2026 UK Graduate Mechanical Engineering Career Path: Water Sector

MOTT MACDONALD; Cardiff; On-site; GBP 28,000 - 35,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading global consultancy is seeking a Graduate Mechanical Engineer to join their Water Division. You will be involved in high-profile projects, contributing to the entire water cycle. Ideal candidates will have a bachelor's degree in mechanical engineering and a passion for making a difference. This role offers opportunities for professional growth, competitive salary, and mentorship.

Benefits

Biannual salary reviews

Competitive salary

Contributory pension up to 7%

Flexible benefits scheme

Qualifications

• Less than 12 months' relevant experience (excluding placements) is required.
• Ability to demonstrate genuine interest in the company's work and values.

Responsibilities

• Contribute to mechanical designs across the water cycle.
• Work with multidisciplinary teams on sustainable solutions.
• Gain exposure to cutting-edge technologies and engineering practices.

Skills

Strong attention to detail

Effective communication

Analytical problem solving

Proactive initiative

Education

Bachelor's degree in mechanical engineering or similar discipline

Job description

Before making an application, please browse all graduate opportunities available as we will only accept one application per candidate. Once you have made an application you will not be able to make changes to your selection or make a new application. The exception is if we open new vacancies in the new year.

To avoid missing out on your preferred role, we recommend applying as early as possible, as positions will close once filled.

Turn your ambition into action - apply now and shape your future with us.

Job Description

Engineer the Future of Water. Empower Communities. Protect the Planet.

At Mott MacDonald, we're not just building infrastructure—we're shaping the systems that deliver clean water, protect public health, and support sustainable living. As a Graduate Mechanical Engineer in our Water Division, you'll be part of a team that's transforming the entire water cycle—from abstraction and treatment to distribution and disposal.

You'll work on high-profile, innovative projects, including advanced resilience schemes at some of the largest wastewater treatment works in the UK, helping protect the River Thames and surrounding communities from pollution and flooding. This is your opportunity to contribute to meaningful change, supported by a culture that values your growth, wellbeing, and ideas.

What You'll Be Doing:

• Design with purpose: Contribute to mechanical designs across the full water cycle—potable water systems, wastewater treatment, and more.
• Innovate and collaborate: Work alongside multidisciplinary teams to deliver sustainable, forward-thinking solutions for complex challenges.
• Learn and grow: Gain exposure to cutting-edge technologies and engineering practices, supported by mentoring and training.
• Make an impact: Help deliver projects that improve lives, protect ecosystems, and respond to the climate emergency.

Candidate Specification

We are looking for committed and motivated graduates with a genuine passion and a desire to make a difference in the world. If this describes you, apply today to launch your career at Mott MacDonald.

To be eligible for this opportunity, you will have less than 12 months' relevant experience (excluding placements) and have a minimum of a bachelor's degree (obtained no earlier than 2024) or expected to achieve a degree in mechanical engineering or similar discipline.

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 form we receive as this part of our selection process is entirely human led, we do not use AI tools at this stage 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:

• 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.

We support flexible working. 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 is as a consequence of the changes made to the Skilled Worker route by the UK Government in April 2024.

About your development

A graduate position should be more than just a job. We know this and so do you. 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.

You will have the opportunity to make a difference; learn more about Our Purpose and the difference we can make!

You're probably wondering what else is on offer. Join us, and you'll get:

• Biannual salary reviews: we believe that hard work should be rewarded and recognised. Therefore, for the first three years of your career with us, you'll have biannual salary reviews.
• A competitive salary: in addition to biannual reviews, we will ensure that you're given a salary that matches the current industry standard.
• Contributory pension up to 7% of your salary: we have the best people on our team, and we like to look out for them. With our support, you'll have all the advice and options you need to be able to invest in your future.
• A flexible benefits scheme: our company is made up of a range of different people and we understand that different people want different things. That's why with our flexible plan, you'll have the ability to 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 that 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.

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.

More 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