Water Graduate Engineer - Dams & Reservoirs / Exeter (Summer)

Join AECOM in preserving engineering heritage while pioneering the future of resilient water infrastructure. You will help to deliver industry-leading reservoir and dam projects across the UK and further afield, including safety upgrades, hydropower, new storage and resilience schemes.

Our graduates gain valuable experience working on a variety of projects alongside a multitude of different disciplines. You will develop your understanding of many elements within the water industry, such as hydraulic, structural, geotechnical and environmental design through calculations, report writing and use of engineering software. You will work alongside experienced engineers and consultants as you develop these skills within a positive culture where learning and development is actively supported and promoted.

What You'll Do

• Undertake numerical analysis including the use of specialist software to assist with the study of dams and reservoirs.
• Keep up-to-date with developments in regulatory legislation and guidelines that may affect design work.
• Carry out research and apply theoretical knowledge to new situations, assisting with the continuous improvement of project delivery.
• Undertake feasibility studies to appraise the practicability of alternative solutions, including considerations such as technical performance, health and safety, cost, and environmental benefits.
• Prepare designs, drawings, specifications, and contracts.
• Write clear, concise reports and prepare presentations for colleagues, clients, and regulators.
• Join site visits to support dam inspections and broaden your understanding of how assets perform in the real world.

Example Projects

• Exploring potential locations for new reservoirs across the Southwest—helping clients plan long-term resilience in the face of climate change.
• Designing eight dams as part of the Loch Kemp pumped storage hydro scheme—supporting the energy transition with large-scale, flexible low-carbon infrastructure.
• Upgrading ageing dams to maintain safety and performance, including historic lakes with significant heritage value—balancing safety, sustainability, and cultural importance.
• Helping clients across the UK maintain safe dams and compliance with the Reservoirs Act 1975, including carrying out statutory inspections, designing upgrades, and planning for emergencies.
• Supporting colleagues in the USA with the risk assessment of a portfolio of dams, helping to understand the key areas where works can deliver improvements in dam safety.

What We're Looking For

• A bachelor’s degree (or equivalent) in Civil Engineering, Environmental Engineering, Water Resources Engineering, or a related field (e.g. geology, geotechnics, structures).
• A master’s degree in the above subjects would be an advantage.
• Water-related modules or relevant work experience would be an advantage.
• Enthusiastic, hard-working, and technically proficient.
• Curiosity and an inquisitive mindset, with strong research skills.
• Interest in reservoir engineering and the wider water industry.
• Good written and verbal communication skills, considering technical stakeholders, clients, and the public.
• Ability to structure and prioritise work effectively through close cooperation with multi-disciplinary teams.
• Ability to work independently with initiative to deliver high-quality outputs.
• An interest in applying sustainable development principles across your work.
• Capability to consider client and business expectations and be able to consider the wider financial and commercial implications of your actions.

Additional Information

• Applicants are encouraged to apply as early as possible since CVs will be reviewed, and candidates selected for an advanced offer start.
• Please include a covering letter with your application and provide all predicted and/or obtained academic grades.
• You must have permanent right to work in the UK as we are unable to offer visa sponsorship for this position.
• All newly hired employees are required to attend an in-person Day 1 onboarding at an AECOM office location as a condition of employment.
• Hybrid work options are available.
• AECOM provides a wide array of compensation, benefits, and well-being programs.