2026 Graduate Programme - Water - Asset Design

WSP; Newcastle upon Tyne; On-site; GBP 25,000 - 30,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading engineering firm in the UK is seeking graduates for positions in Process Engineering, EICA, and Civils. The graduates will support major water projects, engage in a two-year Graduate Development Programme, and receive comprehensive training in engineering practices. Ideal candidates should have a relevant degree and a passion for problem-solving and creativity.

Benefits

Flexible working hours

Health and Wellbeing programs

Opportunities for career advancement

Gym membership discounts

Qualifications

• Must have graduated with at least a 2:2 in a relevant discipline.
• Desire to work in water engineering and consulting.
• Ability to complete necessary assessments and application processes.

Responsibilities

• Support design and modelling of treatment processes.
• Assist in the preparation of design drawings and technical reports.
• Engage with stakeholders to ensure compliance with requirements.

Skills

Analytical skills

Problem-solving

Collaboration

Technical drawing

Process flow analysis

Education

Relevant engineering degree (2:2 or above)

Tools

CAD software

BIM software

Job description

Job Description

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.

We 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.

Recruiting for Graduates

• Process Engineering: London
• EICA (Electrical Engineering): Newcastle
• Civils: Newcastle or Glasgow

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 multi-disciplinary design teams cover process, civil, mechanical, 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

As a Graduate in Process Engineering in the Water team, you will contribute to the planning, design and optimisation of water and wastewater treatment assets that safeguard public health and the environment. Your day‑to‑day activities may 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.

EICA (Electrical)

As a Graduate in EICA, you will learn design engineering skills in electrical engineering or electrical and instrumentation, control and automation within the growing water industry.

Day‑to‑day activities may 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/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 with increasing investment in ageing assets and pollution prevention solutions. We are looking for engineering graduates of all disciplines who are energetic and passionate about problem‑solving.

Day‑to‑day activities may include:

• Working as part of a multi‑disciplinary design team to problem‑solve and find solutions to water and wastewater project challenges.
• Using digital software to support problem‑solving and reporting findings.
• Producing 3D models of solutions alongside BIM modellers.
• Attending client and internal meetings and workshops to identify the best solutions.
• Developing towards Chartered status with support from an experienced Delegated Engineer.

Graduate Development Programme

Our two‑year Graduate Development Programme supports personal and professional growth through blended learning, core business and professional skills training, career development workshops, networking opportunities and mentoring for professional registration. We encourage achievement of chartered status with professional bodies such as IChemE, CIWEM, IMechE and IET.

What we will be looking for you to demonstrate

• Graduation with at least a 2:2 in a relevant subject for the role you are applying for.
• Completion of the application form and online skill enabler assessment – mandatory stages of the recruitment process.
• Desire to start work in either April or September 2026.
• Passion for engineering and consulting in water.
• Enthusiasm for creativity and problem‑solving.
• Willingness to inspire with new ideas.

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

Join our close‑knit community of talented individuals who share a passion for positive impact. Our global team includes more than 69,000 employees working together to make a difference in communities worldwide.

With us, you can. Apply today.

About Us

We are one of the world’s leading engineering and professional services firms with 72,800 passionate people united by innovation, integrity and inclusion.

What’s in it for you?

Work‑life balance

Our hybrid working policy offers flexibility to work from home two days a week, with opportunities to collaborate in modern offices across the UK.

Inclusivity & Belonging

We welcome applicants with varied backgrounds. We support careers by encouraging authenticity and representing the fullest spectrum of society.

Health & Wellbeing

We support our people through the Thrive programme, virtual GP service, reasonable workplace adjustments and a gymflex scheme offering up to 40% off annual gym memberships.

Flex your time

We offer “WSP My Hour” allowing one hour each day for personal activities and part‑time, flexible arrangements, additional leave purchase and bank holiday entitlement.

Your development

We invest in growth through training, mentoring and 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.