Graduate Commissioning Engineer

Tilbury Douglas; Exeter; On-site; GBP 25,000 - 35,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading UK construction company is seeking a Graduate Commissioning Engineer in Exeter. This role offers a structured two-year development program, focusing on key commissioning activities across various construction projects. Candidates must have a degree in engineering or expect to graduate in 2026, alongside strong problem-solving and communication skills. A full UK driving licence is preferable. The company provides a competitive salary, mentoring, and supportive work environment.

Benefits

Private medical insurance

26 days annual leave plus bank holidays

Car Allowance

Flexible Benefits scheme

Qualifications

• A full UK driving licence (or working towards by the time you start).
• Strong problem-solving skills with a practical and logical approach.
• Good written and verbal communication, able to engage with a wide range of people.

Responsibilities

• Assist in planning, scheduling, and executing commissioning activities.
• Support in testing mechanical and electrical building services systems.
• Work with site teams to ensure systems are commissioned to specification.

Skills

Problem-solving skills

Communication skills

Collaboration

Education

Degree in Mechanical/Electrical Engineering or related discipline (2:1 or above)

Job description

Overview

Start your career where it matters most – building a better future together

Tilbury Douglas is a leading UK building, infrastructure, engineering and fit-out company. We deliver vital projects across a range of sectors including health, education, water, defence, justice and civic and civil estate. Our schemes improve lives and strengthen communities. As a Graduate Commissioning Engineer, you’ll play a key role in ensuring building systems are installed, tested, and commissioned to perform effectively and efficiently, meeting client requirements.

Location

This role will be based in the Exeter region, where you’ll work within our Infrastructure and South West Water team. Flexibility to travel across sites in the region will be required as part of your development.

What you’ll be doing

As a Graduate Commissioning Engineer, you’ll rotate across key areas to develop your skills and gain the experience you need to progress towards professional accreditation.

No two days are the same and with the support of experienced colleagues, you’ll:

• Assist in the planning, scheduling and execution of commissioning activities on construction projects
• Support in testing and verifying mechanical and electrical building services systems
• Work with site teams, subcontractors and suppliers to ensure systems are commissioned to specification
• Help develop commissioning plans, method statements and handover documentation
• Contribute to system inspections, performance validation and troubleshooting issues
• Gain hands-on experience with HVAC, electrical, controls, plumbing and specialist building systems
• Assist in producing progress reports, test certificates and client handover packs
• Build strong working relationships with project managers, engineers, site supervisors and clients

Why this role?

This isn’t just about technical checks – it’s about ensuring buildings perform to their full potential. You’ll be supported to develop the technical, problem-solving and people skills to become a trusted professional. With mentoring, structured training and support towards professional accreditation (e.g. IMechE, IET or CIBSE), you’ll be on a clear pathway to becoming a Chartered Engineer.

What we’re looking for

We want to hear from people who are passionate about engineering and construction. You’ll bring:

• A degree (or expected in 2026) in Mechanical Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Building Services Engineering, or a related discipline (2:1 or above)
• A full UK driving licence (or working towards by the time you start)
• Strong problem-solving skills with a practical and logical approach
• Good written and verbal communication, able to engage with a wide range of people
• A collaborative mindset, with enthusiasm to learn and take on responsibility
• Previous placement, site or laboratory experience (desirable but not essential)

What we offer

• A structured two-year graduate development programme aligned to professional membership
• Professional accreditation support (e.g. IMechE, IET, CIBSE)
• Mentoring and support from experienced counsellors and supervisors
• Two days volunteering opportunities per year
• Opportunities to work on diverse and meaningful projects across the UK
• An inclusive culture where your ideas and contributions make a real difference
• Competitive salary
• Car Allowance
• Performance Related Pay (PRP)
• 26 days annual leave plus bank holidays (with the opportunity to buy or sell up to 3 days holiday)
• Private medical insurance and 24/7 access to health and wellbeing experts via our Employee Assistance Programme (EAP)
• Company pension scheme matched up to 8%
• Flexible Benefits scheme which includes the opportunity to purchase benefits such as:
• Critical illness insurance (with option to purchase for your partner)
• Dental Insurance
• Travel insurance
• Cycle to work scheme
• Perks at Work employee discount scheme offering discounts and savings portal for hundreds of retailers, cafés, restaurants, cinemas, travel, payroll giving/activity pass for top leisure attractions and a range of other benefits

Why Tilbury Douglas?

We’re more than just a construction company; we’re a community of people working together to deliver projects that matter. We value diversity, innovation and wellbeing and we’re committed to helping you reach your full potential.

Our values form a core part of our company and our mission to build a better future together. They underpin everything we do and set out what is expected from all of us:

• Everyone has a voice
• Do the right thing
• Take pride in what you do
• Bring better to life

Join us and take your first step towards an exciting career in commissioning engineering.