Graduate Materials Specialist - London, Manchester or Birmingham

Arup is a global consultancy with advisory and technical expertise across more than 150 disciplines, guiding, planning, and designing the future of the built environment.

The Opportunity

The materials team provides specialist advice across virtually every market Arup operates in, covering materials such as concrete, metals, glass, stone, brick, ceramics, timber, and composites. The team advises at all stages of a project, from concept design through the full life cycle.

Specialists explore different combinations of materials, devise test programs, and carry out design and field research, applying materials in novel and challenging ways with a focus on context. This approach enhances client choice, optimises cost/value, and reduces risks.

Sustainability is central to the team's work, focusing on minimising negative impacts across the materials supply chain and lifecycle. They collaborate with the supply chain to develop new, sustainable materials and understand routes to market.

What You'll Do

• Deliver materials consulting services, including drafting materials specifications, durability assessments, or forensic failure investigations.
• Carry out research projects, informed by client challenges and Skills Network priority research topics.
• Conduct site visits.
• Write reports.
• Collaborate across disciplines.

About You

We are seeking candidates with the following qualifications, skills, and attributes:

• Master's level (or Equivalent) in an academic discipline, such as Materials Engineering / Science, Mechanical Engineering, Structural Engineering, or Climate & Sustainability Science.
• Strong grounding in materials science, sustainability of materials, or engineering principles.
• Excellent analytical and problem-solving skills.
• Interest in materials performance, durability, and sustainability.
• Ability to interpret technical data and research findings.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills.
• Curiosity about how materials are used in real-world engineering and construction applications.
• Ability to work collaboratively.
• Experience with data analysis and standard Microsoft Office tools.

Familiarity with programming, life cycle assessment, carbon assessment, or digital engineering tools would be advantageous.

To be considered for a graduate opportunity, your application must include a copy of your academic transcript and meet the following criteria:

• Full working rights in the country of application.
• No more than 12 months of full-time experience in a comparable role.
• Recently graduated, or on track to graduate, from your most recent degree, related to your role of choice, before employment starts.

Alongside your degree, we look for the following core attributes:

• Changemakers: A passion for sustainable development and creating a better world.
• Innovative minds: Critical thinkers who embrace new ideas and challenge the status quo.
• Growth seekers: A growth mindset, always eager to learn and explore new ways of working.
• Adaptable adventurers: Readiness to take on any challenge.

Key Dates

• Start Date: 1 September 2027
• Advert Closing Date: 12 November 2026

Please note, in the event of high applicant volume, this role may be closed ahead of the advertised closing date. Early application is recommended.

Eligibility

• You must have full working rights in the UK and be eligible to work permanently without sponsorship.

What We Offer

• A career where you can belong, grow, and thrive.
• Competitive, fair, and equitable pay.
• A profit share scheme.
• Benefits that support health and wellbeing, including private medical insurance, life assurance, accident insurance, and income protection cover.
• Access to flexible benefits.
• A flexible working approach.
• Wide range of learning opportunities.
• Opportunities to have an impact through your work.