2027 Graduate Civil and Structural Engineering - Transport

Application Process

Before making an application, 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. The exception is if we open new vacancies 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.

• Online strengths-based assessment
• Application form

CVs and cover letters are not required as part of the application process. Candidates will be assessed through a single-stage strengths-based interview.

Job Description

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.

Graduate Aviation Planner (Aviation) - Croydon

• As a graduate joining our airport planning team, you’ll step into a role that blends technical insight with strategic thinking, contributing to projects that shape the future of aviation infrastructure.
• From masterplanning through to design development and technical advisory, your work will cover all airport facilities (airfield, aprons, terminals, landside transport, utilities, and support buildings), while also working on emerging areas such as sustainable air transport, future travel experience and advanced air mobility.
• You’ll be involved in both spatial and strategic planning, using analytical methods and simulation tools to support decision-making.
• Working on landmark international airport projects alongside more experienced colleagues, you’ll gain practical insight into how airport planning projects are delivered globally.
• The role also includes supporting client and stakeholder engagement, and collaborating with other disciplines such as airfield engineering, transaction advisory, forecasting, project/asset management, and business planning.

Graduate Aviation Engineer (Airfield) - Birmingham, Cambridge, Croydon, London, Manchester, Southampton.

• As a Graduate Civil Engineer in our Aviation team, you will help design the airfield infrastructure that enables the safe and efficient movement of aircraft at airports, heliports and vertiports worldwide.
• Working alongside experienced Civil and Electrical Engineers, you will contribute to the design of runways, taxiways, aircraft aprons, service roads and drainage systems.
• Your work will include pavement design, airfield geometry and grading, stormwater management and Civil 3D modelling, helping to define how aircraft operate safely on the ground and how critical airport infrastructure performs throughout its lifecycle.
• Using industry-leading digital design tools, you will develop engineering designs and 3D models for projects across the UK and internationally, gaining experience from concept development through to construction and operation while helping to deliver the next generation of aviation infrastructure.

Graduate Civil Engineer (Highways) Birmingham, Colwyn Bay, Edinburgh, Glasgow, (Need to be eligible for Security Clearance), (Masters Essential)

• Our Highways team delivers innovative solutions that improve journeys, connect communities and create lasting value for clients and the public.
• From the planning and design of major new road schemes to the enhancement and maintenance of existing highway networks, we work on some of the UK's most complex and high-profile infrastructure projects.
• Collaboration, technical excellence and continuous improvement are at the heart of everything we do, helping us deliver smarter, safer and more sustainable outcomes.
• As part of our Early Careers Professionals Rotation Programme, you'll embark on a structured development journey designed to broaden your experience and accelerate your growth.
• You'll gain hands-on exposure to a range of highway design disciplines, working alongside experienced engineers and industry experts on projects that make a real difference.
• From day one, you'll contribute to live project delivery, developing skills in 2D and 3D modelling, engineering design, digital tools, technical calculations and specification development.
• You'll also support project coordination, stakeholder engagement and multidisciplinary collaboration, giving you insight into every stage of the project lifecycle while helping to deliver practical engineering solutions.
• This is an opportunity to build technical expertise, develop professional skills and establish a strong foundation for a rewarding career in infrastructure engineering.

Graduate Civil Engineer (Local Streets) – Birmingham, Cambridge, Edinburgh, Glasgow, Leeds, Liverpool, London, Norwich, Sheffield, Southampton (Need to be eligible for Security Clearance) (Masters Essential)

• In the local streets and infrastructure portfolio you will have the opportunity to contribute to a wide range of impactful projects that directly benefit the local and national community.
• These projects range from local junction improvements to facilitate access to solar farms to large scale infrastructure projects such as East West Rail, Heathrow Expansion and HS2.
• We focus on projects that enhance safety, accessibility, sustainability, and efficiency in urban and rural environments.
• We are also passionate about incorporating nature based solutions into our designs to help mitigate the flood risk and protect local ecosystems.
• The design of Active travel infrastructure, such as cycle lanes, footpaths, and pedestrian zones, promoting healthier and greener transport options is also a key focus area.
• You will be involved in the full life cycle from feasibility through to construction and operation using the latest digital skills to deliver sustainable, innovative, safe and cost-effective solutions for our clients.
• The projects that you will work on will not only develop your technical and project management skills but will also offer you the chance to make a tangible difference in local communities.

Graduate Civil Engineer (Rail Civil Structures) – Altrincham, Birmingham, Manchester, Sheffield, York

• As a Graduate Civil Engineer, you'll contribute to the design and delivery of railway stations, transport interchanges, accessibility improvements, and other rail enhancement projects across the UK and Republic of Ireland.
• Working alongside experienced engineers and specialists, you'll gain hands-on experience in civil, structural, geotechnical and geometrical design, developing the technical skills needed to become a well-rounded engineer.
• From day one, you'll be involved in real projects, helping to co-ordinate multidisciplinary design teams, develop technical drawings and 3D models, and support project and design management activities.
• You'll work closely with professionals across disciplines including highways, drainage, geotechnics, architecture and rail systems, giving you a broad understanding of how major infrastructure projects are delivered.
• You'll have opportunities to engage with clients, contractors and stakeholders, building the communication and collaboration skills that are essential to successful project delivery.
• Through exposure to every stage of the design process, you'll rapidly develop your technical, commercial and professional capabilities while contributing to projects that improve connectivity for communities across the country.
• You'll also benefit from structured training and mentoring as part of our Institution of Civil Engineers (ICE) accredited training scheme, supporting your journey towards professional qualification and chartership.

Graduate Civil Engineer Special Services – Croydon (Masters Essential)

• The Special Services Team at Mott MacDonald are a specialised team which works cross-sector, on a wide range of projects covering design, forensic analysis, first-principles problem-solving and asset life extension.
• We are at the forefront of developing advanced structural analysis and dynamics solutions, addressing materials technology requirements, advancing asset life management for a wide range of civil infrastructure, undertaking specialist studies for a diverse range of clients.

Graduate Civil Engineer (Urban Transit) – Altrincham, Birmingham, Croydon, Leeds (Need to be eligible for Security Clearance) (Masters Essential)

• Urban Transit and Mobility connect people and places with mass rapid transit solutions.
• Our work covers transport systems that predominately operate in public spaces, from rail based modes like light rail, tram-train, and tramways, to rubber tyred solutions, like Bus and Personal Rapid Transit, as well as Active Travel interfaces.
• Within Urban Transit and Mobility you’ll gain a wide variety of Civil Engineering experience in all stages of the project lifecycle from business case and feasibility studies, looking at high level route alignments, through to detailed design, as well as Design and Build with contractors, construction phase support, network operations and maintenance, and finally renewal work for older schemes.
• Many projects are complex multidisciplinary involving work with many other teams such as bridges, structures, traction power, geotech, operations and environment.
• Key skills developed would be alignment (segregated and in highway corridors), swept path, stop design, track design, depot design and tram signalling, with opportunities to develop into management roles.
• We provide a mix of office work and site work although the majority is desk based activities.
• We support and encourage chartership with the ICE.
• We work on projects all over the world with links to colleagues in many other countries.

Graduate Digital Consultant (Information Management) Croydon

• You will join our growing Information Management team which provides industry-leading and award-winning consulting services.
• We work with our clients and their teams to help them harness digital opportunities, to tackle complex human, organisational, and data challenges.
• We do this by bringing together the best of our engineering domain knowledge and digital know how.
• We support delivery organisation and operators globally to harness 'digital' and solve complex problems using Information Management.
• We are engineers and technology specialists; we understand infrastructure delivery and data through our practical experience supporting both through delivery projects and client organisations.
• We drive productivity in the delivery of assets in the built environment by harnessing technology, upskilling people, supporting behaviour change, and transforming processes.
• We believe more effective Information & Data Management is a key enabler to achieve wider societal goals such as NetZero.

Graduate Infrastructure Engineer (APCO) – Birmingham, Cardiff, London

• Join our Gateway Infrastructure team and contribute to the delivery of industry-leading infrastructure projects across the UK and internationally.
• As a Graduate Infrastructure Engineer, you will have the opportunity to support the development and delivery of multidisciplinary aviation, ports, and associated infrastructure projects while building your technical knowledge and professional experience.
• You will work alongside experienced engineers and project teams, contributing to the planning, design, and delivery of infrastructure solutions from concept development through to detailed design and construction support.
• Through collaboration with clients, contractors, project managers, and technical specialists, you will help deliver innovative projects that enhance operational efficiency, improve passenger and freight movements, and support the transition to more sustainable transport networks.
• Whether assisting with strategic masterplanning initiatives, supporting the delivery of complex infrastructure packages, or contributing to technical assessments and project coordination activities, you will play an important role in shaping the future of aviation and maritime infrastructure while developing your career within a leading engineering consultancy.

Graduate Maritime Engineer (Ports) - Bristol, Croydon, Newcastle, Southampton

• We’re looking for motivated graduate civil engineers to join our Ports team and start building a career in maritime engineering.
• Working within the team you’ll be involved in a variety of port, harbour and marine infrastructure projects, supporting delivery from feasibility and planning through to detailed design and construction support, inspection and asset management.
• Working alongside experienced engineers within a multidisciplinary team, you’ll gain broad exposure across civil, structural, geotechnical and coastal engineering.
• You’ll contribute to projects involving quay walls, jetties, berths, port and terminal infrastructure, and associated marine and landside civil works.
• This is a great opportunity for a graduate with a passion for civil and maritime engineering who wants to develop their analytical and technical problem solving skills, gain experience and work towards becoming a chartered civil engineer.

Graduate Civil Engineer (Asset Management) – Birmingham, Sheffield, Southampton (Need to be eligible for Security Clearance)

• The Asset Management, Maintenance and Advisory Portfolio provides engineering and advisory services across the transport sector.
• Our multidisciplinary team includes specialists in pavement and ancillaries, drainage and flood risk, street lighting, road safety, and technical advisory services.
• We support highway and airfield projects, helping clients design, maintain and manage their transport assets throughout their lifecycle.
• As a Graduate Civil Engineer, you will support the delivery of asset management, engineering design, and advisory projects, developing knowledge across the disciplines within our portfolio.
• You will become familiar with relevant national and client standards and gain an understanding of asset management principles and practices.
• You will assist in the production of technical deliverables including 3D models, drawings, reports, specifications, and schedules.
• You will also contribute to digital and sustainable infrastructure initiatives, including data analytics, machine learning applications, and carbon reduction studies, while working collaboratively with multidisciplinary teams, clients, and stakeholders.

Graduate Tunnel Engineer (Tunnels) -Birmingham, Reading (Masters Essential)

• As a graduate joining the tunnels account, you can expect to be part of a friendly and supportive department that values your development and growth.
• You'll gain exposure to a wide variety of tunnelling projects across sectors such as transport, energy, and water, while also having opportunities to contribute to non-tunnelling projects across the wider company.
• While you’ll gain strong technical experience as part of your core role, you will also have the opportunity to broaden your skill set through involvement in project and design management, giving you exposure to the wider lifecycle of high-profile infrastructure projects.
• You'll be supported on your journey towards chartership, with training actively encouraged and access to CPD activities and industry conferences.
• Notably, you'll have the opportunity to attend the prestigious week-long Tunnelling Course at the University of Warwick and the two-day Health and Safety course, both hosted by the British Tunnelling Society.
• Throughout your time, you'll be working alongside a highly knowledgeable and experienced team, gaining invaluable insight and mentorship as you build your career.

Candidate Specification

At Mott MacDonald, 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.

To be eligible for this opportunity, you will have less than 12 months’ relevant experience (excluding placements) and have a bachelors / masters degree (obtained no earlier than 2025) or expected to achieve one of the following degree disciplines:

• Civil engineering
• Structural engineering
• Coastal engineering
• Engineering science with a specialisation in civil
• Façade engineering
• Bridge engineering

For some of our opportunities, a master’s degree is essential – this is reflected in the list of opportunities in the application form.

Some of these opportunities will require you to be eligible to achieve security clearance. Security clearance is dictated by the types of projects we work on and normally requires you to be a UK British national or lived in the UK for five years or more.

In your application, you should aim to demonstrate your genuine interest in both the opportunity and in joining Mott MacDonald. You can do this by highlighting any relevant experience or interests - such as modules you've studied, previous work experience, or any research you've undertaken about our company, values, and projects.

We personally review every completed application form we receive as this part of our selection process is entirely human led – we do not use AI tools at this stage and kindly ask you not to either. We want you to answer each application question with authenticity so we can get to know the real you. Joining us as a graduate is your opportunity to shape your own story.

We are looking for graduates with the following 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. are not currently offering sponsorship to candidates under the Skilled Worker visa route in the UK. This decision is as a consequence of the changes made to the Skilled Worker route by the UK Government in April 2024.

Our ethos is to develop, train and retain our graduates and therefore we are looking for a long-term relationship with our graduates. For this reason, we cannot accept applications from candidates who would be working under the Graduate visa route or other time-limited visas, (irrespective of visa duration), due to their temporary nature and the requirement for sponsorship under the Skilled Worker route in future.

We continue to welcome applications from candidates who are eligible for alternative immigration routes in the UK, that do not require sponsorship as a Skilled Worker now or in future.

AI Usage

At Mott MacDonald, we see the value AI can bring, but we take a people-first approach to hiring. While AI tools can help candidates prepare and build confidence, every application and hiring decision is reviewed by our recruitment and hiring teams. We encourage the responsible use of AI while ensuring we get to know the real person behind the application.

Accessibility

We want you to feel supported and able to perform at your best throughout our recruitment process. If there is anything we can do to make applying or interviewing with us more accessible, please contact us at View email address on higherin.com and we'll be happy to discuss how we can help.

About Your Development

A graduate position should be more than just a job. We know this and so do you. That’s why with our graduate roles we aim to give you the experience and technical knowledge you need to progress your career. From the moment you join us, you’ll receive the training you need. You will be assigned a mentor, who will guide you to meet the objectives of your professional training needs. You will join our three-year early careers soft skills development programme – Accelerating your Future, which is designed to give you the skills and tools necessary for a long-lasting successful career here at Mott MacDonald.

Our Social Side

Being part of Mott MacDonald means more than just work; there’s a huge range of fun and exciting things that you can get involved in.

From the moment you join us, you’ll have the opportunity to expand your social and professional network, whether it’s meeting other graduates or joining forces with other members of staff from around the company at our annual sports day. Each of our offices have a sports and social committee which will give you the chance to be part of a variety of sports, social and charity events. We’re committed to promoting a strong culture of social responsibility and encourage our staff to play active roles in the local community.

It's worth noting that sports and social committees tend to vary from office to office, so as well as getting involved in what’s already on offer, don’t be afraid to suggest new events or initiatives that you think could be a great addition. It doesn’t stop there. From your first day, you’ll have access to Perks at Work, giving you discounts on cinema tickets, travel, utilities and much more, helping you make the most of our employee benefits.

Agile Working

At Mott MacDonald, we believe it makes business sense for you and your manager to choose how you can work most effectively to meet your client, team, and personal commitments. We offer a hybrid working policy that embraces your well-being, flexibility, and trust.

Equality, Diversity, and Inclusion

We put equality, diversity, and inclusion at the heart of our business, seeking to promote fair employment procedures and practices to ensure equal opportunities for all. We encourage individual expression in our workplace and are committed to creating an inclusive environment where everyone feels they can contribute.

Benefits

Financial wellbeing

• Biannual salary reviews: We believe hard work should be recognised and rewarded. To support your development and progression, you'll be eligible for salary reviews twice a year during your first three years with us, subject to successfully completing your probation period.
• We match employee pension contributions between 4.5% and 7%.
• Life assurance equal up to 4 x your basic salary, with an option to increase the level of cover to 6 x your salary.
• Our income protection scheme provides a financial benefit, as well as absence and return to work support due to long-term illness or injury.
• Flexible benefits, including increased life assurance cover, critical illness insurance, payroll saving and will writing.
• As an independently owned business we share the financial success of the business with all our colleagues in various ways including annual bonus schemes.

Employee Ownership

• Our employee ownership model means no external investors, just us, creating a culture of shared success.
• Our employees have a stake and a voice in our business, giving them a direct connection to our success through our personal and group performance bonuses.
• As your career grows, so does your stake, recognising your long-term impact and contribution.
• Your voice matters, with the opportunity to connect directly with senior leadership through formal channels to help shape our future.
• For our senior roles you will have a direct pathway towards ownership from day one.

Health and wellbeing

• Private medical insurance for all UK colleagues.
• Health cash plan to support you with every day health costs and treatments.
• Access to Peppy, providing free support from menopause experts for all UK colleagues.
• A variety of wellbeing support is available through our comprehensive wellbeing program, including access for you and your family.
• Ability to flex your salary to opt into a wide range of health benefits, many of which can be extended to your family too.

Lifestyle

• 33 days holiday each year, inclusive of public holidays and dependent on level, with the ability to buy or sell leave through our flexible benefits programme.
• 10 days additional paid leave for Armed Forces Reservists and Cadet Force Adult Volunteers.
• Holiday entitlement increased to a minimum of 35 days after 5 years’ service.
• Variety of employee saving schemes and discounts from high-street retailers.

Enhanced family and carers leave

• Enhanced family leave policies, including 26 weeks paid maternity and adoption leave, and two weeks paid paternity/partner leave.
• Our shared parental leave matches maternity leave meaning we pay up to 24 weeks at full pay.
• Up to five additional days leave are provided for those with significant caring responsibilities, two of which are paid.
• We offer policies and dedicated support to help military families balance service life with career and wellbeing.

Learning and development

• Primary annual professional institution subscription.
• A broad range of opportunities to enhance both technical and soft skills through mentoring, formal training, and self-development options.

Networks, communities, and social outcomes

• Join a wide range of groups including our Advanced Employee Networks which support our LGBTQ+, gender, race and ethnicity, disability, and parents/carers communities.
• We are proud signatories of the Armed Forces Covenant and Gold Award holders in the MOD Employer Recognition Scheme, supported by our dedicated internal Armed Forces Network.
• Make a difference within our communities through our social outcomes.

How to apply

To apply for this role and to find out more, please click on the apply button. Please note that applications may close before the application deadline, so apply early to avoid disappointment.