2026 UK Graduate Civil & Structural Engineering Career Path: Energy

MOTT MACDONALD; Cardiff; On-site; GBP 25,000 - 35,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading engineering consultancy in Cardiff is seeking recent graduates for engineering roles related to Nuclear and Transmission & Distribution projects. You will collaborate with experienced teams to help design sustainable infrastructure for the UK's energy transition. Candidates must hold a relevant degree and have less than 12 months' experience. This position offers mentorship, competitive salary reviews, and social responsibility initiatives.

Benefits

Mentorship program

Biannual salary reviews

Contributory pension scheme

Social responsibility culture

Qualifications

• Less than 12 months' relevant experience required.
• Degree must be obtained no earlier than 2024 or current enrollment.

Responsibilities

• Support Nuclear and Transmission & Distribution projects.
• Assist in design and delivery activities.
• Engage with stakeholders to ensure design alignment.

Skills

Collaboration

Stakeholder engagement

Design and delivery

Education

Bachelor's degree in Civil or Structural Engineering

Job description

Overview

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

• Transmission & Distribution
• Nuclear

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. 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 international markets through interconnectors to Europe. 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

Responsibilities

• Support Nuclear and Transmission & Distribution projects across the UK, contributing to safe, sustainable infrastructure.
• Assist in design and delivery activities aligned with project stages and safety standards.
• Work within a trusted network that understands the complexities of nuclear technology and clean energy rollout.
• Engage with stakeholders and teams to ensure alignment with design and project objectives.

Qualifications

• All opportunities require a relevant bachelor's degree as a minimum; some roles require a master's degree (reflected in the opportunities list in the application form).
• To be eligible, you will have less than 12 months' relevant experience (excluding placements) and hold a degree obtained no earlier than 2024 or be expected to achieve one of the following degree disciplines: Civil Engineering; Structural Engineering.
• The selection process is human-led; you should demonstrate genuine interest in the opportunity and in joining Mott MacDonald by highlighting relevant experience or interests (modules studied, previous work, or related research).
• Security clearance: some opportunities require eligibility to obtain security clearance; this is indicated in the selection choices. Clearance is dictated by project types and normally requires UK nationality or five years' residence in the UK.

What We Offer and Our People

• Mentorship and a three-year early careers soft skills development programme – Accelerating your Future.
• Biannual salary reviews during the first three years, with a competitive salary aligned to industry standards.
• Contributory pension up to 7% of your salary and a flexible benefits scheme.
• Social and networking opportunities across offices, sports and social committees, and a culture of social responsibility.
• Equality, diversity and inclusion, agile working, and a focus on work-life balance.

We’re committed to shaping a resilient, inclusive, and sustainable future through engineering excellence. If you share this purpose, join us to make a meaningful impact.

Note: Mott MacDonald Ltd. is not currently offering sponsorship to candidates under the Skilled Worker visa route in the UK. This decision aligns with the UK Government changes to the Skilled Worker route (April 2024).