Graduate Design Engineer

John Sisk & Son; St Albans; Hybrid; GBP 60,000 - 80,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading construction firm is seeking a motivated Graduate Design Engineer to join its Early Careers Graduate Programme starting in September 2026. This structured 27-month programme offers hands-on experience across various construction projects, allowing graduates an opportunity to hone their skills in product design and engineering processes. Graduates are expected to have a degree in Mechanical, Civil, or Structural Engineering. Geographic mobility is essential, as candidates will work in multiple locations including UK, Ireland, and mainland Europe.

Benefits

Competitive salary

Structured career progression

Mentoring and support

Qualifications

• Recently graduated or on track to graduate with a relevant engineering degree.
• Willingness to work across the UK, Ireland, and mainland Europe.
• Eagerness to embrace a structured early careers programme.

Responsibilities

• Develop hands-on experience in product design and engineering processes.
• Engage in cross-functional project work across various business rotations.
• Work closely with experienced engineers throughout the design lifecycle.

Skills

Collaborative team player

Passion for the built environment

Curiosity and resilience

Education

Mechanical, Civil or Structural Engineering degree

Job description

We are seeking a motivated and enthusiastic Graduate Design Engineer to join our team. This is an exciting opportunity for a recent engineering graduate to develop hands‑on experience in product design, engineering processes, and cross‑functional project work. You will work closely with experienced engineers, gaining exposure to the full design lifecycle from concept through to production.

John Sisk & Son are looking for proactive, talented Design Engineer Graduates to join our 2026 Early Careers Graduate Programme. Our structured 27‑month graduate programme is designed to give you hands‑on experience across a wide range of construction projects, helping you build the career you want. If you've recently graduated or are about to graduate, with a degree in Mechanical, Civil or Structural Engineering, and you're ready to take charge of your future with a leading building contractor, we could be the perfect fit. This is your opportunity to make an impact and grow with us.

Established in 1859, Sisk is proud to be in its fifth generation of family ownership. Our founding values of care, excellence, and integrity continue to shape everything we do. With a clear vision of Building Excellence, we consistently deliver high‑quality projects that exceed client expectations. Our people are the driving force behind our success, and we're now looking for the next generation of graduates to help us carry that legacy forward.

A journey to your future. Our Graduate Programme is a carefully designed 27‑month journey that offers up to three business rotations, giving you broad exposure and the opportunity to shape your career path, fusing technical excellence, commercial acumen, and leadership capabilities. From day one, you'll follow a detailed development plan aligned to a clear timeline, ensuring you gain the experience and competencies required to pursue professional chartership.

We're committed to helping you build a strong technical foundation and excel in your chosen area of specialism. The programme blends structured learning, hands‑on project work, and expert mentoring to deliver both depth and breadth of knowledge. With robust progress tracking, regular feedback, and a dedicated support network, you'll be empowered to grow with confidence and make a meaningful impact.

What we are looking for

• A collaborative team player with fresh ideas, ready to challenge yourself, and us, every step of the way. With a passion for the built environment and a drive to make a difference, you'll bring curiosity, resilience, and a commitment to technical excellence.
• Recently graduated or be on track to graduate with a Mechanical, Civil or Structural Engineering degree, ready to join Sisk's Early Careers Graduate Programme in September 2026. Over 27 months, you'll complete up to three rotations across the business gaining exposure to live projects, commercial operations, and technical delivery.
• Geographic mobility is essential - you'll be expected to work across the UK, Ireland, and mainland Europe, including at least one rotation outside of your home country. The selection process has been designed to ensure that we, as a company, select the right individuals that will thrive with us, but also that you, as a candidate, select the right company to build and shape your career with.

In return, you will receive a competitive salary, a focused and structured start to your career and its progression in the construction industry, with excellent support and guidance every step of the way. If your application is successful, you will be required to participate in an online assessment. The programme will commence in September 2026. Our people are at the heart of our success and our proposition to them is work with purpose, have time for life, build a career with no limits and surround yourself with great people.