Key Takeaways
- Join Costain as a Graduate Process Engineer in the water sector, rotating between London and Manchester teams.
- Gain comprehensive training through the IChemE Accredited Company Training Scheme (ACTS) and the Graduate Development Programme (GDP).
- Work on diverse projects covering the full project lifecycle, from concept to commissioning.
- Requires a degree in a process engineering discipline and a full UK driving licence.
- Flexible working arrangements with opportunities for site visits.
About the Role
Costain is seeking Graduate Process Engineers to join its combined Asset Optimisation and Costain Engineering Limited (CEL) Team. This is a growing technical team focused on working with municipal wastewater treatment clients across the UK.
Asset Optimisation Team
This agile team works directly with operational and construction teams to develop innovative, practical, and efficient process solutions for environmental safeguarding. They deliver optimisation studies at feasibility, concept, optioneering, and preliminary design stages to mitigate risk, ensure compliance, or enable optimised/no-build solutions. They also provide direct operational support to improve site performance.
Costain Engineering Limited (CEL) Team
CEL is a design consultancy with an interdisciplinary team that develops designs from outline through to detailed design, construction, and commissioning. The team also provides technical and engineering support to ensure successful scheme delivery and long-term operation.
Rotational Experience
Successful candidates will rotate between the Asset Optimisation team (based in St Mary's Axe, London) and the CEL Process Team (based in Manchester). This provides experience across the entire project lifecycle, from concept development through design to commissioning.
Training and Development
- IChemE Accredited Company Training Scheme (ACTS): Designed to equip graduates with the skills and experience for career advancement.
- Mentorship: Assigned a mentor to support professional development and guide towards chartership.
- Costain Graduate Development Programme (GDP): A 2-year programme for graduates of all disciplines, focusing on technical development, personal confidence, and leadership skills. It includes networking opportunities with other graduates across the UK through in-person and virtual modules.
- Graduate and Apprentice Network (GRaAPs): An opportunity to connect with other Early Careers members, discover project happenings, and explore areas of interest.
Key Responsibilities
- Support process engineers in undertaking outline or detailed process engineering design, including modelling, mass balances, data analysis, and design calculations.
- Visit sites for data acquisition, on-site reviews, and to understand current performance and future potential.
- Provide site commissioning support during capital construction planning and delivery.
- Work within multidisciplinary teams (mechanical, civil, electrical engineers) for integrated design.
- Develop and present material for stakeholder workshops.
- Produce presentations, briefing notes, control philosophies, commissioning plans, schedules, DSEAR reports, PFDs, and P&IDs.
- Contribute to health and safety assessments (ALMs, HAZOPs).
- Conduct root cause failure analysis, FMECA, and other risk analysis and mitigation proposals.
Knowledge, Skills, and Experience Required
- A degree or equivalent qualification in a process engineering related discipline.
- A full UK driving licence.
- Strong interest in the water sector.
- Delivery-driven mindset with a focus on targets and team objectives.
- Accurate, right-first-time approach.
- Ability to communicate technical concepts clearly.
- Excellent relationship-building skills.
- Understanding of a Safety-First work mindset.
- Ability to collaborate to achieve shared goals.
Location and Working
Roles offer flexible working between home and office, with regular travel to wastewater treatment sites. Candidates should specify which areas of the country they are applying for and if they are open to relocation.