Graduate Civil Engineer (Design) - 2026 - Watford

Skanska UK Plc; Watford; On-site; GBP 25,000 - 35,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading construction company is seeking a Graduate Civil Engineer for their Infrastructure STL team in Watford. This role provides an opportunity to gain hands-on experience over two years, along with structured learning and mentorship. Responsibilities include preparing design calculations and reports, supporting project delivery, and a strong focus on sustainability and innovation. Ideal candidates are final-year students or recent graduates in Civil Engineering. The role requires a driving license for site visits across the UK.

Benefits

Networking opportunities with 100+ graduates

Professional development pathways

Employee assistance programme

Volunteering opportunities

Health and wellbeing support

Qualifications

• Must have an ICE-accredited degree in Civil Engineering.
• Understanding of civil and structural engineering design principles.
• Competence in the Eurocode suite is advantageous.

Responsibilities

• Prepare outline and detailed designs.
• Create structured design calculations, reports, and drawings.
• Use BIM-led design principles.
• Support project delivery on time and cost.

Skills

Knowledge of engineering principles

Basic software knowledge for design

Strong interest in innovation

Collaborative teamwork

Problem-solving

Education

Final-year student or recent graduate with ICE-accredited degree in Civil Engineering

Tools

Common structural design software

Job description

Description and requirements

What do you want from your work? From your life?

If you’re looking for more than just a job, if you want to make a real difference with every decision you make, you’re in the right place.

Skanska is one of the largest construction and development companies in the world. Together, we shape how we live, work and connect – we build from the ground up and maintain your local communities, infrastructure and transportation.

We’re excited to open applications for our 2026 Graduate Programme, starting in September. This is your opportunity to build a meaningful career where your work contributes to healthier, greener, and more inclusive places for people to thrive.

Over two years, you’ll gain hands‑on experience, structured learning, and the support of mentors who care about your growth. You’ll develop the technical and interpersonal skills to help you succeed and make a lasting impact.

We are looking for a Graduate Civil Engineer to join our Infrastructure STL team in Leavesden, Watford. Skanska Technology Limited (STL) is an expanding in‑house engineering design consultancy supporting projects across the water, heavy industrial, power, and design and build sectors. You'll join a flexible team and work across multiple sectors to support exciting projects.

What you'll do:

• Preparation of outline and detailed design in accordance with the relevant design standards
• Preparation of clear and well‑structured design calculations, reports, drawings and other deliverables
• Knowledge of BIM‑led design, and experience to use common structural design software tools
• Support delivery of successful projects to agreed time and cost expectations
• A developing understanding of the commercial aspects of project delivery

What you'll bring to the role:

• Final‑year student or recent graduate with an ICE‑accredited degree in Civil Engineering (or relevant discipline).
• Appreciation and knowledge of the engineering principles that lie behind civil and structural engineering design.
• Basic knowledge of software relevant to design in the civil and structural engineering field.
• Having an appreciation and basic competence in the use of the Eurocode suite of design standards would be advantageous.
• Strong interest in innovation, sustainability, and positive societal impact, demonstrated through collaborative teamwork and proactive problem‑solving.
• Enthusiastic learner dedicated to personal and professional development, with a willingness to work towards professional qualifications or chartered status.
• This role requires visits to sites across the UK. As such, we expect you to have a driving licence or work towards obtaining one within your first year of working with us.

What we offer:

• Community of 100+ graduates and apprentices, with opportunities to build networks and collaborate across the business.
• Support and guidance from experienced leaders and teams, plus development pathways to help you achieve professional accreditation – we cover membership expenses for the professional body of your choice.
• Regular professional and social events.
• Opportunities to volunteer at least one day per year.
• Access to our employee networks including Women’s, Ability, Pride, O.N.E (Origins Nationality Ethnicity), Military, and Mental Health & Wellbeing.
• My Rewards discounts and cycle‑to‑work scheme to support a healthy work‑life balance where possible.
• Access to wellbeing support through our employee assistance programme, mental health ambassador network and wellbeing conversations.

Programme start date: September 2026 – Join our team of 27,000 problem solvers and creative thinkers, where knowledge is our greatest creation. We share, listen and support your success – every step of the way.

Interviews: Assessment Centres for this role will be held in person in February 2026.

Equal opportunities

We value diversity and strive to create inclusive teams – we welcome applications from people of all backgrounds and protected characteristics and believe different perspectives make us stronger.

Flexible working and reasonable adjustments

Please ask about flexibility at interview and we will explore what is possible for the role. If you need adjustments during the recruitment process, please contact [e-mail] so we can support you.

More information about the role

Please note this advert may not include every assigned duty or responsibility and may be amended at Skanska’s discretion, including the closing date; if you have questions contact [e-mail].