Graduate Engineer - Tunnels

Arup; Birmingham; Hybrid; GBP 26,000 - 36,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Private medical insurance

Life insurance

Income protection

Profit sharing

Flexible working

Job summary

Arup is seeking a graduate to join its tunnelling team in Birmingham, contributing to underground infrastructure projects from feasibility through construction support. You will perform analyses, develop practical design solutions and work with geotechnical, structural, rail, water and digital disciplines.

The role offers exposure to landmark UK projects, collaboration with multidisciplinary teams, and opportunities to grow technical and professional skills within a global consultancy.

Qualifications

• Recent graduate or on track to graduate from your most recent degree related to the role
• Strong numerical and analytical skills with clear communication
• Interest in digital skills and design automation is an advantage (e.g., Python)
• Demonstrable understanding of general bridge and structural behaviour and practical solutions to meet client needs

Responsibilities

• Undertake engineering analysis, calculations and numerical modelling for design solutions
• Support the design and delivery of tunnels, shafts, caverns and underground structures
• Prepare technical reports, drawings and presentations for colleagues and clients
• Collaborate with multidisciplinary teams across geotechnical, structural, rail, water and digital engineering
• Participate in site visits and construction support activities

Skills

Soil mechanics and geotechnics

Numerical skills

Analytical thinking

Creativity

Self‑initiative

Verbal and written communication

Python / digital skills

AutoCAD / MicroStation

Education

Recent graduate or on track to graduate

Tools

Microsoft

AutoCAD/MicroStation

Plaxis; Rhino; UDEC

Job description

You see the world through a unique lens and that’s exactly what we need. We embrace how you see things differently – it’s essential for creating a sustainable future.

Arup is a global consultancy with advisory and technical expertise across more than 150 disciplines. We guide, plan and design the future of the built environment. Globally, each year we recruit hundreds of graduates and students who help us see things differently and solve the most complex challenges facing our clients, climate and communities.

The Opportunity

Our tunnelling team delivers some of the most complex and high‑profile underground infrastructure projects in the UK and internationally. We work across the full project lifecycle, from feasibility and concept design through to detailed design and construction support, providing expertise in tunnels, shafts, caverns, underground stations, utility infrastructure and major transportation systems.

Our current portfolio includes nationally significant projects such as High Speed 2, The Woodsmith Mine, the Great Grid Partnership, and the Haweswater Aqueduct Resilience Programme (HARP). These projects provide opportunities to work on a diverse range of engineering challenges, including long‑distance tunnels, deep shafts, underground logistics infrastructure, water conveyance tunnels, major utility corridors and landfalls. By being involved in these landmark projects, graduates gain exposure to innovative tunnelling methods, multidisciplinary collaboration and the delivery of critical infrastructure that supports sustainable transport, energy security and water resilience for future generations.

• Undertake engineering analysis, calculations and numerical modelling, applying geotechnical, structural and civil engineering principles to develop safe, practical and innovative design solutions.
• Support the design and delivery of tunnels, shafts, caverns and other underground structures, working on projects from feasibility studies through to detailed design and construction support.
• Prepare technical reports, design documentation, drawings and presentations, communicating engineering concepts clearly to colleagues and clients
• Collaborate with multidisciplinary teams across geotechnical, structural, rail, water and digital engineering disciplines, contributing to integrated project solutions and client outcomes
• Support major infrastructure projects with opportunities to participate in site visits and construction support activities.

Is this role right for you?

For this opportunity, we are seeking the following qualifications, skills and attributes:

Technical skills and Proficiencies:

• Soil mechanics and geotechnics; engineering mathematics and statistics
• Strong numerical skills and excellent verbal and written communication skills;
• An analytical thought process and strive for technical excellence;
• Enthusiasm for a career in Bridges and civils structures, underpinned by a knowledge and understanding of our sector and work;
• Demonstrable understanding of general bridge and structural behaviour and an ability to use this understanding to develop practical solutions to meet Client needs;
• Drive for technical excellence and an analytical thought process;
• Creativity and a desire to think beyond the norm ;
• Aptitude to work on your own initiative, be proactive and take responsibility;
• Software: Microsoft; AutoCAD/MicroStation
• Interest in and application of digital skills, such as computer coding for design automation and problem‑solving is an advantage e.g. Python
• Software: Plax is; Rhino; UDEC

To be considered for a graduate opportunity, your application must include a copy of your academic transcript and meet the following criteria:

• Full working rights in the country of application
• No more than 12 months of full‑time experience in a comparable role
• Recently graduated, or on track to graduate, from your most recent degree, related to your role of choice, before employment starts.

Alongside your degree, we look for the following core attributes;

• Changemakers: A passion for sustainable development and creating a better world is key.
• Innovative minds: We’re looking for critical thinkers who embrace new ideas and challenge the status quo.
• Growth seekers: You have a growth mindset, always eager to learn and explore new ways of working.
• Adaptable adventurers: You’re ready to take on any challenge that comes your way.

Please note, in the event of high applicant volume, this role may be closed ahead of the advertised closing date. Early application is recommended.

Please note that we are unable to offer visa sponsorship for this role. Therefore, you must ensure that you are eligible to work permanently in the UK without our sponsorship.

What we offer you

Guided by our values, we provide an attractive total reward package that recognises the contribution of each of our members to our shared success. As well as competitive, fair and equitable pay, we offer a career in which all of our members can belong, grow and thrive – through benefits that support health and wellbeing, a wide range of learning opportunities and many possibilities to have an impact through the work they do.

We are owned in trust on behalf of our members, giving us the freedom, with personal responsibility, to set our own direction and choose work that aligns with our purpose and adds to Arup’s legacy. Our members collaborate on ambitious projects to deliver remarkable outcomes for our clients and communities. Profit Share is a key part of our reward, enabling permanent members to share in the results of our collective efforts.

We take an approach to flexible working that supports the diversity and wellbeing of our graduates.

• We also provide for our permanent members Private medical insurance, Life assurance, Accidentinsuranceand Income protection cover.
• In addition,you’ll have access to flexible benefitsto help you look after all aspects of your wellbeing and give you the freedom and flexibility to find the best solutions for you, your family, and your individual needs.

Next Steps

We've designed our application process to be straightforward and supportive, giving you the opportunity to showcase your skills and potential. Applications are reviewed as they're received, so we encourage you to apply as early as possible.

The process includes an online application, psychometric testing, application review, case study, interview and offer stage. Our friendly Early Careers team is available throughout the process to answer questions and help you feel confident every step of the way.

Different people, shared values

Arup is an equal opportunity employer that actively promotes and nurtures a diverse and inclusive workforce. We welcome applications from individuals of all backgrounds, regardless of age (within legal limits), gender identity or expression, marital status, disability, neurotype or mental health, race or ethnicity, faith or belief, sexual orientation, socioeconomic background, and whether you’re pregnant or on family leave. We are an open environment that embraces diverse experiences, perspectives, and ideas - this drives our excellence.

Guided by our values and alignment with the UN Sustainable Development Goals, we create and contribute to equitable spaces and systems, while cultivating a sense of belonging for all. Our internal employee networks support our inclusive culture: from race, ethnicity and cross-cultural working to gender equity and LGBTQ+ and disability inclusion – we aim to create a space for you to express yourself and make a positive difference. Discover more about life at Arup at www.arup.com/careers/your-life-at-arup. We are an open environment that embraces diverse experiences, perspectives, and ideas.

Eligibility:

Please note that we are unable to offer visa sponsorship for this role. Therefore, you must ensure that you are eligible to work permanently in the UK without our sponsorship.

Closing Date:

Please note, in the event of high applicant volume, this role may be closed ahead of the advertised closing date. Early application is recommended.

Create and manage profiles for future opportunities.

Birmingham, West Midlands, United Kingdom

Birmingham, West Midlands, United Kingdom

Birmingham, West Midlands, United Kingdom