2027 UK Graduate Building Physics Engineering Career Path

Building Services, Mechanical, Environmental, Physics.

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

At Mott MacDonald, we believe the built environment has the power to improve lives, strengthen communities, and create a more sustainable future. As a Graduate Building Physics Engineer, you'll help shape buildings, neighbourhoods, and cities that are comfortable, resilient, energy-efficient, and designed with people and the planet in mind.

Join our growing Engineering Sciences team and become part of a community of specialists who use the principles of physics to solve some of the most important challenges facing the built environment. From creating healthier, more comfortable spaces and supporting the transition to net zero carbon, to helping cities adapt to climate change, your work will contribute to projects that make a meaningful difference to society.

Our team is proud to have worked on projects ranging from the Royal College of Art Battersea South building to supporting the NHS and public sector organisations in developing net zero carbon strategies, helping create lasting positive outcomes for communities today and for future generations.

The opportunity

As a Graduate Building Physicist, you'll have the opportunity to develop your technical expertise while working alongside experienced specialists, designers, engineers, architects, and clients on a wide variety of exciting projects.

You'll be supported through structured learning, mentoring, and hands-on project experience, gaining exposure to some of the latest digital tools and analytical techniques used to improve building performance and environmental outcomes.

From your first day, you'll be encouraged to contribute ideas, ask questions, and collaborate with colleagues who are passionate about sharing knowledge and helping others succeed.

What You'll Do

As part of our inclusive and multidisciplinary Engineering Sciences team, you'll help deliver design and strategic advice that enables clients to make informed, sustainable decisions.

Your responsibilities will include:

  • Supporting the thermal modelling of buildings at a range of scales to evaluate thermal comfort, visual comfort, energy performance, climate resilience, and carbon impacts.
  • Helping design teams identify practical and innovative solutions that improve building performance and user wellbeing.
  • Assisting with qualitative building performance assessments during the early stages of design, providing valuable insights that influence key project decisions.
  • Developing parametric modelling studies to support low-carbon and net zero design strategies at building, campus, and masterplan scales.
  • Supporting computational fluid dynamics (CFD) modelling to understand airflow and wind behaviour around buildings and urban environments.
  • Contributing to studies that assess urban heat island effects and support the adaptation of cities and communities to future climate challenges.
  • Working collaboratively with architects, engineers, planners, sustainability consultants, and stakeholders to develop integrated and impactful design solutions.
  • Supporting senior team members in delivering projects across a diverse range of sectors and scales.

Why This Role Matters

Buildings and cities are responsible for a significant proportion of energy use and carbon emissions globally. The decisions made during the design process have lasting consequences for occupants, communities, and the environment.

As a Building Physicist, you'll help create:

  • Healthier and more comfortable places for people to live, work, and learn.
  • Buildings that consume less energy and emit less carbon.
  • Communities that are more resilient to climate change and extreme weather.
  • Sustainable developments that balance environmental, social, and economic objectives.
  • Evidence-based solutions that help clients make responsible decisions for the future.

Your work will directly contribute to improving quality of life while helping society progress towards a more sustainable and resilient future.

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

  • Building Physics
  • Building Services Engineering
  • Architectural Engineering
  • Mechanical Engineering
  • Environmental Engineering Physics
  • Sustainable Building Design
  • Environmental Design and Engineering
  • Mathematics or a related discipline

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: 17295
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
    Brighton, Bristol and London
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Disciplines Accepted...
  • Architecture
  • Building Services
  • Ecology/Environmental
  • Environment & Sustainability
  • Maths
  • Mechanical
  • Physics
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