Summer Placement Civil Engineer

Tilbury Douglas; Exeter; On-site; GBP 25,000 - 35,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading UK construction company is seeking a Graduate Engineer for a Year Out Placement in Exeter. You'll assist in planning and delivering construction projects while developing key skills with the support of experienced engineers. Ideal candidates are pursuing a relevant degree and have strong analytical skills. This role offers valuable mentoring and exposure to diverse projects in the South West region, alongside competitive pay and benefits.

Benefits

Mentoring from experienced engineers

Competitive salary

20 days annual leave plus bank holidays

Volunteering opportunities

Diverse project work

Qualifications

• Working towards a 2:1 degree or above in a relevant engineering discipline.
• Full UK driving licence or working towards it.
• Availability for 8 weeks between June and September.

Responsibilities

• Assist in planning, coordination, and delivery of construction activities.
• Support preparation of method statements and risk assessments.
• Help monitor project progress and performance.

Skills

Analytical skills

Problem-solving skills

Communication skills

Collaboration

Education

Degree in Civil Engineering or related

Job description

Overview

Start your career where it matters most – building a better future together

Tilbury Douglas is a leading UK building, infrastructure, engineering and fit-out company. We deliver vital projects across a range of sectors including health, education, water, defence, justice and civic and civil estate. Our schemes improve lives and strengthen communities. As a Graduate Engineer – Year Out Placement, you’ll play a key role in helping deliver those projects safely, efficiently, and to the highest standards of quality and sustainability.

Location

This role will be based in the South West region, where you’ll work within our Infrastructure and South West Water team. Flexibility to travel across project sites in the region will be required as part of your development.

Responsibilities

As a Graduate Engineer – Summer Placement you’ll develop your skills and gain the experience you need to progress towards your studies.

With the support of experienced colleagues, you’ll:

• Assist in the planning, coordination and delivery of construction and engineering activities
• Understand how works are carried out safely, efficiently and to required specifications and standards
• Support the preparation of method statements, risk assessments and quality documentation
• Contribute to setting out, surveying and engineering control on site
• Help monitor project progress, quality, safety and environmental performance
• Collaborate with design, commercial and operational teams to resolve technical challenges
• Develop your understanding of modern construction methods, sustainability and digital tools
• Start to build strong working relationships with project teams, clients and supply chain partners

Why this role?

This isn’t just about engineering – it’s about shaping the built environment. You’ll be supported to develop your technical expertise, problem-solving abilities and leadership potential. With mentoring and support you’ll gain valuable skills and experience to support you in your studies.

Qualifications

What we’re looking for

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

• Working towards a degree in Civil Engineering, Structural Engineering, Building Services Engineering, Construction Management, or a related discipline (2:1 or above)
• A full UK driving licence (or working towards by the time you start)
• Be available to complete 8 weeks out of 12 during June – September
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills with a practical and logical approach
• Good written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to engage with diverse teams
• A collaborative mindset, with enthusiasm to learn and take on responsibility
• Previous placement, design or site experience (desirable but not essential)

Benefits

What we offer

• Mentoring and support from experienced engineers and supervisors to advance you in your final year of study
• Competitive salary
• 20 days annual leave plus bank holidays (pro rata)
• Two days volunteering opportunities per year
• Opportunities to work on diverse and meaningful projects across the UK
• An inclusive culture where your ideas and contributions make a real difference

Recruitment Timeline

• Stage 1 – Online Applications:
  You can apply up until 28 November 2025. We recommend getting your application in early!
• Stage 2 – Shortlisting:
  We’ll review all applications during December 2025 and get in touch to invite successful candidates to interview.
• Stage 3 – Interviews:
  Interviews will take place during the week commencing 5 January 2026. We’ll let you know everything you need to prepare in advance.
• Stage 4 – Offers:
  Offers will be made in February 2026. We’ll keep you updated throughout the process so you know what to expect.

Why Tilbury Douglas?

We’re more than just a construction company; we’re a community of people working together to deliver projects that matter. We value diversity, innovation and wellbeing and we’re committed to helping you reach your full potential.

Our values form a core part of our company and our mission to build a better future together. They underpin everything we do and set out what is expected from all of us:

• Everyone has a voice
• Do the right thing
• Take pride in what you do
• Bring better to life

Join us and take your first step towards an exciting career in engineering.