2026 Ireland Graduate Civil Engineering Career Path: Water Sector

Before making an application, please browse all graduate opportunities available as we will only 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 your preferred role, we recommend applying as early as possible, as positions will close once filled. 

Turn your ambition into action - apply now and shape your future with us.  

Job Description

Designing Resilient Infrastructure for a Sustainable Future. Join a team that’s shaping tomorrow’s water systems—today. 

At Mott MacDonald, our Water Division is a centre of excellence, tackling some of the most pressing challenges of our time: climate change, ageing infrastructure, and population growth. As a Graduate Civil Engineer, you’ll play a vital role in designing safe, sustainable water and wastewater systems that serve communities now and for generations to come. 

This is more than a graduate role—it’s an opportunity to grow, collaborate, and make a meaningful impact. You’ll be supported by a caring and inclusive team, empowered to innovate, and inspired to contribute to projects that improve lives and protect the environment. 

What You’ll Be Doing 

You’ll work alongside multidisciplinary teams of engineers, scientists, and consultants, contributing to projects that blend technical excellence with social purpose. 

Your responsibilities may include: 

• Designing Infrastructure - Contribute to the design of pipelines, water and wastewater treatment facilities across feasibility, outline, and detailed design stages. 
• Collaborative Delivery - Work with diverse teams to develop integrated, sustainable solutions that reflect the needs of communities and ecosystems. 
• Project Lifecycle Support - Be involved from planning and modelling through to construction, commissioning, and handover—gaining holistic project experience. 
• Digital Innovation - Use cutting-edge digital tools to enhance design quality, efficiency, and collaboration. 

Why This Role Matters 

• Empowering Growth - You’ll receive mentoring, structured training, and hands-on experience to build your technical and project management skills. 
• Celebrating Impact - Every project you contribute to helps deliver clean water, protect natural resources, and build resilience against climate change. 
• Inclusive Culture - We celebrate diversity and foster a culture where everyone feels valued, heard, and supported. 
• Integrity & Trust - We uphold the highest standards of professionalism and ethics, building trust with clients, communities, and each other. 
• Wellbeing First - Your wellbeing is our priority. We offer flexible working, mental health support, and a caring environment where you can thrive. 
• Purpose-Driven Work - Your engineering solutions will have real-world impact—enhancing public health, environmental sustainability, and community resilience. 

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 bachelor's degree (obtained no earlier than 2024) or expected to achieve a degree in civil engineering or similar disciplines:  

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.

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.

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. 

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