2025 UK Graduate Mechanical Engineering Career Path

Before making an application, please browse all graduate opportunities available as we will accept one application per candidate.  Once you have made an application you will not be able to make changes to your selection or make a new application.  The exception is if we open new vacancies in the new year. 

To avoid missing out on this opportunity, we recommend that you apply as soon as possible as we will close when the positions have been filled. 

Job Description

Our graduate mechanical engineers are helping to solve new challenges in smart ways.  Join these experts and you’ll be part of minimising energy use and cost, while maximising performance and reliability.  You'll have the opportunity to play a pivotal role in designing and delivering sustainable solutions. 

As part of your application, we will ask you to select your preferred opportunity based on the sector and location.  For some of our opportunties, French or Spanish language skills are desirable, this will be reflected in the list of opportunities available in our application form.  Some of our opportunities will require you to be eligible to achieve security clearance, this is shown in the selection choices.  Security clearance is dictated by the types of projects we work on and normally requires you to be a UK British national or lived in the UK for five years or more. 

We have opportunities in the following areas: 

Energy

Imagine what it would be like to be responsible for bringing sustainable energy solutions to both UK and global projects. With our experts, you’ll be doing just that. They work on large scale projects including:  

Hydropower:  Around the world, our hydropower teams have supported the development and delivery of landmark hydro projects.  This is one of the few forms of energy generation with the flexibility to meet diverse operational requirements, enhance system security and stability and integrate with other renewables. 

Thermal Generation:  In the transition to sustainable forms of energy, modern and flexible thermal generation provides reliable capacity and ensures an adequate security of supply. 

Oil & Gas:  We're helping to guide the energy transition globally and we’re playing a leading role in helping our clients deliver complex and efficient projects as the oil and gas sector experiences accelerated change and new global trends emerge.  For this team we are looking for instrumentation engineering or electrical engineering graduates. 

Nuclear:  The nuclear industry has a fundamental role to play in providing safe, sustainable, clean and carbon-free power now and in the future. Our UK Nuclear team has first-hand knowledge and expertise from working on every UK nuclear power plant to date – both in operation and under decommissioning. 

Transport

You’ll have the chance to work on rail and road developments alongside our transport team whose portfolio includes projects such as Crossrail, HS2, and the expansion of Heathrow airport. 

Rail Systems:  You’ll be learning from a team with a wealth of experience who work with transport networks including permanent way (track) design, overhead lines, signalling, telecoms, SCADA and systems engineering processes that incorporate unique and innovative technologies.   

Rolling Stock: We have a detailed understanding of rolling stock, railway operations, maintenance and depot design to support clients in delivering an optimised and robust operation. 

Tunnel Systems: We plan and design the full range of mechanical systems that enable tunnels to be constructed, operated and maintained, and concentrate on the aspects that are of particular importance to large and extended subsurface infrastructure. This includes road, rail, metro and utility tunnels and associated structures such as stations. Design work extends from early concept design through to construction design and commissioning, and monitoring and inspections during operation. We cover a wide range of systems including tunnel and station ventilation, fire suppression and drainage, and most importantly their integration into an efficient, effective and safe tunnel environment.

Water

You’ll be working in the water consultancy mechanical team, Mott MacDonald’s centre of excellence for water projects. We handle a wide range of design projects, including water treatment, distribution, wastewater recycling, desalination, irrigation, hydropower, and flood defence, covering all project phases from feasibility to handover. You’ll work on tasks like pumping station design, treatment plant design, condition assessments, hydro mechanical structures design and conducting equipment tests. You’ll collaborate closely with clients and contractors, building strong relationships to enhance our reputation and secure further work.

We have opportunties in the following locations:  Altrincham; Brighton; Bristol; Cambridge; Cardiff; Croydon; Glasgow; Inverness; Leicester; London; Manchester; Reading. 

For opportunties in our Building Services team, please search for the vacancy reference: 5042

Candidate Specification

 
We are looking for committed and motivated graduates with a genuine passion and a desire to make a difference in the world. If this describes you, apply today to launch your career at Mott MacDonald.

To be eligible for this opportunity, you will have less than 12 months relevant experience (excluding placements), and have a degree or are expected to achieve one in mechanical engineering, or a similar subject.  Please note all of our opportunities require a bachelor’s degree as a minimum, some of our opportunities will also require a master’s degree - this will be reflected in the list of opportunities available in our application form. 

In your application you should be able to demonstrate your interest in the role and working at Mott MacDonald through relevant experience, such as studying relevant modules, or previous work experience.

We are looking for graduates with the following characteristics:

• Methodical approach to problem solving.
• Ability to use your initiative to undertake tasks efficiently and independently.
• Excellent verbal communication skills, which allow you to confidently liaise with clients and team members.
• Excellent written communication and attention to detail.

As we want the best people for the role, we support flexible working.  Please ask us at interview stage about any flexibility you may need.

Mott MacDonald Ltd. are not currently offering sponsorship to candidates under the Skilled Worker visa route in the UK. This decision is as a consequence of the changes made to the Skilled Worker route by the UK Government in April 2024.  

Our ethos is to develop, train and retain our graduates and therefore we are looking for a long-term relationship with our graduates. For this reason, we are not able to accept applications from candidates who would be working under the Graduate visa route or other time-limited visas, (irrespective of visa duration), due to their temporary nature and the requirement for sponsorship under the Skilled Worker route in future. 

We continue to welcome applications from candidates who are eligible for alternative immigration routes in the UK, that do not require sponsorship as a Skilled Worker now or in future. 

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 chartered mentor, who will guide you to meet the objectives of your professional training agreement. We’ll support you on your journey to gaining chartered status with your chosen institution.

What else is involved?

You’ll be enrolled onto Accelerate Your Future, a structured three-year soft-skills development programme which develops the strengths that we know graduates need to be successful at Mott MacDonald. It also gives you the opportunity to network and meet other graduates in your cohort. The programme is a mix of residential events, classroom-based learning, virtual webinars, and sustainability and social impact challenges.

In addition to developing your soft skills, we recognise that each persons career goals vary, so when rolling off the programme we provide you with the tools and support to develop your ongoing career the way you wish to. Alongside our vast library of e-learning courses available to you, you can choose which direction you want your career to go in.

You will have the opportunity to make a difference; learn more about our Social Outcomes and the difference we can make!

You’re probably wondering what else is on offer. Join us, and you’ll get:

•    Biannual salary reviews: we believe that hard work should be rewarded and recognised. Therefore, for the first three years of your career with us, you’ll have biannual salary reviews.
•    A competitive salary: in addition to biannual reviews, we will ensure that you’re given a salary that matches the current industry standard.
•    Contributory pension up to 7% of your salary: we have the best people on our team, and we like to look out for them. With our support, you’ll have all the advice and options you need to be able to invest in your future.
•    A flexible benefits scheme: our company is made up of a range of different people and we understand that different people want different things. That’s why with our flexible plan, you’ll have the ability to manage the range of benefits we have on offer, to suit your specific needs.

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. As well as events, you’ll also have access to discounts on cinema tickets, travel, fashion, utilities and much more as part of our company benefits which you can take advantage of the moment you join. 

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 have the opportunity to contribute.

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 embrace agility, flexibility and trust.

More about Mott MacDonald
We’re a global engineering, management and development consultancy.
Our purpose is to improve society by considering social outcomes in everything we do, relentlessly focusing on excellence and digital innovation, transforming our clients’ businesses, our communities and employee opportunities.
A fundamental part of this is respecting each person’s differences and striving to meet their needs.
Our values: progress, respect, integrity, drive, excellence