prepare structural calculations, technical reports, drawings, and specifications.
• Develop conceptual design options and contribute to feasibility studies.
• Undertake detailed design using reinforced concrete, steelwork, and other structural materials.
• Collaborate with multidisciplinary teams including civil, geotechnical, mechanical, electrical, and architectural specialists.
• Support site visits, inspections, surveys, and construction activities.
• Contribute to sustainable design approaches, including carbon reduction and resilience assessments.
• Use digital engineering and BIM tools to support project delivery.
• Support project planning, programme management, and client interactions.

Civil Infrastructure

As a Graduate Civil Engineer in our Infrastructure team, you will help plan and design highways and drainage solutions that enable safe, resilient and sustainable communities. Working alongside experienced engineers and other disciplines, you will contribute to a varied portfolio of projects from early feasibility and concept development through detailed design and construction support.

What you will do

• Support the design of highways, junctions, active travel routes, access roads and associated infrastructure.
• Assist with drainage strategies and the design of surface water drainage systems, including sustainable drainage solutions.
• Prepare calculations, technical notes, drawings, specifications, schedules and reports under the guidance of senior colleagues.
• Use digital design and modelling tools to develop and communicate coordinated engineering solutions.
• Contribute to feasibility studies, optioneering, design reviews, risk assessments and value engineering.
• Work with multidisciplinary teams, clients, contractors, local authorities and other stakeholders.
• Help ensure designs meet relevant standards, legislation and project requirements, with safety, quality, sustainability and whole-life value considered throughout.
• Support site visits, surveys, inspections and construction-stage activities where required.
• Manage assigned tasks, communicate progress and deliver accurate work to agreed programmes and budgets.

Candidate Specification

At Mott MacDonald, we’re looking for curious, motivated graduates who want to make a real difference. Join our purpose-driven teams where your ideas matter, your growth is supported, and your work enhances the world we live in.

To be eligible for this opportunity, you will have less than 12 months’ relevant experience (excluding placements) and have a bachelor's degree (obtained no earlier than 2025) or expected to achieve one of the following degree disciplines:  

• Civil Engineering
• Structural Engineering 
• Civil and Structural Engineering
• Engineering Science with a structural specialism
• General Engineering degrees with significant civil/structural engineering content

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 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. You can do this by highlighting 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 ask 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.

We are looking for graduates with the following strengths:

• 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. 

Why Join Us? 

• Inclusive culture: We celebrate diversity and foster a sense of belonging.
• Supportive environment: Your wellbeing matters. We offer flexible working, mentoring, and mental health support.
• Purpose-driven work: Every project you contribute to will have a tangible impact on society.
• Career development: From day one, you’ll be supported to grow, with access to training, professional networks, and progression opportunities. 

UK Immigration

Mott MacDonald Ltd. are not currently offering sponsorship to candidates under the Skilled Worker visa route in the UK. This decision is as a consequence of the changes made to the Skilled Worker route by the UK Government in April 2024.

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.

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. From your first day, you’ll have access to Perks at Work, giving you discounts on cinema tickets, travel, utilities and much more, helping you make the most of our employee benefits.

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