Graduate Structural Engineer

Balfour Beatty plc; East Midlands; On-site; GBP 26,000 - 32,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Structured training

Support towards chartership

Residential trips in Lake District

Job summary

Balfour Beatty plc in Derby is offering a Graduate Structural Engineer role as part of our 2027 Early Careers programme. You’ll gain hands-on experience on major power infrastructure projects and take on real responsibility from day one.

Work with experienced engineers, develop technical and professional skills, and pursue professional accreditation while contributing to design, calculations, 3D models and documentation across the project lifecycle.

Qualifications

• Degree in Structural Engineering with at least 2:2 honours.
• Interest in power infrastructure and construction industry.
• Willingness to learn and develop professional accreditation.

Responsibilities

• Contribute to design and development of structural solutions for power infrastructure.
• Support calculations, drawings, 3D models, and technical documentation.
• Collaborate with multidisciplinary teams to meet project requirements.
• Assist with project lifecycle and preparation for professional accreditation.

Skills

Problem solving

Teamwork

Communication

Proactiveness

Education

Bachelor's degree in Structural Engineering

Job description

About the role

We are Balfour Beatty. You may not know us by name, but you’ll recognise what we do. We’re a leading international infrastructure group, building, maintaining and improving infrastructure that supports communities for generations to come.

As a Graduate Structural Engineer, you'll join our 2027 Early Careers programme and gain hands‑on experience while contributing to some of the UK's most significant infrastructure projects. From day one, you'll take on real responsibility, develop technical and professional skills, and work alongside experienced colleagues who will support your growth. You'll also be part of a supportive graduate community, building the skills, experience and industry‑recognised accreditations needed for a successful career.

In this role, you’ll join one of ourBalfour Beatty Power T&D teams as a Graduate Structural Engineer, based in Derby.

What you'll be doing

As a Graduate Structural Engineer, you'll contribute to the design and development of structural solutions that support major power infrastructure projects, including substations, transmission towers, foundations, and associated energy infrastructure. Working alongside experienced engineers and multidisciplinary project teams, you'll apply your academic knowledge in a practical environment while developing the technical, analytical, and professional skills needed for a successful career in structural engineering.

You’ll support the production and coordination of structural calculations, technical drawings, 3D models, specifications, and engineering documentation while gaining experience across the project lifecycle. Through a structured graduate development programme, you'll build the knowledge and experience needed to work towards professional accreditation and progress your engineering career.

You’ll support with:

• Supporting the development and coordination of structural designs for power infrastructure projects, including substations, transmission towers, foundations, and associated energy facilities
• Reviewing, analysing, and contributing to structural calculations, drawings, models, and technical specifications to ensure compliance with engineering standards and project requirements
• Supporting the development of safe, efficient, and buildable structural solutions that meet technical, environmental, and project constraints
• Coordinating structural design information with civil, electrical, and other multidisciplinary engineering teams to support effective collaboration and project delivery
• Liaising with engineers, designers, clients, contractors, and other stakeholders to resolve technical queries and maintain effective communication throughout the project lifecycle
• Preparing, reviewing, and maintaining structural design documentation, calculations, reports, and technical records, ensuring accuracy and consistency
• Supporting the assessment of structural materials, foundations, loading conditions, and design requirements to ensure the stability and integrity of power infrastructure
• Monitoring design progress against project programmes and supporting the delivery of structural engineering outputs in line with key milestones
• Identifying and addressing structural design risks, constraints, and opportunities, including buildability, material efficiency, and value engineering considerations

Who we're looking for

We value your potential over past experience and are looking for graduates with a degree in Structural Engineering and a genuine interest in our industry. To be eligible, you’ll need to achieve a minimum 2:2 honours degree by the time you start.

We’d love to receive your application if you:

• Are curious, proactive and motivated to develop professionally.
• Enjoy solving problems and finding practical solutions.
• Work well with others and build positive relationships.
• Communicate clearly and confidently with different people.
• Take ownership, adapt to challenges and are committed to achieving results.

Why work for us as a Graduate

• Work on high-profile projects that make a real difference, while building your career with one of the UK’s leading infrastructure groups.
• Be part of a supportive early careers network, with structured training and with structured training and coaching from experienced industry professionals.
• Take part in unique development experiences, including residential trips in the Lake District and personal development delivered by our external partners.
• Take ownership of your ongoing professional development, with support towards professional membership and chartership or professional registration where relevant to your career path.

What we can offer you

• Competitive salary and flexible benefits, giving you the freedom to shape a rewards package that works for you.
• 25 days' holiday, with the option to buy or sell additional days.
• A permanent contract from day one, reflecting our commitment to your long-term career.
• Clear progression opportunities, with bi-annual performance and pay reviews throughout your programme.
• Opportunities to connect with fellow graduates through networking events, development activities and our Early Careers Showcase.
• Opportunities to get involved in wider business initiatives, community projects and programmes such as the Duke of Edinburgh's Award.

About us

The power sector is one of the fastest-growing areas in infrastructure, helping to keep homes, businesses and communities connected. It plays a vital role in supporting the UK's transition to a low-carbon future by strengthening electricity networks and enabling the integration of renewable energy sources.

At Balfour Beatty, our Power Transmission & Distribution teams work with regional, national and international electricity network owners and operators to deliver engineering solutions across the electricity grid, including overhead lines, cabling, substations and distribution networks.

From early-stage planning and design through to construction and maintenance, our teams help deliver some of the UK's most ambitious power projects, improving network resilience and supporting a more sustainable energy future.a

Diversity and inclusion

At Balfour Beatty, we want everyone to be able to thrive and achieve their full potential, regardless of their identity or background. We’re making great progress through our Value Everyone DEI Action Plan, but we know we’ve got more to do. Find out more about our values and DEI initiatives.

As a Disability Confident Employer, we ensure that a fair and proportionate number of disabled applicants that meet the minimum criteria for this role will be offered an interview.

We are committed to our processes being barrier-free and will support adjustments at any stage of the recruitment process. Please let the recruiter for this role know if you require any adjustments.

We’re looking to continually improve our recruitment process, so if you have any feedback, please share this with us via [e-mail]