2026 UK Graduate Ground Engineering career path

Please note you may only submit one application for our graduate opportunities. Once submitted, changes or new applications cannot be made — unless new vacancies open in the new year.

To avoid missing out on your preferred role, we recommend applying as early as possible, as positions will close once filled.

Job Description

We manage and deliver designs for major below ground civil projects and are recognised as authoritative and innovative in ground engineering. We specialise in all aspects of foundations, geotechnics, and tunnelling, and contribute to some of the largest and most demanding structures in the world. These projects range from Crossrail in London, Thames Tideway, South East Strategic Reservoir Option (SESRO), A9 Dualling from Tomatin to Moy, Tarbela Dam, Baku Metro, Dublin Interconnector and TfL tunnels refurbishment to name a few. Our outstanding team and expertise were acknowledged with the Consulting Firm of the Year award at the Ground Engineering Awards 2024.

In this role, you will join Mott MacDonald’s Geotechnics Practice, a global network of over 600 ground engineering professionals. You will have the opportunity to learn directly from experienced geotechnical engineers and engineering geologists through online webinars, workshops, and Practice-led initiatives. Additionally, you can participate in Practice-wide training programmes and initiatives, such as the GE Awards-shortlisted Geotechnics Practice Graduate Accelerator Programme.

Areas of expertise include value management and value engineering, geotechnical advice, geotechnical information management, site investigation, rock engineering, slope engineering, coastal engineering, and environmental geotechnics. Supporting our civil design capability, we have specialist engineering geology, advanced numerical modelling, seismic and hydrogeology expertise. Work will vary but you are likely to undertake the following type of work:

• Perform soil mechanics analyses for the design of the following:

• Foundations and substructures
• Slopes and assess stability
• Earthworks
• Reinforced earth structures
• Retaining structures

• Model soil-structure interaction for retaining walls and underground structures using tools like Plaxis

• Structural analysis and design of foundations and subsurface structures

• Contribute to ground model interpretation and derivation of parameters for design and risk management

• Prepare technical reports, risk assessments and specifications

• Engage collaboratively with project managers and specialists

We have opportunities in the following locations: Sheffield 

Candidate Specification 

To be eligible for this scheme, you will have less than 12 months relevant work experience and have a degree or are expected to achieve one of the following degree disciplines:

• Structural Engineering 
• Geotechnical Engineering
• Civil Engineering

All our opportunities require a relevant bachelor’s degree as a minimum requirement, 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 demonstrate your genuine interest in both the role and Mott MacDonald by highlighting relevant experience — such as modules, work placements and your research into our values, projects, and purpose.

We personally review every completed application we receive as our selection process is entirely human led – we do not use AI tools and kindly request you not to. We want you to answer each application question with authenticity so we can get to know the real you.

Joining us a graduate is your opportunity to shape your own story.

We are looking for graduates with a genuine interest in Ground Engineering and 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.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. 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 personally review every completed application form we receive as this part of our selection process is entirely human led, we do not use AI tools at this stage and kindly expect you not to either. We want you to answer each application question with authenticity so we can get to know the real you. Joining us as a graduate is your opportunity to shape your own story 

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 cannot 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 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.  

You will have the opportunity to make a difference; learn more about Our Purpose 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