2026 UK Graduate Civil and Structural Engineering Career Path: Energy

Mott Macdonald; Kemp Town Estate; Hybrid; GBP 30,000 - 40,000; Full time

Job summary

A global engineering consultancy seeks motivated graduates for a role in infrastructure, focusing on the UK's transition to Net Zero. Candidates will design critical energy infrastructure and will engage in collaborative projects. Ideal applicants should have a degree in Civil or Structural Engineering and show a proactive attitude and strong communication skills. The company offers mentorship, competitive salary reviews, and a structured career development program.

Benefits

Biannual salary reviews

Contributory pension up to 7%

Flexible benefits scheme

Discounts on various services

Qualifications

• Must have a bachelor’s degree, preferably in Civil or Structural Engineering.
• Less than 12 months of relevant experience is required.
• Demonstrated interest in the company and sector through application.

Responsibilities

• Design and deliver infrastructure for the UK's transition to Net Zero.
• Participate in Front-End Engineering Design (FEED) and Detailed Design.
• Conduct feasibility studies and site visits during construction phases.

Skills

Proactive initiative

Effective communication

Attention to detail

Analytical problem-solving

Education

Bachelor’s degree in relevant disciplines

Job description

Overview

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.

Eligibility

All our opportunities require a relevant bachelor’s degree as a minimum requirement; some opportunities will also require a master’s degree – this will be reflected in the list of opportunities available in our application form.

To be eligible for this opportunity, you will have less than 12 months of relevant experience (excluding placements) and have a degree (obtained no earlier than 2024) or are expected to achieve one of the following degree disciplines:

• Civil Engineering
• Structural Engineering

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 we receive as our selection process is entirely human‑led. We do not use AI tools and kindly expect 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.

Strengths We’re Looking For

• 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.

Sectors

As part of our application, you’ll choose your preferred sector and location, with opportunities in:

• Transmission & Distribution
• Nuclear

As part of this role you’ll work alongside experienced professionals on projects that matter – helping to create better cities, reduce poverty, and improve public health. You’ll be immersed in a collaborative environment where your ideas are valued, and your growth is supported.

Transmission & Distribution

You will play a key role in designing and delivering the infrastructure that powers the UK’s transition to Net Zero. With the growing demand for renewable energy, your work will help ensure clean energy reaches homes, businesses, and even international markets through interconnectors to Europe.

You’ll be directly involved in the design of critical infrastructure that supports the transmission of low‑carbon energy across the UK. Depending on the project stage, your work will span:

• Front‑End Engineering Design (FEED) and Detailed Design phases
• Civil works design, including platforms (earthworks, embankments, retaining walls), access roads (temporary and permanent), and drainage systems (SuDS, Infodrainage)
• Structural design, covering foundations, beams, columns, and connections
• Feasibility studies and optioneering exercises to identify optimal solutions
• Site visits to assess conditions and support construction phases

Nuclear

Play a vital role in delivering safe, sustainable, carbon‑free power. Our teams support nuclear power projects and safe decommissioning efforts across the UK. You’ll be part of a trusted network that understands the complexities of nuclear technology and is committed to safety, innovation, and long‑term impact.

Why Join Us?

• Empowering Growth: Structured development, mentorship, and hands‑on experience to help you thrive.
• Inclusive Culture: We celebrate diversity and foster belonging – your voice matters here.
• Collaborative Spirit: Work with supportive teams that value teamwork and shared success.
• Integrity & Trust: We uphold the highest standards in everything we do.
• Wellbeing First: Your wellbeing is our priority, with resources and flexibility to support you.
• Purpose‑Driven Impact: Every project contributes to a better society and a healthier planet.

Security Clearance & Immigration

Some of our opportunities will require you to be eligible to achieve security clearance. Security clearance is typically dictated by the types of projects we work on and normally requires you to be a UK British national or have lived in the UK for five years or more. Please ask us at interview stage about any flexibility you may need.

Mott MacDonald Ltd. are not currently offering sponsorship to candidates under the Skilled Worker visa route in the UK. This decision follows 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.

Your Development

A graduate position should be more than just a job. 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.

Benefits

• Biannual salary reviews – for the first three years of your career with us.
• A competitive salary – in addition to biannual reviews, we will ensure you’re given a salary that matches the current industry standard.
• Contributory pension up to 7% of your salary.
• A flexible benefits scheme – manage the range of benefits we have on offer to suit your specific needs.

Our Social Side

Being part of Mott MacDonald means more than just work; there’s a huge range of fun and exciting things 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 doesn’t stop there. As well as events, you’ll also have access to discounts on cinema tickets, travel, fashion, utilities and much more as part of our company benefits which you can take advantage of the moment you join.

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 have the opportunity to contribute.

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 embrace agility, flexibility and trust.

About Mott MacDonald

We’re a global engineering, management and development consultancy.

Our purpose is to improve society by considering social outcomes in everything we do, relentlessly focusing on excellence and digital innovation, transforming our clients’ businesses, our communities and employee opportunities.

A fundamental part of this is respecting each person’s differences and striving to meet their needs.

Our values: progress, respect, integrity, drive, excellence.