2027 UK Graduate Materials Engineering Career Path

Materials, Geotechnical, 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.

Join the Early Careers Development Programme at Mott MacDonald (UK & Ireland)
Accelerate your future with our Early Careers Development Programme. All graduates join a a three-year development programme that introduces the key business and commercial competencies needed to succeed at the company.

To avoid missing out on your preferred role, we recommend applying as early as possible, as positions will close once filled.

Job Description

At Mott MacDonald, we believe that the infrastructure we create today helps build stronger, safer, and more sustainable communities for tomorrow. As a Graduate Materials Engineer, you'll be part of a specialist team helping to extend the life of critical infrastructure, improve resilience, and support the transition to a low-carbon future.

From bridges and tunnels to water treatment facilities, hydropower structures, and major transport infrastructure, you'll work on projects that have a lasting impact on society. You'll be supported by experienced Materials, Civil, and Structural Engineers who are passionate about sharing their knowledge and helping you develop your career.

This is an opportunity to learn from industry-leading specialists, contribute to meaningful projects from day one, and develop the technical and professional skills needed to become a trusted engineering professional.

The Opportunity

Materials engineering plays a vital role in ensuring that infrastructure remains safe, durable, and sustainable throughout its lifecycle. As part of our Materials and Corrosion team, you'll work alongside experts to understand how materials perform in real-world environments and help develop solutions that improve the longevity and resilience of critical assets.

You'll gain hands-on experience across a wide range of sectors, including buildings, infrastructure, water, energy, road, and rail. Through site visits, technical investigations, project work, and mentoring, you'll develop a strong understanding of asset performance, materials behaviour, sustainability, and engineering problem solving.

What You'll Do

As a Graduate Materials Engineer, you'll work collaboratively with multidisciplinary teams to support projects at different stages of their lifecycle. Your responsibilities will include:

  • Assisting with durability assessments to help identify potential deterioration mechanisms and support the design of long-lasting, resilient infrastructure.
  • Supporting the evaluation, selection, specification, and repair of construction materials used in buildings and civil engineering structures.
  • Participating in site inspections and investigations to assess the condition, performance, and remaining service life of existing assets.
  • Assisting with the analysis of material deterioration, including corrosion, concrete degradation, weathering, and structural ageing.
  • Supporting the development of maintenance, protection, and repair strategies that improve asset performance and reduce whole-life costs.
  • Contributing to research and innovation initiatives, including the evaluation of new materials, technologies, and sustainable engineering solutions.
  • Analysing technical data and helping to prepare reports, presentations, and recommendations for project teams and clients.
  • Working closely with Materials Engineers, Structural Engineers, Civil Engineers, and asset management specialists to deliver integrated solutions.
  • Supporting projects that contribute to sustainability goals, carbon reduction, and responsible infrastructure management.
  • Participating in project meetings, site visits, and client interactions to build your technical knowledge and professional confidence.

Why This Role Matters

The world's infrastructure is facing increasing challenges from climate change, ageing assets, resource constraints, and growing demand. The choices we make about materials today will influence the safety, performance, and sustainability of infrastructure for decades to come.

As a Graduate Materials Engineer, you'll help:

  • Improve the resilience of critical infrastructure.
  • Support the safe operation of assets that communities depend upon every day.
  • Extend the life of structures through innovative engineering solutions.
  • Reduce environmental impact through sustainable materials and asset management practices.
  • Deliver positive social outcomes by helping clients make informed, responsible decisions.

Your work will contribute to projects that improve lives, protect resources, and create long-term value for society.

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 in Materials Engineering.

This opportunity 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 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.

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.

Application process

  • Online strengths-based assessment
  • Application form

CVs and cover letters are not required as part of the application process. Candidates will be assessed through a single-stage strengths-based interview.

Start your career with a global, employee-owned consultancy where your work can make a real difference. At Mott MacDonald, you'll work alongside experts, contribute to meaningful projects, and have the support, learning opportunities, and experience needed to grow your career from day one.

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.

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.

Accessibility

We want you to feel supported and able to perform at your best throughout our recruitment process. If there is anything we can do to make applying or interviewing with us more accessible, please contact us at reasonable.adjustments@mottmac.com and we'll be happy to discuss how we can help.

We've signed the Gradcracker feedback pledge.
(This means that we will supply feedback if requested after an interview.)

1e127ede32d8f816eacfb0aed73cee11

Job ID Number: 17302
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.

This button will open a new tab and take you directly to the employer's website.
Please remember, if asked, that you found this opportunity on Gradcracker.
Add to Shortlist
Shortlisted
  • Deadline
    Ongoing
  • Hiring Multiple Candidates
    Yes
  • Salary
    Competitive + benefits
  • Degree required
    Bachelor's
  • Location
    Altrincham (Manchester) and Bristol
Show location/s on map
Disciplines Accepted...
  • Geology/Minerals
  • Geotechnical
  • Materials/Metallurgy
The 2026/27
Gradcracker Toolkit
Explore the online version
For our new webinar season we are inviting students to submit questions to our featured employers.
Find out more here
© 2007 - 2026 Gradcracker Limited
Log in/Register
Gradcracker Limited, October House, Long Street, Easingwold, York, YO61 3HX
01347 823822
info@gradcracker.com
Company registration number: 6370348