Summer Placement Commissioning Engineer

Tilbury Douglas; Exeter; On-site; GBP 20,000 - 25,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading construction company in the UK is seeking a Graduate Commissioning Engineer for a summer placement in Exeter. This role involves supporting commissioning activities on various projects, gaining hands-on experience and skills critical for engineering careers. Successful candidates will be those pursuing related degrees and eager to learn within a collaborative team environment.

Benefits

Mentoring from experienced engineers

Competitive salary

20 days annual leave plus bank holidays

Two days volunteering opportunities

Opportunities to work on diverse projects

Inclusive culture

Qualifications

• Working towards a degree (2:1 or above).
• Full UK driving licence (or working towards).
• Previous placement or site experience (desirable).

Responsibilities

• Support in planning and execution of commissioning activities.
• Test and verify mechanical and electrical systems.
• Build relationships with project managers and site supervisors.

Skills

Problem-solving skills

Good written and verbal communication

Collaborative mindset

Education

Degree in Mechanical Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Building Services Engineering

Job description

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 Commissioning Engineer – Summer Placement, you’ll play a key role in learning how; building systems are installed, tested, and commissioned to perform effectively and efficiently, meeting client requirements.

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 sites in the region maybe required as part of your development.

What you’ll be doing

As a Graduate Commissioning Engineer – Summer Placement, you’ll develop your skills and gain the experience you need to support with your ongoing studies.

No two days are the same and with the support of experienced colleagues, you’ll:

• Support in the planning, scheduling and execution of commissioning activities on construction projects
• Support in testing and verifying mechanical and electrical building services systems
• Be alongside site teams, subcontractors and suppliers to ensure systems are commissioned to specification
• Help support the development of commissioning plans, method statements and handover documentation
• Contribute to observations of system inspections, performance validation and troubleshooting issues
• Gain supported exposure to HVAC, electrical, controls, plumbing and specialist building systems
• Support in producing progress reports, test certificates and client handover packs
• Start to build strong relationships with project managers, engineers, site supervisors and clients

Why this role?

This isn’t just about technical checks – it’s about ensuring buildings perform to their full potential. You’ll be supported to develop the technical, problem-solving and people skills to become a trusted professional.

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 Mechanical Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Building Services Engineering, or a related discipline (2:1 or above)
• A full UK driving licence (or working towards by the time you start)
• Strong problem-solving skills with a practical and logical approach
• Good written and verbal communication, able to engage with a wide range of people
• A collaborative mindset, with enthusiasm to learn and take on responsibility
• Previous placement, site or laboratory experience (desirable but not essential)

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.