Graduate Mechanical Engineer

Tilbury Douglas; Birmingham; On-site; GBP 32,000 - 42,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Car allowance

Pension 8% matched

Private medical insurance

26 days holiday

Wellbeing support

Employee discounts

Volunteer days

Job summary

Tilbury Douglas in Birmingham is recruiting a Graduate Mechanical Engineer to gain hands-on experience from day one, working with experienced engineers and project teams on mechanical solutions across projects.

You'll develop your skills in design, coordination and delivery, with mentoring and structured training toward professional accreditation (IMechE or CIBSE). This site-based role offers broad exposure across the West Midlands.

Qualifications

• A degree in Mechanical Engineering or Building Services Engineering with 2:2+.

Responsibilities

• Support development and coordination of mechanical solutions across projects.
• Assist with review and development of mechanical designs, drawings, specifications and technical information.
• Develop understanding of mechanical systems, equipment and installations and how they integrate with other disciplines.
• Undertake engineering calculations and technical assessments with support from experienced engineers.
• Work with other engineering disciplines to develop coordinated solutions.
• Support design reviews and help identify opportunities to improve buildability, efficiency, safety and project outcomes.
• Assist with translating design into delivery with project and construction teams.
• Resolve technical queries and engineering challenges throughout the project lifecycle.

Skills

Organisational skills

Problem solving

Communication skills

Interest in mechanical engineering

Education

Mechanical/Building Services Engineering degree (2:2+)

Tools

Driving licence

Job description

Graduate Mechanical Engineer

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

As a Graduate Mechanical Engineer within our Engineering division, you’ll gain hands-on experience from day one, working alongside experienced engineers, designers and project teams. You’ll support the development, coordination and delivery of mechanical engineering solutions across a range of projects, helping to make them safer, more efficient, sustainable and buildable. Tilbury Douglas Engineering is recognised as one of the UK’s leading mechanical, electrical and plumbing (M&E) engineering contractors, delivering solutions that enable complex estates and facilities to operate safely, efficiently and sustainably.

You’ll develop your technical knowledge and practical engineering skills while seeing how mechanical systems are designed, coordinated, installed and brought into operation.

This is a site-based role, with your initial project expected to be based in Birmingham. As you develop, you’ll have opportunities to gain experience across a variety of projects, clients and locations within the wider West Midlands region, helping you build broad technical experience and a strong foundation for your mechanical engineering career.

You’ll learn from experienced professionals, take on real responsibility and see first-hand how engineering design becomes project delivery – building strong foundations for your future career with Tilbury Douglas.

What you’ll be doing

As a Graduate Mechanical Engineer, you’ll develop your skills across key areas of engineering 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 development and coordination of mechanical engineering solutions across our projects.
• Assist with the review and development of mechanical designs, drawings, specifications and technical information.
• Develop your understanding of mechanical systems, equipment and installations, and how they integrate with other engineering disciplines.
• Undertake engineering calculations and technical assessments with support from experienced engineers.
• Work collaboratively with electrical, civil, structural and other engineering disciplines to develop coordinated solutions
• Support design reviews and help identify opportunities to improve buildability, efficiency, safety and project outcomes.
• Work with project and construction teams to ensure engineering solutions are effectively translated from design into delivery.
• Assist with resolving technical queries and engineering challenges throughout the project lifecycle.
• Liaise with designers, consultants, suppliers and specialist subcontractors to support effective engineering solutions
• Support inspections, testing and commissioning activities, where required, to help ensure mechanical systems perform as intended.
• Assist with the preparation and maintenance of technical documentation, engineering records and project information.
• Develop your understanding of relevant mechanical engineering standards, regulations and industry best practice.
• Gain experience in digital engineering, sustainability, energy efficiency and emerging technologies.
• Build strong working relationships with colleagues, clients, consultants and supply chain partners.

Why this role?

This isn’t just about mechanical systems, drawings and calculations – it’s about developing engineering solutions that make projects safer, more efficient, sustainable and buildable.

As part of our Engineering division, you’ll work alongside specialists from different disciplines and see how technical expertise influences projects from design through to construction, commissioning and handover. You’ll gain exposure to real engineering challenges and develop an understanding of how good design decisions improve project outcomes.

With mentoring, structured training and support towards professional accreditation with the Institution of Mechanical Engineers (IMechE) or the Chartered Institution of Building Services Engineers (CIBSE), you’ll develop the technical expertise, problem‑solving abilities and people skills to become a trusted engineering professional. You’ll be on a clear pathway towards becoming a Chartered Engineer.

As your knowledge and confidence grow, you’ll take on increasing engineering responsibility and develop a strong foundation for a long-term career within our Engineering division.

What we’re looking for

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

• A degree, or be expected to graduate in 2027, in Mechanical Engineering, Building Services Engineering or a closely related discipline (2:2 or above).
• A full UK driving licence, or be working towards obtaining one by February 2027.
• A genuine interest in mechanical engineering, design and how engineering solutions are developed and delivered.
• Strong organisational and problem-solving skills, with a proactive approach to challenges.
• Good written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to work effectively with a range of people.
• A practical mindset, with attention to detail and quality.
• Previous site or construction-related 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.
• Support towards professional accreditation with IMechE or CIBSE.
• Mentoring and guidance from experienced engineering professionals.
• 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.