2026 Graduate Programme - Water - Asset Design

WSP; London; Hybrid; GBP 25,000 - 30,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading engineering consultancy is seeking graduates for their Asset Design team in London. This role offers the opportunity to contribute to the design of water and wastewater treatment systems while working in a supportive and collaborative environment. Graduates will develop skills through hands-on projects, mentoring, and training initiatives that enhance career growth in the engineering field.

Benefits

Hybrid working model

Comprehensive training programs

Health and wellbeing support

Qualifications

• Graduated with at least a 2:2 in a relevant subject.
• Interest in water engineering and consulting.
• Passion for creativity and problem-solving.

Responsibilities

• Contribute to the design and optimisation of water and wastewater projects.
• Support feasibility studies and option appraisals.
• Engage with clients and stakeholders to ensure compliance.

Skills

Engineering problem-solving

Team collaboration

Digital design tools

Data analysis

Education

2:2 degree in relevant engineering field

Tools

CAD

BIM

Job description

Overview

What if you could do the kind of work the world needs? At WSP, you can access our global scale, contribute to landmark projects and connect with the brightest minds in your field to do the best work of your life. You can embrace your curiosity in a culture that celebrates new ideas and diverse perspectives. You can experience a world of opportunity and the chance to shape a career as unique as you.

We are looking for graduates for our Asset Design team, who have a flexible approach and an appetite to learn in a leading Engineering and Professional Advisory services consultancy. We want you to enjoy working in a collaborative environment where you can apply your skills working for a diverse range of clients and projects.

We are recruiting for Graduates in the following services and locations:

• Process Engineering: Manchester, Newcastle and London
• MEICA (Mechanical and Electrical Engineering): Glasgow, Newcastle, Birmingham and Bristol
• Civils: Newcastle, Glasgow, Bristol, London, Manchester, Leeds

A little bit more about your role and the team…

Our Asset Design team provides comprehensive design and construction support services across civil, structural, mechanical, electrical and process engineering. We work from feasibility and optioneering through to detailed design and commissioning. By challenging assumptions and refining options, we help clients make risk-based decisions that champion no-build and low-build solutions. Our skilled multi-disciplinary design teams cover process, civil, mechanical, and electrical instrumentation, and energy.

Projects

Graduates are likely to be involved in a diverse range of projects across the UK water sector, supporting major clients such as:

• Thames Water/Costain
• Northumbrian Water
• Britannia Metals
• Severn Trent Water
• Southwest Water
• Galliford Try
• Yorkshire Water/Tillbury Douglas
• Irish Water
• Southern Water
• Keir
• Nutrient Removal schemes (to help meet tighter environmental standards)
• Clean Water Projects (to ensure safe and resilient supplies)
• Strategic programmes reducing reliance on groundwater abstraction

Our Asset Design teams include:

Process Engineering

Working as a Graduate in Process Engineering in the Water team will provide you with the opportunity to contribute to the planning, design, and optimisation of water and wastewater treatment assets that safeguard public health and the environment. The role provides the opportunity to apply engineering principles to real-world challenges such as improving water quality, enhancing treatment efficiency, and supporting the transition to more sustainable and resilient infrastructure. For a graduate, this area is exciting because it combines technical problem-solving with a clear social and environmental impact. Every project directly contributes to the quality of life in communities, from ensuring safe drinking water to protecting rivers and ecosystems. The role also offers the chance to work within multidisciplinary teams, gaining exposure to innovative digital design tools, cutting-edge treatment technologies, and the UK's commitment to net-zero and climate resilience.

Day-to-day activities could include:

• Supporting the design and modelling of water and wastewater treatment processes within asset design projects.
• Undertaking data analysis and preparing technical reports to support decision-making and client deliverables.
• Assisting in the preparation of design drawings, process flow diagrams, and specifications in collaboration with CAD/BIM teams.
• Contributing to feasibility studies, option appraisals, and whole-life cost assessments.
• Engaging with clients, regulators, and stakeholders to ensure designs meet technical, environmental, and compliance requirements.
• Supporting site visits, surveys, and commissioning activities to link design work with operational performance.
• Collaborating with multidisciplinary colleagues (civil, mechanical, electrical, and environmental engineers) to deliver integrated solutions.

MEICA (Mechanical & Electrical)

Working as a Graduate in MEICA (Mechanical & Electrical) will provide you with the opportunity to learn design engineering skills in mechanical engineering or electrical and instrumentation, control and automation within the growing water industry. Graduates will work in multi-disciplinary design teams which will allow them to gain an appreciation of other design disciplines such as civil and chemical engineering. Graduate in the MEICA team will have the opportunity to work on water, wastewater, pumping station and industrial projects.

Day-to-day activities could include:

• Working alongside and learning from experienced discipline mentors.
• Producing single line diagrams, load schedules, I/O schedules, Instrument schedules and MCC data sheets (EICA).
• Producing pump calculations and pump selection, isometric drawings, mechanical GA's equipment sizing and selection (mechanical).
• Attending site visits/site surveys (both mechanical and EICA).
• Learning 3D CAD design skills (both mechanical and EICA).
• Learning cable sizing and discrimination software tools (EICA).
• Learning hydraulic calculation and the use of software tools (mechanical).

Civils

The water industry is an exciting place to work currently, with more investment than ever in ageing assets and pollution prevention solutions. We are looking for Engineering Graduates of all disciplines with lots of energy and passion for problem solving, working closely within a team to come up with new ideas and solutions to the Industries challenges. This can be either traditional engineering solutions, green solutions or a combination of both. Our team are well placed to make a big impact on the projects that are due to be delivered over the next 5 to 10 years, in both water and wastewater treatment and networks.

Day-to-day activities could include:

• Working as part of a multi-disciplinary design team to problem solve and find solutions to water and wastewater project challenges
• Use of digital software to support in problem solving and reporting findings
• Production of 3D models of solutions working alongside BIM modellers
• Attendance at Client and internal meetings and workshops to find the right solutions to problems
• Development towards Chartered status with support and guidance from an experienced Delegated Engineer

You will be joining a supportive environment and enthusiastic team, providing you with a challenging and fulfilling career. In this team, you will be dealing with internal and external stakeholders and collaborating with colleagues and adapting to dynamic project environments.

Graduate Development Programme

Our two-year Graduate Development programme is designed to support personal and professional development and growth through an engaging blended learning experience. The programmes include core business and professional skills training, career development workshops and resources, valuable networking opportunities, mentoring for professional registration and a breadth of on-the-job experience.

To find out more, please visit: Who we are - ECP

Our teams are dedicated to supporting your career growth from the very beginning. Many employees have started as graduates and successfully advanced within the company. We encourage you to achieve chartered status with professional bodies such as IChemE, CIWEM, IMechE, and IET, making your development a priority. You will be fully supported through enrolment in a professional institution's training agreement, guiding you towards chartered or incorporated status.

To find out more about Sectors and Specialisms we recruit our Graduates into, as well as qualification requirements, please click on the Graduate brochure or Graduate website link below.

What we will be looking for you to demonstrate

You'll have graduated with at least a 2:2 in a or master's degree in a relevant subject for the role you are applying for. To assist you in finding potential areas of the business that are relevant to you, please visit our Graduate brochure or website.

• Candidates must complete the application form in full answering all specific questions. This requirement applies to all candidates, inclusive of their background. Successful completion of this stage is mandatory. Candidates who pass this initial stage will then be required to complete an online skill enabler assessment. Both the application form and the skill enabler assessment are essential parts of the early career's recruitment process.
• You\'ll be looking to start work in either April or September 2026.
• You\'ll have a passion for engineering and consulting in Water.
• You\'ll have a desire for the environment, engineering, and planning.
• You\'ll have an enthusiasm for creativity and a drive to solve problems.
• You\'ll want to inspire us, sharing new ideas you have.

Don\'t quite meet all the criteria? Should you have the right qualifications for our positions, apply and we can see how your experience aligns to this role and other opportunities we have available for our Graduate programme.

For further information regarding our Application & Selection process, including timelines for recruitment, please visit our Early Careers brochure - Application & Selection

We review applications for our Early Career opportunities on a rolling basis, which means we begin progressing some candidates to the final stages before the application closing date. To ensure your application receives full consideration, we recommend submitting it as early as possible.

Imagine a better future for you and a better future for us all.

Join our close-knit community of talented individuals who share your passion for making a positive impact. Our global team includes more than 69,000 employees, working together to make a difference in communities both close to home and around the world.

With us, you can. Apply today.

About Us

We are one of the world's leading engineering and professional services firms. Our 72,800 passionate people are united by the common purpose of creating positive, long-lasting impacts on the communities we serve through a culture of innovation, integrity, and inclusion. With over 9,000 professionals across the UK and Ireland, we are dedicated to our local communities and propelled by international brainpower.

WHAT'S IN IT FOR YOU?

Work-life balance

At WSP, we understand that work is just one aspect of your life. It\'s important to make time for you, your family, friends, interests and your community. Our hybrid working policy offers the flexibility to work from home two days a week, while also providing opportunities to collaborate in our modern offices across the UK.

Inclusivity & Belonging

We welcome applicants with varied backgrounds and experiences. We enable rewarding careers by encouraging people to bring their whole and authentic selves to work so that our work represents the fullest spectrum of society. We celebrate integrity and treat people with respect, supporting each other and embracing a culture of inclusion and belonging at WSP. We have our employee resource groups bring together employees and allies with different backgrounds to promote our culture of inclusivity.

Health & Wellbeing

We are committed to supporting our people, giving you the tools to make improvements to your health and wellbeing through our Thrive programme. Our Virtual GP service gives you access to an NHS or Irish Medical Council GP at a time and place that suits you – giving you peace of mind and quick access to medical advice when you need it most. We also provide reasonable workplace adjustments for those in need. Additionally, you can benefit from the Gymflex scheme, which offers up to 40% off annual gym memberships through our WSP flexible benefits program, as well as a comprehensive menopause support package.

Flex your time

To enhance work-life balance, WSP offers the “WSP My Hour,” allowing you to take one hour each day for personal activities, with the flexibility to make up the time earlier or later that day. We also provide part-time and flexible working arrangements, the option to purchase additional leave, and the ability to use your bank holiday entitlement to suit you.

Your development

We understand the importance of development and training to you. That\'s why we foster a supportive environment that invests in your growth, whether through training, mentoring, or Chartership.

#WeAreWSP

Here at WSP we positively encourage applications from suitably qualified and eligible candidates regardless of sex, race, disability, age, sexual orientation, gender reassignment, religion or belief, marital status, pregnancy or maternity/paternity. As a Disability Confident leader, we will interview all disabled applicants who meet the essential criteria, please let us know if you require any workplace adjustments in support of your application.