Summer Placement - Water Engineering

Pell Frischmann; Exeter; On-site; GBP 60,000 - 80,000; Part time

Job summary

A leading engineering consultancy in the UK is seeking an enthusiastic Summer Placement Student in Civil Engineering based in Exeter. This role offers a unique opportunity to gain practical experience in civil engineering design within a supportive environment, focusing on wastewater treatment projects. Ideal candidates are undergraduates pursuing Civil Engineering or a related field, with strong attention to detail and a willingness to learn. Competitive salary and benefits included.

Benefits

Competitive salary

Personal and professional development

Supportive working environment

Qualifications

• You should be an undergraduate studying Civil Engineering or a related discipline.
• Show an interest in wastewater treatment and non-infrastructure projects.
• Possess strong attention to detail and willingness to learn.

Responsibilities

• Assist with civil engineering design for wastewater treatment assets.
• Support the production of drawings using CAD software.
• Assist with design calculations for tanks, structures, drainage, and foundations.
• Support the preparation of technical reports and design documentation.
• Work collaboratively with process, mechanical, and electrical engineers.

Skills

Attention to detail

Communication skills

Teamwork

Basic CAD knowledge

Microsoft Office

Education

Undergraduate in Civil Engineering or related discipline

Tools

CAD software

Job description

About Pell Frischmann

Pell Frischmann is a specialist advisory and technical consultancy operating across the built and natural environment, helping to shape a better future for the communities in which we work. We offer consultancy services, with access to specialist sister companies and partners, to support both public and private‑sector clients. We work across sectors encompassing buildings, infrastructure, and regeneration.

Originally formed in 1926, we have a unique heritage in delivering client‑focused solutions that deliver value through our commercial awareness, sustainable aspirations, and innovative approach. Our distinctive future is defined by our ownership; Pell Frischmann is a part of RSBG SE, the patient capital investment arm of RAG‑Stiftung. RAG‑Stiftung is a foundation with the long‑term public purpose to deal with the environmental and social commitments resulting from the closing of Germany’s coal mining industry. RSBG SE’s mission is to generate sustainable funds for the foundation; so, our work directly contributes to the challenge of fighting global pollution and climate change.

Summer Placement – Civil Engineering (Non‑Infrastructure Wastewater)

Exeter And Croydon | 6‑10 week Placement

We are looking for a motivated undergraduate to join our Non‑Infrastructure Wastewater team for a 6‑10 week summer placement. This role offers an excellent opportunity to gain hands‑on civil engineering design experience within a consultancy environment, supporting the delivery of wastewater treatment and process‑based assets.

You will work as part of a multidisciplinary team delivering non‑infra wastewater projects such as treatment works upgrades, process plant improvements, tanks, structures, drainage, and associated civil works.

The team works collaboratively across the UK and this role would be based in our Croydon office. You will have the opportunity to work on many key projects in the Water sector. One of our recent successes was the upgrade of the Arley Sewage Treatment Works to comply with stringent water quality targets under the Water Framework Directive. Please follow the link to find out more and explore other exciting projects you could be working on!

About The Role

As a Summer Placement Student, you will support civil engineering design activities across feasibility, outline, and detailed design stages. Under the guidance of experienced engineers, you will contribute to technical designs, calculations, drawings, and project documentation.

Key Responsibilities

• Assisting with civil engineering design for wastewater treatment assets
• Supporting the production of drawings using CAD software
• Assisting with design calculations for tanks, structures, drainage, and foundations
• Supporting the preparation of technical reports and design documentation
• Working collaboratively with process, mechanical, and electrical engineers
• Gaining exposure to industry standards, health & safety, and design risk management

What We’re Looking For

• An undergraduate studying Civil Engineering or a related discipline
• Interest in wastewater treatment and non‑infrastructure projects
• Strong attention to detail and willingness to learn
• Basic knowledge of CAD and Microsoft Office
• Good communication and teamwork skills

Why Pell Frischmann?

We are one of the UK's most influential and highly respected firms of infrastructure and built environment professionals. We provide a collaborative and supportive working environment, where you’ll have the freedom and flexibility to create your own pathway and make a real impact within the business and in the communities in which you will operate.

We’ll support your ongoing personal and professional development as your career progresses, allowing you to reach your full potential. We are committed to providing equal opportunities for all, welcoming applications from all backgrounds and are delighted to be a part of the government's Disability Confident Scheme. We're happy to talk about flexible working and are committed to promoting the wellbeing of all our employees.

In addition, you’ll receive a competitive salary and other excellent benefits you can find on the link below!

Pell Frischmann Benefits

Application Process

To apply for this role, please click “Apply for this job” below to complete our short application form and upload a copy of your CV. Please remove any personal details such as your home address and date of birth from your CV.

As part of the application process, you will be asked to complete a diversity monitoring form. We are committed to recruiting, retaining and developing a workforce that reflects at all grades the diverse communities that we serve. By completing this form, you will help us to monitor and analyse diversity information so that we can ensure that our recruitment processes are fair and identify opportunities to improve them. Any information provided on this form will be treated as strictly confidential and will not be seen by those involved in the selection process.