Graduate Civil Engineer

As a Graduate Civil Engineer, you'll join our 2027 Early Careers programme and gain hands-on experience while contributing to some of the UK's most significant infrastructure projects. From day one, you'll take on real responsibility, develop technical and professional skills, and work alongside experienced colleagues who will support your growth. You'll also be part of a supportive graduate community, building the skills, experience and industry-recognised accreditations needed for a successful career.

In this role, you’ll join one of our Ground Engineering teams as a Graduate Civil Engineer, based in Derby but the role will be UK Wide. Please be advised this position will require a lot of travel across the UK, often staying away from home in hotels etc.

What you'll be doing

As a Graduate Civil Engineer you’ll play an important role in the delivery of major infrastructure projects, helping to design, construct, and maintain the structures and systems that communities rely on every day. Working across both site and office environments, you'll apply your academic knowledge to real-world engineering challenges while developing the technical, commercial, and leadership skills needed for a successful career in civil engineering.

You’ll support with:

• The delivery of civil engineering projects across design, planning, and construction phases
• Reviewing and interpreting engineering drawings, specifications, models, and technical information to support project delivery
• Reviewing, analysing, and contributing to design outputs, ensuring alignment with technical standards, best practice, and project requirements
• Assisting with the development and implementation of engineering solutions that meet project, customer, and regulatory requirements
• Identifying, assessing, and managing engineering and project risks, with a strong focus on health, safety, environmental, and quality performance
• Undertaking site visits and contributing to buildability reviews, ensuring designs are practical, efficient, and deliverable
• Setting out, surveying, inspections, quality assurance, and engineering assurance activities to help ensure works are delivered accurately and to specification
• Assisting with technical calculations, engineering assessments, and design reviews under the guidance of experienced engineers
• Project planning, coordination, and reporting activities, including tracking progress, maintaining project records, and supporting programme delivery
• Developing an understanding of construction methods, materials, temporary works, and asset management principles to support project delivery
• Using engineering software, digital tools, and data-driven approaches to improve project efficiency, accuracy, and innovation
• Sustainability, innovation, and continuous improvement initiatives that enhance project outcomes
• Taking ownership of your ongoing professional development, working towards chartership and developing advanced technical and leadership capabilities

Who we're looking for

We value your potential over past experience and are looking for graduates with a degree in Civil Engineering and a genuine interest in our industry. To be eligible, you’ll need to achieve a minimum 2:2 honours degree by the time you start.

We’d love to receive your application if you:

• Hold a UK drivers license
• Are curious, proactive and motivated to develop professionally
• Enjoy solving problems and finding practical solutions.
• Work well with others and build positive relationships.
• Communicate clearly and confidently with different people.
• Take ownership, adapt to challenges and are committed to achieving results.

Why work for us as a Graduate

• Work on high-profile projects that make a real difference, while building your career with one of the UK’s leading infrastructure groups.
• Be part of a supportive early careers network, with structured training and with structured training and coaching from experienced industry professionals.
• Take part in unique development experiences, including residential trips in the Lake District and personal development delivered by our external partners.
• Take ownership of your ongoing professional development, with support towards professional membership and chartership or professional registration where relevant to your career path.

What we can offer you

• Competitive salary and flexible benefits, giving you the freedom to shape a rewards package that works for you.
• 25 days' holiday, with the option to buy or sell additional days.
• A permanent contract from day one, reflecting our commitment to your long-term career.
• Clear progression opportunities, with bi-annual performance and pay reviews throughout your programme.
• Opportunities to connect with fellow graduates through networking events, development activities and our Early Careers Showcase.
• Opportunities to get involved in wider business initiatives, community projects and programmes such as the Duke of Edinburgh's Award.

About us

Ground engineering provides the foundations that make major infrastructure and construction projects possible. It plays a critical role in ensuring structures are built on safe, stable and reliable ground.

At Balfour Beatty, we are one of the UK's leading specialist geotechnical contractors, delivering innovative piling and ground improvement solutions across a wide range of sectors.

Our expertise has supported some of the UK's most prestigious projects, including HS2, The Shard, Wembley Stadium and Battersea Power Station, helping create the foundations for infrastructure that benefits communities nationwide.