Graduate Commissioning Engineer

Tilbury Douglas; Oxford; On-site; GBP 25,000 - 32,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Mentoring

Certification support

Car allowance

Pension (matched)

26 days leave

Private medical insurance

Wellbeing support

Flexible benefits

Volunteer days

Job summary

Tilbury Douglas is offering a two-year Graduate Development Programme for a Graduate Commissioning Engineer. You will gain hands-on experience across commissioning of mechanical, electrical, process and control systems on water projects.

You’ll be mentored by experienced professionals, with structured training towards professional accreditation and a competitive salary with benefits. Oxfordshire/ Thames Valley site-based work awaits your early career growth.

Qualifications

• Degree in Mechanical Engineering, Electrical Engineering or Building Services Engineering (2:2 or above).
• Interest in how mechanical, electrical and control systems work together.
• Strong problem-solving skills with a practical, logical approach.
• Good written and verbal communication skills for engaging with wide range of people.

Responsibilities

• Support planning, coordination and delivery of commissioning activities across water and wastewater projects.
• Develop understanding of mechanical and electrical plant, equipment, control systems and infrastructure.
• Assist with pre-commissioning checks, testing and commissioning of equipment and systems.
• Support preparation and review of commissioning plans, procedures, programmes and documentation.
• Collaborate with project engineers, site teams, designers, suppliers and subcontractors to ensure systems are ready for commissioning.
• Identify, record and help resolve defects and technical issues during commissioning.
• Support functional and performance testing to demonstrate safe operation and project fit.
• Maintain commissioning records, test documentation and evidence for project handover.
• Learn how systems integrate within water treatment facilities and related health, safety, and quality requirements.

Skills

Mechanical & electrical interest

Problem solving

Communication skills

Team collaboration

Full UK driving licence

Education

Bachelor's degree in Mechanical/Electrical/Building Services Engineering

Job description

Graduate Commissioning Engineer

At Tilbury Douglas, you won’t just be starting your career – you’ll be helping to deliver essential water infrastructure that makes a real difference to people and communities.

As a Graduate Commissioning Engineer, you’ll gain hands‑on experience from day one, working alongside experienced engineers, site teams and delivery professionals. You’ll support the testing and commissioning of mechanical, electrical, process and control systems, helping to ensure they operate safely, efficiently and as designed.

You’ll develop a strong understanding of how complex engineering systems are brought into operation, supporting the delivery of vital water and wastewater treatment facilities that serve communities across the UK.

This is a site‑based role, where you will work across Oxfordshire and the Thames Valley. As you develop, you’ll have opportunities to gain experience across a variety of projects, clients and locations, helping you build broad technical experience and a strong foundation for your engineering career.

You’ll learn from experienced professionals, take on real responsibility and see first‑hand how engineering design and construction come together – building strong foundations for your future career with Tilbury Douglas.

What you’ll be doing

As a Graduate Commissioning Engineer, you’ll develop your skills across key areas of commissioning and project delivery, gaining the experience you need to progress towards professional accreditation.

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

• Support the planning, coordination and delivery of commissioning activities across water and wastewater projects.
• Develop your understanding of mechanical and electrical plant, equipment, control systems and associated infrastructure.
• Assist with pre‑commissioning checks, testing and commissioning of installed equipment and systems.
• Support the preparation and review of commissioning plans, procedures, programmes and documentation.
• Work alongside project engineers, site teams, designers, suppliers and specialist subcontractors to ensure systems are ready for commissioning.
• Help identify, record and resolve defects and technical issues during the commissioning process.
• Support functional and performance testing to demonstrate that systems operate safely and meet project requirements.
• Maintain accurate commissioning records, test documentation and evidence to support project completion and handover.
• Gain an understanding of how mechanical, electrical, process and control systems integrate within water and wastewater treatment facilities.
• Develop your knowledge of health, safety, environmental and quality requirements associated with commissioning activities.
• Build strong working relationships with colleagues, clients, suppliers and other project stakeholders.
• Develop your skills in the digital tools and systems used to manage engineering information, commissioning activities and project delivery.

Why this role?

This isn’t just about technical checks – it’s about ensuring systems and assets perform safely, efficiently and to their full potential.

You’ll see first‑hand how engineering design and construction come together, gaining experience in how complex mechanical and electrical systems are tested, integrated and brought into operation to deliver essential water infrastructure.

With mentoring, structured training and support towards professional accreditation through a relevant institution, such as IMechE, IET or CIBSE, you’ll develop the technical, problem‑solving and people skills to become a trusted engineering professional and progress towards becoming a Chartered Engineer.

As your knowledge and confidence grow, you’ll take on increasing responsibility for commissioning activities, building a strong foundation for a long‑term engineering career in the water sector.

What we’re looking for

We want to hear from people who are passionate about making a difference through engineering and the built environment. You’ll bring:

• A degree, or be expected to graduate in 2027, in Mechanical Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Building Services Engineering or a related discipline (2:2 or above).
• A full UK driving licence, or be working towards obtaining one by February 2027.
• An interest in mechanical and electrical engineering, and how systems work together.
• Strong problem‑solving skills, with a practical and logical approach.
• Good written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to engage with a wide range of people.
• A collaborative mindset, with enthusiasm to learn and take on responsibility.
• Previous placement or site experience is desirable but not essential.

What we offer

Start your career with a programme designed to help you learn, develop and succeed from day one.

A structured two‑year Graduate Development Programme, giving you the experience and skills to build a successful career.

• Mentoring and guidance from experienced engineering and commissioning professionals.
• Support towards professional accreditation with a relevant engineering institution.
• A competitive salary and benefits package, including car allowance, Performance Related Pay and up to 8% matched pension contributions.
• 26 days’ annual leave plus bank holidays, with the flexibility to buy or sell additional days.
• Private medical insurance, 24/7 wellbeing support and a wide range of flexible benefits and employee discounts.
• Two volunteering days each year, giving you time to make a difference in the community.

Selection Process Timeline

• Video Interview – Shortlisted candidates will be invited to complete a video interview. Invitations will be sent between 16 November and 1 December 2026, and candidates will have one week to complete and submit their interview.
• Interview – Successful candidates will progress to a formal interview, taking place between 11 and 27 January 2027.
• Offer – Successful candidates will receive an offer by the week ending 12 February 2027.

Who we are

Tilbury Douglas is a leading UK building, infrastructure, engineering and fit‑out company, delivering vital projects across a diverse range of sectors, including healthcare, education, highways, justice, defence, aviation, water and the environment.

People are at the heart of our success. We are committed to creating an inclusive culture where everyone is valued, supported and empowered to make a difference. Our values guide everything we do: Everyone has a voice, Do the right thing, Take pride in what you do, and Bring better to life.

Why Tilbury Douglas?

Tilbury Douglas offers the opportunity to work on meaningful, real‑world projects while developing within a supportive and inclusive environment. The company places a strong emphasis on career development, innovation, wellbeing and practical learning, demonstrated by its Platinum membership of the 5% Club and recognition of Early Careers employees through national industry awards.

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