2027 Ireland Graduate Mechanical Engineer Career Path - Water

Mott MacDonald; Cork; Hybrid; EUR 28,000 - 38,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Biannual salary reviews

Flexible working

Pension matched up to 7%

Job summary

Mott MacDonald is offering a graduate mechanical engineering position in the Water division, focused on designing across the water cycle from abstraction to distribution. You will work on high-profile projects, supported by mentoring and a three-year early careers programme.

The role emphasizes collaboration with multidisciplinary teams, professional development, and a commitment to sustainability and public health.

Qualifications

• Curious, motivated graduates who want to make a real difference.
• Strong initiative and ability to work independently.
• Clear communication with clients and colleagues.
• Structured, analytical approach to solving problems.

Responsibilities

• Design with purpose: contribute to mechanical designs across the full water cycle potable water systems, wastewater treatment, and more.
• Innovate and collaborate: work with multidisciplinary teams to deliver sustainable solutions.
• Learn and grow: gain exposure to cutting-edge technologies and training.
• Make an impact: help deliver projects that protect ecosystems and communities.

Skills

Initiative

Communication

Attention to detail

Analytical thinking

Education

Mechanical Engineering

Job description

Start your career with a global, employee-owned consultancy where your work can make a real difference. At Mott MacDonald, you'll work alongside experts, contribute to meaningful projects, and have the support, learning opportunities, and experience needed to grow your career from day one.

Job Description

Engineer the Future of Water. Empower Communities. Protect the Planet.

At Mott MacDonald, we’re not just building infrastructure we’re shaping the systems that deliver clean water, protect public health, and support sustainable living. As a Graduate Mechanical Engineer in our Water Division, you’ll be part of a team that’s transforming the entire water cycle from abstraction and treatment to distribution and disposal.

You’ll work on high-profile, innovative projects, including advanced resilience schemes at some of the largest wastewater treatment works in the UK, helping protect the River Thames and surrounding communities from pollution and flooding. This is your opportunity to contribute to meaningful change, supported by a culture that values your growth, wellbeing, and ideas.

What You’ll Be Doing

• Design with purpose: Contribute to mechanical designs across the full water cycle potable water systems, wastewater treatment, and more.
• Innovate and collaborate: Work alongside multidisciplinary teams to deliver sustainable, forward-thinking solutions for complex challenges.
• Learn and grow: Gain exposure to cutting-edge technologies and engineering practices, supported by mentoring and training.
• Make an impact: Help deliver projects that improve lives, protect ecosystems, and respond to the climate emergency.

Candidate Specification

At Mott MacDonald, we’re looking for curious, motivated graduates who want to make a real difference. Join our purpose-driven teams where your ideas matter, your growth is supported, and your work enhances the world we live in.

To be eligible for this opportunity, you will haveless than 12 months’ relevant experience (excluding placements) and have a masters degree (obtainedno earlier than 2025) or expected to achieve one of the following degree disciplines:

• Mechanical Engineering

In your application, you should aim to demonstrate your genuine interest in both the opportunity and in joining Mott MacDonald. You can do this by highlighting any relevant experience or interests - such as modules you've studied, previous work experience, or any research you've undertaken about our company, values, and projects.

We are looking for graduates with the following strengths

• Proactively takes initiative to complete tasks efficiently and independently.
• Communicates effectively and clearly with clients and colleagues.
• Delivers high quality written work with strong attention to detail and clarity.
• Demonstrates a structured and analytical approach to problem solving.

AI Usage

At Mott MacDonald, we see the value AI can bring, but we take a people-first approach to hiring. While AI tools can help candidates prepare and build confidence, every application and hiring decision is reviewed by our recruitment and hiring teams. We encourage the responsible use of AI while ensuring we get to know the real person behind the application.

Accessibility

We want you to feel supported and able to perform at your best throughout our recruitment process. If there is anything we can do to make applying or interviewing with us more accessible, please contact us at [e-mail] and we'll be happy to discuss how we can help.

About Your Development

A graduate position should be more than just a job. We know this and so do you. That’s why with our graduate roles we aim to give you the experience and technical knowledge you need to progress your career. From the moment you join us, you’ll receive the training you need. You will be assigned a mentor, who will guide you to meet the objectives of your professional training needs. You will join our three-year early careers soft skills development programme – Accelerating your Future, which is designed to give you the skills and tools necessary for a long-lasting successful career here at Mott MacDonald.

Our Social Side

Being part of Mott MacDonald means more than just work; there’s a huge range of fun and exciting things that you can get involved in.

From the moment you join us, you’ll have the opportunity to expand your social and professional network, whether it’s meeting other graduates or joining forces with other members of staff from around the company at our annual sports day. Each of our offices have a sports and social committee which will give you the chance to be part of a variety of sports, social and charity events. We’re committed to promoting a strong culture of social responsibility and encourage our staff to play active roles in the local community.

It's worth noting that sports and social committees tend to vary from office to office, so as well as getting involved in what’s already on offer, don’t be afraid to suggest new events or initiatives that you think could be a great addition. It doesn’t stop there. From your first day, you’ll have access to Perks at Work, giving you discounts on cinema tickets, travel, utilities and much more, helping you make the most of our employee benefits.

Agile Working

At Mott MacDonald, we believe it makes business sense for you and your manager to choose how you can work most effectively to meet your client, team, and personal commitments. We offer a hybrid working policy that embraces your well-being, flexibility, and trust.

Equality, diversity, and inclusion

We put equality, diversity, and inclusion at the heart of our business, seeking to promote fair employment procedures and practices to ensure equal opportunities for all. We encourage individual expression in our workplace and are committed to creating an inclusive environment where everyone feels they can contribute.

Benefits

• Biannual salary reviews: We believe hard work should be recognised and rewarded. To support your development and progression, you'll be eligible for salary reviews twice a year during your first three years with us, subject to successfully completing your probation period.
• Flexible working
• Pension matched up to 7% of base salary
• Competitive annual leave
• An annual professional institution subscription
• Life insurance
• Income continuance
• Enhanced Paternity leave
• Annual company performance bonus scheme – Subject to company performance
• Cycle to work scheme
• Travel TaxSaver tickets
• Commitment to Continuing Professional Development – we are accredited by Engineers Ireland
• A broad range of opportunities to enhance both technical and soft skills through mentoring, formal training, and self-development options.

Networks, communities, and social outcomes

• Join a wide range of groups including our Advanced Employee Networks which support our LGBTQ+, gender, race and ethnicity, disability, and parents/carers communities.
• Make a difference within our communities through our social outcomes.

Location(s)

Dublin, IE

Cork, IE

Contract Type

Permanent

Work Pattern

Full Time

Market

Water

Discipline

Mechanical

Job Ref

17294