2026 Graduate Programme - Water - Asset Design

WSP; North East; Hybrid; GBP 30,000 - 40,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading engineering consultancy is seeking graduates for their Asset Design team in the UK. Successful candidates will work on water-related projects, applying engineering principles to real-world challenges. Responsibilities include supporting process design, conducting data analysis, and collaborating with multidisciplinary teams. This role offers professional development and pathways toward Chartered Engineer status.

Benefits

Supportive team and mentoring

Opportunities for professional growth

Blended learning experiences

Qualifications

• Graduated with at least a 2:1 in a relevant degree.
• Passion for engineering and the environment.
• Enthusiasm for problem-solving and creativity.

Responsibilities

• Support design and modelling of water and wastewater treatment processes.
• Undertake data analysis and prepare technical reports.
• Assist in preparation of design drawings and specifications.

Skills

Engineering principles

Data analysis

Technical report writing

Collaboration

Creativity

Education

Bachelor's or Master's degree in a relevant subject

Tools

CAD/BIM software

Hydraulic calculation software

Discrimination software tools

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 for a diverse range of clients and projects.

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

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

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 applies engineering principles to real-world challenges such as improving water quality, enhancing treatment efficiency, and supporting the transition to more sustainable and resilient infrastructure.

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) in the Water team will provide 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)

You will join a supportive environment and enthusiastic team, providing you with a challenging and fulfilling career. You’ll be mentored by industry experts, supported by friendly colleagues, and empowered to pursue Chartered or Incorporated professional status through our accredited pathways.

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: the Graduate brochure or Graduate website links below. Graduates within our Asset Design team are encouraged to work towards Chartered Engineer (CEng) or Incorporated Engineer (IEng) status with professional bodies such as IChemE or CIWEM within a 2-3 year framework, with full support from WSP’s accredited training schemes. As skills and confidence develop, graduates may progress to Engineer level, taking on greater responsibility for design packages, client liaison, and mentoring junior colleagues. Beyond this, there are opportunities to advance into Senior Engineer, with increasing leadership in technical delivery, project management, and business development. Long-term, progression can lead towards Principal Engineer, Associate Director, Technical Specialist, or Project Manager positions, allowing individuals to shape their career towards technical depth, people leadership, project management, or strategic client engagement. The progression route is flexible and designed to match the graduate’s interests, while ensuring a clear framework of milestones, support, and professional recognition.

What we will be looking for you to demonstrate

You’ll have graduated with at least a 2:1 in a master’s or bachelor’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 recruitment process.
• Youll be looking to start work in either April or September 2026
• Youll have a passion for engineering and consulting in Water
• Youll have a desire for the environment, engineering, and planning
• Youll have an enthusiasm for creativity and a drive to solve problems
• Youll want to inspire us, sharing new ideas you have
• Youll be dealing with internal and external stakeholders and collaborating with colleagues and adapting to dynamic project environments

Dont quite meet all the criteria? Should you have the right qualifications for our roles, 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.