2026 UK Graduate Maritime Career Path: Transport

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 opportunity, we also recommend that you apply as soon as possible as we will close when the position has been filled. 

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

Job Description

Are you passionate about making a real difference for people and the planet? Join us as a Graduate Coastal Engineer or Coastal Scientist and help create resilient coastlines, restore natural habitats, and safeguard communities for generations to come.  

What You’ll Do:

• Innovate & Collaborate: Work alongside leading experts to design, model, and deliver projects that protect coastlines, enhance biodiversity, and address climate change. 

• Grow & Achieve: Access structured training, mentorship, and clear pathways for professional development—your growth and achievements will be celebrated every step of the way. 

• Make an Impact: Contribute to projects that reduce flood risk, restore ecosystems, and support sustainable development, making a tangible difference to society and the environment. 

It’s an exciting time for our Ports, Coastal and Offshore team with major project success and workload growth. As part of your role you will join our experts in developing ports, coastal and offshore projects. Alongside this you will have the opportunity to develop your skills in project management, business development and driving sustainability in the marine environment.  

We are especially looking for someone with great team spirit to become an integral part of our Ports, Coastal and Offshore team which brings together a wealth of knowledge and experience in coastal processes (including numerical modelling), strategic planning, feasibility and business case preparation, climate resilience, engineering design and construction supervision. 

We are pioneering the use of digital, carbon and positive social outcomes to provide clients with optimum solutions. Our team works across the globe and is currently working in locations such as The Caribbean, US, Senegal, Canada, Belize and Australia, as well as the UK and Europe.  

As part of your application, we will ask you to select your preferred opportunity based on the role and location.  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 have lived in the UK for five years or more.   

Below you’ll find more information on both the Coastal Scientist and Coastal Engineer roles.

Coastal Scientist – Bristol, Croydon, Liverpool, Newcastle, and Southampton 

As a coastal scientist you will be involved in a wide range of technical work including: 

• Coastal numerical modelling and metocean studies 

• Coastal erosion and flood risk feasibility studies 

• Options studies/business case preparation to secure funding opportunities for schemes 

• Climate risk and vulnerability assessment 

• Stakeholder engagement  

• Mapping and feasibility of offshore cables and windfarms 

• Marine nature-based solutions 

Coastal Engineer – Bristol, Croydon, Liverpool, Newcastle, and Southampton 

As a coastal engineer you will be involved in a wide range of technical work including: 

• Coastal adaptation plans and strategies 

• Options studies/business case preparation to secure funding opportunities for schemes 

• Outline and detailed design of coastal and flood structures 

• Climate risk and vulnerability assessment 

• Stakeholder engagement  

• Mapping and feasibility of offshore cables and windfarms 

• Marine nature-based solutions 

Why You’ll Thrive Here:

We’re proud of our award-winning reputation and the trust our clients place in us. But what truly sets us apart is our culture - one that celebrates collaboration, values diversity, and prioritises wellbeing. 

Here’s what you can expect: 

• Growth & Development: From mentorship to technical training, we invest in your personal and professional journey. 

• Inclusive Culture: We welcome diverse perspectives and foster an environment where everyone feels seen, heard, and valued. 

• Team Spirit: You’ll be part of a supportive, caring team that works together to solve complex challenges and celebrate shared successes. 

• Purpose & Impact: Your work will contribute to safer hospitals, transport hubs, military installations, and more - projects that matter to society. 

• Integrity & Trust: We uphold the highest standards of ethics and transparency in everything we do. 

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 have less than 12 months’ relevant experience (excluding placements) and have a minimum of a bachelor’s degree (obtained no earlier than 2024) or expected to achieve one, in one of the following degree disciplines:  

Coastal Scientist 

• Coastal science  

• Oceanography  

Coastal Engineer 

• Civil engineering  
• Coastal 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 personally review every completed application we receive as our selection process is entirely human led – we do not use AI tools 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. 

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 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 the 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. 

Accelerating your Future – our early careers development programme

Mott Macdonald will support the development of technical and practical skills like presentation and report writing skills, and data analysis, alongside your personal development. 

Additionally, 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.