Graduate Water Engineer - Southampton

Arup; Southampton; On-site; GBP 24,000 - 32,000; Full time

Job summary

Arup is seeking a Graduate Water Engineer in Southampton to join our Water Team. You will contribute to water infrastructure projects, catchment studies and flood risk management under guidance from senior engineers.

We value a strong academic background in water, civil or environmental engineering, hands-on software literacy and a willingness to learn. The role offers early career development, mentoring and exposure to international best practices.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Water, Civil or Environmental Engineering.
• Master's or postgraduate degree in a water-related discipline.
• ICE or CIWEM accreditation course, if applicable.
• Strong theoretical and practical understanding of water sector.

Skills

Water engineering

Analytical thinking

Software literacy

Coding experience

Adaptability

Education

Bachelor's degree in Water, Civil or Environmental Engineering

Masters or postgraduate degree in water-related discipline

ICE or CIWEM accredited course

Tools

Digital tools

Coding languages

Job description

Graduate Water Engineer- Southampton

See it differently

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

Arup's consultancy and design skills shape a full spectrum of water solutions. We see water in context. From delivering water infrastructure to advising on natural catchments, we consider commercial, economic, environmental and social implications.

Arup's global reach and keen insight into the entire water cycle, and our practical experience in contrasting climates and conditions, brings oversight to our work in water – including infrastructure design and engineering, asset management, flood mitigation, sustainable water management, water strategies and research.

All-round thinking is the product of our specialist water engineers, project managers, consultants and environmental and water scientists working seamlessly together – and in partnership with clients.

Water Team

Our water team works across the entire water sector, supporting projects from strategy, feasibility and optioneering to detailed design and commissioning. With a multidisciplinary approach, we offer comprehensive solutions across flood risk management, water resilience, catchment science and management, wastewater infrastructure and treatment and integrated drainage modelling. We are committed to delivering sustainable, resilient, and innovative cost-effective outcomes. We support our clients at all stages in the project lifecycle deploying digital solutions and automation to deliver class leading solutions. Our projects range from rural catchment studies with local partners right up to mega infrastructure projects such as Thames Water's White Horse Reservoir.

We Are Seeking The Following Qualifications, Skills And Attributes

• Enthusiasm for a career in Water, underpinned by a knowledge and understanding of our sector and work
• Minimum of a Bachelors in Water, Civil and/or Environmental Engineering OR;
• Masters or post-graduate Degree in a similar Water related discipline.
• Studying, or have studied an ICE or CIWEM accredited course, if applicable.
• A good understanding of the theoretical approach and practical application within the Water sector
• Possess a strong working knowledge of common software and digital tools, and demonstrate an ability to learn new software within a working environment
• Additional experience with coding languages, digital development, and use of specialist software would be an advantage
• Have an analytical thought process
• Contribute to improve our existing ways of working; new ideas, tools, process.

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.

You should be able to start this opportunity on 1 September 2027.

Advert Closing Date: 16 October 2026

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

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.

What we offer you

At Arup, we care about each member’s success, so we can grow together.

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 members.

We also provide for our permanent members Private medical insurance, Life assurance, Accident insurance and 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 committed to making our recruitment process and workplaces accessible to all candidates. Please contact [e-mail] to let us know if you need any assistance or reasonable adjustments throughout your application or interview process, and/or to perform the essential functions of the role. We will do everything we can to support you.

As a Disability Confident Level 2 Employer in the UK, we will strive for one third of all our interview places to be allocated to candidates who have disclosed they are disability confident and best meet the requirements of the role.

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