2027 UK Graduate Hydraulic Engineer Career Path

Geography, Environmental Science, Hydrology, Water, Civil.

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.

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Job Description

This role will present you with a fantastic opportunity to develop your technical and project management skills through your project work, with great prospects for career progression as the business continues to grow.   

Working on a number of water frameworks across the UK and internationally, you’ll work alongside our senior and principal modellers as part of our UK-wide modelling team. Your network modelling work will include model build (1D and 2D models), model calibration, verification, foul water flooding assessment or clean water network resilience planning, and mitigation solution optioneering. Your daily work will involve working with industry standard hydraulic modelling software as well as GIS and coding. You will also be responsible for producing reports and presenting to clients. 

About the Role

Plays a key role in helping to shape the future of water and wastewater infrastructure. Working on projects across the UK and internationally, you will contribute to the planning, design and improvement of water supply, wastewater and drainage networks that support communities and protect the environment. You will collaborate with multidisciplinary teams to develop innovative and sustainable solutions that address challenges such as climate change, population growth, flooding and ageing infrastructure.

What You’ll Be Doing

  • Supporting the development and delivery of water, wastewater and drainage projects that improve network performance and resilience.
  • Analysing data and technical information to identify challenges, evaluate solutions and inform decision-making.
  • Collaborating with multidisciplinary teams to help design and improve water supply, wastewater and drainage infrastructure.
  • Contributing to projects that address flooding, environmental protection, river and coastal water quality, and sustainable water management.
  • Developing technical knowledge and gaining experience with industry-leading tools, digital technologies and engineering approaches used across the water sector.
  • Producing technical reports, presenting findings and supporting engagement with clients and project stakeholders.

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 minimum of a bachelors degree (obtained no earlier than 2025) or expected to achieve one of the following degree disciplines:  

  • Geography 
  • Hydrology and Water Management 
  • Water and Environmental Engineering 
  • Environmental Science 
  • Civil Engineering 
  • Mathematics 

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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Job ID Number: 17282
Can I use AI to apply?

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.

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Add to Shortlist
Shortlisted
  • Deadline
    Ongoing
  • Hiring Multiple Candidates
    Yes
  • Salary
    Competitive + benefits
  • Degree required
    Bachelor's
  • Location
    Cambridge, London, Leeds, Reading and Bristol
Show location/s on map
Disciplines Accepted...
  • Civil/Infrastructure
  • Ecology/Environmental
  • Environment & Sustainability
  • Geography
  • Geology/Minerals
  • Maths
  • Water/Hydrology
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