Graduate Mechanical Engineer - Reading

About Us

Hoare Lea is a human-centric and planet-conscious engineering consultancy. We offer intelligent and sustainable solutions to complex design challenges for the built environment throughout the UK and further afield.

We provide a wide range of engineering and consultancy services, including acoustics, air quality, building services (MEP), fire, lighting, security and sustainability.

Why Join Us?

• Collaborate with the industry’s best, working with a wide range of built-environment specialists.
• Be part of progressive and exciting projects from day one, experiencing innovative schemes across all sectors.
• Advance your career through our structured Career Paths framework.
• Benefit from our accredited training and development scheme with a dedicated mentor and supervisor, supporting you to Chartership.

The Role

As part of one of the UK’s largest building engineering consultancies, you will collaborate with skilled engineers and work on high-profile projects within a multi-disciplinary team. Examples of projects include Bispebjerg Hospital in Denmark, Canolfan Pentre Awel in Carmarthen, One Piccadilly Gardens in Manchester, a Multi-Megawatt Data Centre Campus, and the £1 billion Elephant and Castle redevelopment in London.

As a Graduate Mechanical Engineer, your day-to-day tasks will vary, exposing you to all aspects of our work. You could be:

• Working on live projects from day one.
• Engaging with projects in various sectors, including healthcare, hotels, retail, and residential.
• Producing detailed designs and drawings for:
  • Heating, Ventilation, Air Conditioning and Control Systems
  • Above and below ground drainage systems and hot and cold-water services.
• Using the latest computer modelling software CAD and Revit.
• Undertaking site surveys.
• Researching ground-breaking technologies.
• Engaging in continuous CPD and learning opportunities.

Communication will involve liaising with project teams, meeting clients or end users, and attending collaborative meetings.

About You

To be successful in this role, you’ll need:

• An expected or achieved 2.1 or above IMechE or CIBSE accredited degree or equivalent qualification in Mechanical Engineering or similar.
• Excellent communication, analytical and organisational skills.
• Ability to work in a team environment and independently.
• A friendly, ambitious, and confident individual with a flexible and resilient approach.

It would be an advantage, but not necessary, if you also had:

• A Masters or other relevant post-graduate qualification.
• Previous placement or work experience in a similar industry.
• An understanding of CAD or similar modelling software.

Our Benefits

• Competitive salary and industry-leading training and development.
• Opportunity to participate in our 9-day fortnight scheme.
• Thriving community groups, varied social and networking events.
• Extensive professional and technical development schemes.
• Private medical cover.
• Electric vehicle salary sacrifice scheme.
• Stock options.
• 25 days of annual leave (increasing with service).
• Flexible and hybrid working.

How to Apply

Complete a CV profile, answer a couple of questions, and submit your application. Please only apply for one location for your discipline. If you are flexible with location, you will have the chance to select your other location preferences at telephone interview. Applying for multiple locations will mean you are only considered for the location you have applied for.

Recruitment Process

• Applications close – 6th November 2026
• Telephone Interviews – November/December 2026
• Selection Event – January/February 2027
• Start Date – September 2027

Flexible working

We welcome applications from candidates seeking flexible working arrangements to suit their particular needs and lifestyle, including part-time, term-time-only, and remote working.