UK Graduate Civil and Structural Engineering Career Path: Buildings

Mott MacDonald is offering a permanent, full-time Graduate Civil and Structural Engineering Career Path: Buildings role.

Application Process

• Online strengths-based assessment
• Application form

CVs and cover letters are not required. Candidates will be assessed through a single-stage strengths-based interview.

Important: 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, unless new vacancies open in the new year.

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

About Mott MacDonald

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.

Job Description

Building Structures

As a Graduate Structural Engineer, you will work alongside experienced engineers and multidisciplinary teams to deliver structural engineering solutions across a diverse range of projects and sectors. You'll gain exposure to all stages of the project lifecycle, from feasibility studies and concept design through to detailed design, construction support, and site inspections.

What You'll Do:

• Assist in the design and analysis of structural solutions for buildings and infrastructure projects.
• Prepare structural calculations, technical reports, drawings, and specifications.
• Develop conceptual design options and contribute to feasibility studies.
• Undertake detailed design using reinforced concrete, steelwork, and other structural materials.
• Collaborate with multidisciplinary teams including civil, geotechnical, mechanical, electrical, and architectural specialists.
• Support site visits, inspections, surveys, and construction activities.
• Contribute to sustainable design approaches, including carbon reduction and resilience assessments.
• Use digital engineering and BIM tools to support project delivery.
• Support project planning, programme management, and client interactions.

Civil Infrastructure

As a Graduate Civil Engineer in our Infrastructure team, you will help plan and design highways and drainage solutions that enable safe, resilient and sustainable communities. Working alongside experienced engineers and other disciplines, you will contribute to a varied portfolio of projects from early feasibility and concept development through detailed design and construction support.

What you will do:

• Support the design of highways, junctions, active travel routes, access roads and associated infrastructure.
• Assist with drainage strategies and the design of surface water drainage systems, including sustainable drainage solutions.
• Prepare calculations, technical notes, drawings, specifications, schedules and reports under the guidance of senior colleagues.
• Use digital design and modelling tools to develop and communicate coordinated engineering solutions.
• Contribute to feasibility studies, optioneering, design reviews, risk assessments and value engineering.
• Work with multidisciplinary teams, clients, contractors, local authorities and other stakeholders.
• Help ensure designs meet relevant standards, legislation and project requirements, with safety, quality, sustainability and whole-life value considered throughout.
• Support site visits, surveys, inspections and construction-stage activities where required.
• Manage assigned tasks, communicate progress and deliver accurate work to agreed programmes and budgets.

Candidate Specification

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.

Eligibility:

• Less than 12 months’ relevant experience (excluding placements).
• Minimum of a bachelor’s degree (obtained no earlier than 2025) or expected to achieve one of the following degree disciplines: Civil Engineering, Structural Engineering, Civil and Structural Engineering, Engineering Science with a structural specialism, or General Engineering degrees with significant civil/structural engineering content.
• For some opportunities, a master’s degree is essential (reflected in the application form).
• Some opportunities require eligibility to achieve security clearance (normally requires UK British nationality or 5+ years residency in the UK).

Application Guidance:

• Demonstrate genuine interest by highlighting relevant experience or interests (modules studied, previous work experience, research about the company).
• Applications are personally reviewed by the recruitment team; please answer questions with authenticity.

Required 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.

UK Immigration

Mott MacDonald Ltd. is not currently offering sponsorship to candidates under the Skilled Worker visa route. They cannot accept applications from candidates who would be working under the Graduate visa route or other time-limited visas due to their temporary nature and the requirement for sponsorship under the Skilled Worker route in the future. Applications are welcome from candidates eligible for alternative UK immigration routes that do not require sponsorship.

AI Usage

While AI tools can help candidates prepare, every application and hiring decision is reviewed by our recruitment and hiring teams. Responsible use of AI is encouraged, ensuring authenticity in applications.

Accessibility

If you require any adjustments to make applying or interviewing more accessible, please contact reasonable.adjustments@mottmac.com.

About Your Development

• Receive training from day one.
• Assigned a mentor for professional training needs.
• Join a three-year early careers soft skills development programme, 'Accelerating your Future'.

Social Side

• Expand social and professional networks.
• Participate in office sports and social committee events (sports, social, charity).
• Opportunity to suggest new events or initiatives.
• Access 'Perks at Work' for discounts on cinema tickets, travel, utilities, and more.

Agile Working

Mott MacDonald offers a hybrid working policy that embraces well-being, flexibility, and trust.

Benefits

Financial Wellbeing

• Biannual salary reviews during the first three years (subject to probation).
• Pension contributions matched between 4.5% and 7%.
• Life assurance up to 4x basic salary (option to increase to 6x).
• Income protection scheme for long-term illness or injury.
• Flexible benefits (increased life assurance, critical illness insurance, payroll saving, will writing).
• Annual bonus schemes.

Employee Ownership

• Shared success model with no external investors.
• Employees have a stake and voice in the business.
• Personal and group performance bonuses.
• Pathway towards ownership for senior roles.

Health and Wellbeing

• Private medical insurance for all UK colleagues.
• Health cash plan.
• Access to Peppy for menopause expert support.
• Comprehensive wellbeing program for individuals and families.
• Ability to flex salary for various health benefits, extendable to family.

Lifestyle

• 33 days holiday per year (inclusive of public holidays, dependent on level), with option to buy or sell leave.
• 10 days additional paid leave for Armed Forces Reservists and Cadet Force Adult Volunteers.
• Holiday entitlement increases to a minimum of 35 days after 5 years’ service.
• Variety of employee saving schemes and discounts.

Enhanced Family and Carers Leave

• Enhanced family leave policies (26 weeks paid maternity/adoption, 2 weeks paid paternity/partner).
• Shared parental leave matches maternity leave (up to 24 weeks at full pay).
• Up to five additional days leave for significant caring responsibilities (two paid).
• Support for military families.

Learning and Development

• Primary annual professional institution subscription.
• Opportunities to enhance technical and soft skills through mentoring, formal training, and self-development.

Networks, Communities, and Social Outcomes

• Join Advanced Employee Networks (LGBTQ+, gender, race/ethnicity, disability, parents/carers).
• Signatories of the Armed Forces Covenant and Gold Award holders in the MOD Employer Recognition Scheme.
• Community involvement through social outcomes initiatives.