2026 UK Graduate Systems 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

The key to a successful economy is the development of safe and efficient transport networks. Systems Engineers play an important role in providing design assurance for our transport systems, through enhancing the safety and reliability systems. 

What You’ll Do:

• Innovate & Collaborate: Work alongside experienced engineers to design, develop, and deliver integrated systems across diverse projects—bridging disciplines and connecting people. 

• 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 improve efficiency, enhance safety, and support sustainable development, making a tangible difference to society and the environment. 

Our team of systems engineers are dedicated to addressing every aspect of complex systems development. We apply the principles of systems thinking to design, integrate, and assure complex railway systems throughout their entire lifecycle. Collaborating closely with our seasoned experts, you will play a vital role in delivering systems engineering and assurance solutions to transport infrastructure owners and design and construction companies, not only in the UK but also across the globe. This is your chance to make a meaningful impact in a dynamic and evolving industry. 

Our team offers a range of essential services, such as requirements management, system architecture development, systems integration, design assurance, verification, and validation, as well as expertise in reliability, availability, and maintainability (RAM) and engineering safety management (ESM). 

Our primary domain is in the Transport sector, solving real-world problems for clients that manage transport networks and own all forms of transport assets – rail, road, and aviation. We also provide technical input across multiple domains for projects across Mott MacDonald meaning we play our part in maintaining Mott MacDonald’s objective of applying technical excellence and innovation to deliver projects that transform our clients’ businesses, our communities and employee opportunities. 

As part of your application, we will ask you to select your preferred opportunity based on the sector 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. 

As a Graduate Systems Engineer, you'll be involved in exciting UK rail projects, ranging from station upgrades to major national railway developments. Some of our ongoing projects includes Chippenham and Okehampton Stations, East West Rail, High Speed 2, Lower Thames Crossing, NEOM, Changi Airport, various Network Rail and Transport for London projects. You'll also get the chance to contribute to some of these projects as well as others in countries like Australia, Canada, Ireland, Saudi Arabia, and the United States. It's a dynamic role that offers a diverse range of opportunities. 

We have roles available in Croydon, London, and Glasgow. 

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: 

• Systems engineering 

• Mechanical engineering 

• Electrical engineering 

• Aerospace/aeronautical engineering 

• Chemical 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.