Industrial or Summer Placement Student - Ground Engineering - Birmingham (2026)

AECOM; Birmingham; On-site; GBP 80,000 - 100,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading infrastructure consulting firm in Birmingham is offering a placement for a Civil or Structural Engineering student. Gain hands-on experience in a dynamic environment, working on high-profile projects across the UK and Ireland. You will assist in design calculations, assessments, and collaborate with experienced engineers to develop impactful engineering solutions. This is an excellent opportunity for students looking to apply their academic skills in real-world settings.

Qualifications

• Currently pursuing a degree in Civil or Structural Engineering, expected 2:1 or higher.
• Proficient in Microsoft Office; experience with AutoCAD and Civil 3D is advantageous.
• Strong interest in multidisciplinary projects.

Responsibilities

• Assist in production of drawings and design calculations for bridge projects.
• Support assessments and inspections of existing bridge assets.
• Participate in site visits and collaborate with engineers.

Skills

Proficient in Microsoft Office

Strong interest in bridge and structural engineering

Effective communicator in English

Highly organised

Creative and detail-oriented

Education

Currently pursuing a degree in Civil or Structural Engineering

Tools

AutoCAD

Civil 3D

Job description

Company Description

At AECOM, we're delivering a better world. Whether improving your commute, keeping the lights on, providing access to clean water, or transforming skylines, our work helps people and communities thrive. We are the world's trusted infrastructure consulting firm, partnering with clients to solve the world's most complex challenges and build legacies for future generations.

There has never been a better time to be at AECOM. With accelerating infrastructure investment worldwide, our services are in great demand. We invite you to bring your bold ideas and big dreams and become part of a global team of nearly 50,000 planners, designers, engineers, scientists, digital innovators, program and construction managers and other professionals delivering projects that create a positive and tangible impact around the world.

Job Description

Our Bridge Structures team leads the way in delivering complex and impactful infrastructure. As a Placement student, you will gain hands-on experience in civil and structural engineering, working on projects that shape transport networks, improve connectivity, and create sustainable solutions for communities.

You will be involved in real project work across the full lifecycle – from feasibility and concept design through to detailed design, assessment, and construction support. Working alongside experienced engineers, you’ll develop your technical, analytical, and design skills while contributing to high-profile projects across the UK, Ireland, and beyond.

As part of your placement, you may:

• Assist in the production of drawings and design calculations for bridge and structural projects.
• Support assessments and inspections of existing bridge assets.
• Contribute to feasibility studies, technical reports, and design documentation.
• Gain experience with engineering software (e.g., AutoCAD, structural analysis tools, and BIM applications).
• Participate in site visits to observe construction or inspection works.
• Collaborate with engineers and professionals from other disciplines to deliver integrated solutions.
• Apply health & safety, quality, and sustainability considerations across your work.

Qualifications

• Currently pursuing a degree in Civil or Structural Engineering, with an expected 2:1 classification (or equivalent) or higher.
• Proficient in Microsoft Office; experience with AutoCAD, Civil 3D, or structural analysis software is advantageous but not essential.
• Strong interest in bridge and structural engineering, with enthusiasm for engaging in multidisciplinary projects and collaboration with colleagues and clients.
• Willing to travel for work, including visits to project sites, inspections, and other AECOM offices.
• Effective communicator in English, with skills in writing, presenting, creating drawings, and preparing reports.
• Highly organised, able to prioritise tasks, and work both collaboratively in a team and independently with initiative.
• Creative, practical, and detail-oriented, with a methodical approach to problem-solving, planning, and design.
• Comfortable using computers for design work, modelling, and calculations.
• Driven to achieve excellent results for clients and the business, while balancing project goals, budgets, and timelines.
• Awareness of health & safety, environmental, and sustainability considerations in structural and civil engineering.
• A clean driving licence is a plus but not essential.

Additional Information

• Applicants are encouraged to apply as early as possible since CVs will be reviewed, and candidates selected on a rolling recruitment basis for either immediate or advanced offer start.
• Please include a covering letter with your application and provide all predicted and/or obtained academic grades and details of the dates you are able to work to/from and well as locations you would be interested in.
• You must have the right to work in the UK.

AECOM is an Equal Opportunity Employer. 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.