2026 UK Graduate Mechanical Engineering 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 ready to launch your career in a place where your ideas are valued, your growth is championed, and your work truly makes a difference? Join us as a Graduate Mechanical Engineer and help design, innovate, and deliver solutions that drive progress, improve lives, and create a more sustainable world.  

What you'll do:

• Innovate & Collaborate: Work alongside experienced engineers to design, develop, and implement mechanical systems and solutions across a diverse range of projects. 

• Grow & Achieve: Access structured training, mentorship, and clear pathways for professional development—including support towards chartership and specialist skills. Your achievements will be recognised and celebrated. 

• Make an Impact: Contribute to projects that advance technology, improve efficiency, and support sustainable development, making a tangible difference to society and the environment. 

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 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.    

Tunnel Systems - Croydon, London 

In our Tunnel Systems team based in Croydon you could be working on a challenging range of aspects of the systems which bring a tunnel to life – 1D and CFD numerical simulations of ventilation performance, developing new concept designs into detailed equipment layouts and system operating strategies through 3D CAD modelling, designing the electrical power supply systems and mechanical services, and turning fundamental fire safety principles into safe operating conditions for all users – and all for a wide range of road, rail and metro tunnels and underground structures. Around this we seek to exploit new technology and sustainable systems to support our clients. As your career develops you could work not only in our design office but also work on site at different stages, both in the UK and abroad, supporting both the regular inspection and management of current tunnel projects as well as the testing and commissioning of new tunnel projects. You will also work closely with other disciplines within Mott MacDonald to ensure we deliver completely integrated structures and systems, which will help you grow your career as a broadly proficient engineer within our Railways division. 

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:  

• Mechanical engineering   
• Aerospace 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.