UK Graduate Mechanical Engineering Career Path Transport

Mott MacDonald is a global, employee-owned consultancy offering a permanent position for a Graduate Mechanical Engineering Career Path Transport.

Job Description

Graduate Overhead Contact Systems (OCS) Engineer - Manchester

This role focuses on the design, development, and delivery of safe, reliable, and efficient railway electrification systems. As an OCS Engineer, you will contribute to the decarbonisation of the railway by designing infrastructure for train power supply, ensuring compliance with railway standards and operational requirements.

Key Responsibilities:

• OCS system, basic and allocation design
• 2D and 3D layout and cross-section design
• Engineering calculations
• Bridge and structure assessments
• Loading assessments and foundation design
• Feasibility studies
• Multidisciplinary design coordination

You will gain experience across the project lifecycle, from concept to construction support, working on projects for clients like Network Rail, East West Rail, Irish Rail, and SPL. You will collaborate within multidisciplinary teams (Track, Signalling, Telecommunications, Traction Power, Civils, Geotechnical) to develop integrated railway solutions and understand the wider railway system.

Opportunities exist to rotate into other engineering disciplines within the Rail Division, work with clients, and develop a broad understanding of railway infrastructure. This role supports professional development towards becoming a Chartered Engineer.

Candidate Specification

We are looking for curious, motivated graduates with less than 12 months' relevant experience (excluding placements) who have or are expected to achieve a Master's degree (obtained no earlier than 2025) in Mechanical Engineering.

Key Strengths:

• Proactively takes initiative.
• Communicates effectively and clearly.
• Delivers high-quality written work with strong attention to detail.
• Demonstrates a structured and analytical approach to problem-solving.

Application Process

• Online strengths-based assessment
• Application form

CVs and cover letters are not required. Assessment is through a single-stage strengths-based interview.

Important Notes:

• Apply for only one graduate opportunity as only one application per candidate will be accepted.
• Applications will close once filled, so apply as early as possible.
• Mott MacDonald is not currently offering sponsorship under the Skilled Worker visa route and cannot accept applications from candidates on the Graduate visa route or other time-limited visas.

Development and Benefits

• Professional Development: Three-year early careers soft skills development programme ('Accelerating your Future'), mentoring, and support towards becoming a Chartered Engineer.
• Financial Wellbeing: Biannual salary reviews (first three years, subject to probation), pension contributions matching, life assurance, income protection, flexible benefits, and annual bonus schemes.
• Health and Wellbeing: Private medical insurance, health cash plan, access to Peppy (menopause experts), comprehensive wellbeing program, and flexible salary options for health benefits.
• Lifestyle: 33 days holiday (inclusive of public holidays, increasing after 5 years), option to buy/sell leave, additional paid leave for Armed Forces Reservists, and employee saving schemes/discounts.
• Family and Carers Leave: Enhanced maternity/adoption leave (26 weeks paid), paternity/partner leave (two weeks paid), shared parental leave, and additional carer's leave.
• Agile Working: Hybrid working policy.
• Employee Ownership: Shared success, stake and voice in the business, personal and group performance bonuses, and potential for ownership in senior roles.
• Networks and Communities: Access to Advanced Employee Networks (LGBTQ+, gender, race, disability, parents/carers), support for Armed Forces Covenant signatories, and community involvement opportunities.