Graduate Electrical Engineer

Costain Group; Manchester; On-site; GBP 26,000 - 36,000; Full time

Job summary

Costain Group is seeking a Graduate Electrical Engineer to join the Manchester-based Electrical Engineering team. The role forms part of the 2-year Graduate Development Programme, accredited by IET, with a mentor and on‑the‑job training across feasibility to detailed design.

You’ll rotate through activities and networks like GRaAPs, gaining broad exposure in energy and nuclear projects. The programme emphasizes developing technical skills, leadership, and potential chartership, with

Qualifications

• You will have or are expected to achieve a good result in Beng or MEng in an IET accredited Electrical Engineering degree or similar.
• Ability to achieve security clearance for work in the nuclear sector
• Mobility to work on secondment to any of our offices or project sites and Full UK Driving Licence required
• Demonstrate a passion for Costain's Carbon Net Zero targets
• IT proficient including MS Word and Excel

Responsibilities

• The design work undertaken by Graduate Electrical Engineers is varied and assignments can include work across all project phases including Feasibility Studies; Conceptual Design; Front End Engineering Design (FEED); Detailed Design and Site Activities
• FEED and Detailed Design activities include: development of electrical load schedules and single line diagrams, cable and equipment sizing calculations, power system studies, earthing and lightning protection studies, design philosophies, equipment specification; 3D modelling of electrical equipment, production of all required drawings such as layouts, installation details and schematics, design assessments including HAZOP and preparation of operating instructions and installation scope of works
• Business rotations into other functions may form part of the graduate development plan to provide breadth of experience (Business Development, Marketing, Project Engineering, Construction, etc.)

Skills

Analytical problem-solving

Education

BEng or MEng in Electrical Engineering (IET accredited)

Tools

MS Word

Excel

Job description

At Costain, we work together to shape, create, and deliver pioneering solutions that transform the performance of the UK’s infrastructure ecosystem across energy, water, transportation, nuclear and defence markets.

Costain’s engineering team are the technical heart of the business, working together with our project delivery teams to translate client challenges into robust solutions.

The Electrical Engineering discipline primarily works on Energy Transition & Resilience, Nuclear and Municipal Wastewater Treatment projects across the full engineering project lifecycle including Feasibility, Concept, FEED and Detailed Design project phases.

With a strong presence in a number of established decarbonisation Industrial Clusters and long-standing relationships with energy producers, we are well positioned to design and deliver the projects that take the UK on the path to Net Zero.

The roles will be based at either our Manchester office or London office. Please specify your preferred location on your job application.

About the role

This role is for a Graduate Electrical Engineer to work in the Manchester based Electrical Engineering team which provides Electrical engineering expertise to major projects and Feasibility, Conceptual and Front-End Design studies for the Energy & Nuclear Sectors.

The successful candidate will join the Graduate Development Program which is accredited by the Institute of Engineering Technology and is designed to equip graduates with the skills and experience required to take them forward in their career with the company.

As a Graduate Electrical Engineer, you will be assigned a mentor to provide support in your professional development and to guide you towards chartership. The training program provides “On the Job” technical development with graduates working on real work assignments under supervision and rapidly taking on responsibility for design work across the full project lifecycle within multi-disciplinary project teams.

Costain’s Graduate Development Programme

By joining our 2-year Graduate programme, you’ll get the best of both worlds—great technical development and exciting opportunities to grow your personal confidence and leadership skills. You’ll be working alongside your team to deliver standout, best-in-class projects across the infrastructure sector, all while learning and building your career step by step.

The Graduate Development Programme (GDP) is also a fantastic chance to meet and network with other graduates joining us at the same time. You’ll connect with people across different projects and disciplines throughout the UK, creating a supportive community from day one. Throughout the 2 years, you’ll come together both in person and virtually to take part in engaging modules and activities such as “Growing your Career,” “Costain In Action,” and “Group Coaching.” These sessions are designed to inspire you, challenge you in the best way, and help you get the most out of your programme.

Your line manager will be fully on hand to support your learning, and you’ll have plenty of opportunities to talk through how you can put what you’re learning into your everyday work.

We also strongly recommend getting involved with our Graduate and Apprentice network (GRaAPs). It’s a brilliant way to meet other Early Careers members, discover what’s happening across different teams and projects, and explore areas of the business that genuinely interest you—helping you shape your future learning and direction.

And as a graduate, you’ll have the chance to help influence and shape future recruitment programmes and early careers opportunities—making a real difference to what comes next for future intakes.

Security Clearance

Please note that this role will include work within our Nuclear sector and you will be required to obtain and maintain security clearance of at least Security Check level (or SC clearance). To satisfy the requirements, you will need to have been a legal UK resident for a minimum of 5 years and be able to successfully complete the vetting process.

Responsibilities

The design work undertaken by Graduate Electrical Engineers is varied and assignments can include work across all project phases including Feasibility Studies; Conceptual Design; Front End Engineering Design (FEED); Detailed Design and Site Activities

• Study Work can include technology selection, power supply identification, power system optioneering and input into project schedule and cost estimates; basis of design preparation and technical report preparation
• FEED and Detailed Design activities include: development of electrical load schedules and single line diagrams, cable and equipment sizing calculations, power system studies, earthing and lightning protection studies, design philosophies, equipment specification; 3D modelling of electrical equipment, production of all required drawings such a layouts, installation details and schematics, design assessments including HAZOP and preparation of operating instructions and installation scope of works
• Business rotations into other business functions may form part of the graduates development plan in order to provide further breadth of experience which can include: Business Development; Marketing, Project Engineering; Construction; Commissioning; Design HSE; Proposals and Work Winning

Qualifications

• You will have or are expected to achieve a good result in Beng or MEng in an IET accredited Electrical Engineering degree or similar.
• To enable us to fully assess your application, please ensure your application includes details of your educational qualifications at both degree and A Level; university course modules and projects undertaken and projects undertaken
• Ability to achieve security clearance for work in the nuclear sector
• While the role will be predominantly based in our South Manchester Office, mobility to work on secondment to any of our offices or project sites is required - Full UK Driving Licence is required
• Demonstrate a passion for Costain's Carbon Net Zero targets
• IT proficient including MS Word and Excel
• Good verbal and written communications skills and the ability to work well within a multidiscipline design environment
• Analytical and problem-solving skills
• Strong work ethic with the ability to produce accurate work to strict project deadlines
• Excellence at building and maintaining positive relationships with all people, regardless of their background
• A willingness to learn
• Excellent organisation and time management skills
• The ability to thrive under pressure