Graduate Rail Mechanical Engineer - Leeds (Summer 2027)

Aecom; Ledston; Hybrid; GBP 30,000 - 36,000; Full time

Job summary

AECOM is recruiting graduates for the Rail Mechanical Engineering stream as part of our Graduate Development Programme. You will design, develop and deliver mechanical systems to support the safe, efficient operation of the railway network in a collaborative team environment.

You will gain exposure to multiple rail projects, work with experienced engineers and multidisciplinary teams, and develop skills toward chartership with the IMechE.

Qualifications

• BEng in Mechanical Engineering with 2:1 or higher.
• MEng would be advantageous.
• Rail engineering modules or related disciplines are beneficial.
• Interest in Rail and Mechanical Engineering and developing a career in the industry.
• Ability to work towards IMechE chartership.
• Strong MS Office skills.

Responsibilities

• Assist in designing mechanical systems for rail infrastructure, stations, depots and tunnels.
• Support HVAC, ventilation, cooling, fire life safety, drainage and related building services systems.
• Undertake engineering calculations, technical assessments and design studies per standards.
• Support site surveys, inspections and condition assessments to inform design development.
• Use BIM tools to produce drawings, models, specifications and design documentation.
• Collaborate with civil, electrical, structural, signalling and telecoms teams for integrated solutions.
• Assist in planning and coordinating construction and commissioning activities.
• Promote sustainability, energy efficiency and whole-life asset performance.
• Participate in project reviews, technical workshops and client meetings.

Skills

Strong communication

Analytical

Team player

Multidisciplinary collaboration

Education

BEng in Mechanical Engineering (2:1)

MEng in Mechanical Engineering (advantage)

Rail/Building Services modules (advantage)

Tools

BIM tools

Microsoft Office

Job description

Job Description

Railway engineering is one of the most important ways that AECOM delivers a better world – we work on huge, complex and challenging railway infrastructure projects that increase urban and inter‑city mobility for millions of people. AECOM is a global innovator in high‑speed and urban transportation. Recent projects include major track improvements for the Southern Renewals Enterprise in England’s busiest passenger corridors, the Hong Kong–Shenzhen Western Rail Link (Hung Shui Kiu–Qianhai), the Elephant & Castle Station capacity upgrade in London, and key design and asset protection services for Network Rail frameworks across the UK, as well as delivering components of High Speed 2 and supporting global initiatives in sustainable rail.

We are looking for graduates who are team players and open thinkers who want to contribute to some of the biggest challenges in transportation infrastructure.

Job Responsibilities

Selected candidates will be enrolled on our Graduate Development Programme and have the opportunity to develop their skills within a supportive environment that encourages curiosity, collaboration and innovation. As part of the Rail Mechanical Engineering team, you will contribute to the design, development and delivery of mechanical systems that support the safe, efficient and sustainable operation of the railway network.

You will gain experience across a range of rail projects, working closely with experienced engineers and multidisciplinary teams to deliver high-quality engineering solutions. Typical responsibilities include:

• Assisting in the design of mechanical systems for railway stations, depots, tunnels and other rail infrastructure.
• Supporting the development of HVAC, ventilation, cooling, fire life safety, drainage, pumping and associated mechanical building services systems.
• Undertaking engineering calculations, technical assessments and design studies in accordance with industry standards and client requirements.
• Supporting site surveys, inspections and condition assessments to inform design development and asset management strategies.
• Using industry‑leading software and BIM tools to produce drawings, models, specifications and design documentation.
• Collaborating with colleagues across civil, electrical, structural, signalling and telecoms disciplines to deliver integrated engineering solutions.
• Supporting the planning and coordination of construction and commissioning activities.
• Ensuring designs promote sustainability, energy efficiency, maintainability and whole‑life asset performance.
• Participating in project reviews, technical workshops and client meetings to develop communication and project delivery skills.
• Contributing to innovative engineering solutions that improve safety, reliability and passenger experience across the rail network.

Throughout the programme, you will have the opportunity to develop both your technical and professional skills, gaining experience that supports your journey towards chartership and a rewarding career within the rail industry.

Qualifications

• BEng in Mechanical Engineering with a 2:1 classification (or equivalent) or above.
• MEng in Mechanical Engineering would be advantageous.
• Modules in Rail Engineering, Thermodynamics, Fluid Mechanics, HVAC, Building Services, Power Systems or related disciplines would be advantageous.
• Demonstrable interest in Rail and Mechanical Engineering and developing a career within the industry.
• Ability to demonstrate a good technical understanding of mechanical engineering principles and their application within transportation infrastructure.
• Willing and able to work towards chartership with the Institution of Mechanical Engineers (IMechE).
• Good Microsoft Office skills, including Word, Excel and PowerPoint.
• Strong communication skills, with the ability to engage effectively with clients, colleagues, stakeholders and contractors.
• Strong analytical and problem‑solving skills.
• Enthusiastic, motivated and driven to learn and develop.
• Ability to prioritise and manage workloads effectively while working collaboratively within a team environment.
• Ability to work both independently and as part of a multidisciplinary team while maintaining initiative and focus.

Additional Information

• You must have the right to work in the UK.

To support this commitment, all newly hired employees are required to attend an in‑person Day 1 onboarding at an AECOM office location as a condition of employment.

About AECOM

AECOM is the world’s trusted infrastructure consulting firm, delivering professional services throughout the project lifecycle – from advisory, planning, design and engineering to program and construction management. On projects spanning transportation, buildings, water, new energy and the environment, our public‑and‑private‑sector clients trust us to solve their most complex challenges. Our teams are driven by a common purpose to deliver a better world through our unrivaled technical and digital expertise, a culture of equity, diversity and inclusion, and a commitment to environmental, social and governance priorities. AECOM is a Fortune 500 firm and its Professional Services business had revenue of $16.1 billion in fiscal year 2025. See how we are delivering sustainable legacies for generations to come at aecom.com and @AECOM.

Freedom to Grow in a World of Opportunity

You will have the flexibility you need to do your best work with hybrid work options. Whether you’re working from an AECOM office, remote location or at a client site, you will be working in a dynamic environment where your integrity, entrepreneurial spirit and pioneering mindset are championed.

You will help us foster a safe and respectful workplace, where we invite everyone to bring their whole selves to work using their unique talents, backgrounds and expertise to create transformational outcomes for our clients.

AECOM provides a wide array of compensation, benefits and well‑being programs to meet the diverse needs of our employees and their families. We’re the world’s trusted global infrastructure firm, and we’re in this together – your growth and success are ours too.

Join us, and you’ll get all the benefits of being a part of a global, publicly traded firm – access to industry‑leading technology and thinking and transformational work with big impact and work flexibility. As an Equal Opportunity Employer, we believe in each person’s potential, and we’ll help you reach yours.

We are a Disability Confident Employer and will offer an interview to applicants who have a disability or long‑term condition, who meet the minimum/essential criteria for the role. Please let us know using this email address [e-mail] if you would like to apply through the Disability Confident Interview Scheme.

All your information will be kept confidential according to EEO guidelines.