2026 UK Graduate Civil Aviation 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

Our aviation team consists of 70 planners, engineers and analysts with over 20 different nationalities, working together to deliver world-class airport consultancy services to our clients. We provide planning, engineering and analytical services for all sizes of airports, ranging from small regional to some of the biggest and best airports in the world, including London Heathrow, Hong Kong International Airport, Singapore Changi and New York JFK. As one of the world's most experienced aviation consultancies, our client portfolio includes airports, governments, civil aviation authorities, airport companies, equity investors and providers of debt finance; so there really is no better place to start your career.  

We have provided project finance, business planning and transaction advice for $75bn worth of airport assets in over 100 countries. Globally recognised as a key player in the industry, our work was awarded with the 2018 Infrastructure Journal Global Awards for Best Airport Deal in North America for Wade International Airport in Bermuda, the Best Airport Deal in Europe for the 14 Greek Regional Airports and Best Airport Deal in Africa for Antananarivo and Nosy Be Airports in Madagascar.  

What You’ll Do:

• Innovate & Inspire: Collaborate with experts to deliver projects that enhance airport infrastructure, improve passenger experience, and advance sustainable aviation. 

• Grow & Achieve: Benefit from structured training, mentorship, and clear pathways for professional development—your growth is our priority. 

• Make an Impact: Contribute to projects that support global connectivity, economic growth, and environmental stewardship. 

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 what work you could do within each role. 

Airfield Engineer (Masters Essential) – Croydon 

You will support our team of Civil and Electrical engineers in their development of airfield designs for airports, helipads and vertiports in the UK and around the world.   You’ll prepare airfield pavement designs; undertake geometric and grading design of runways, taxiways, aprons, service roads; and undertake storm water drainage and water management system design for airports, heliports and vertiports.  In this team you will assist in the production of Civil 3D Design of civil works and infrastructure and generate 3D models for airfield projects.  

Airport Planner (Masters Essential) – Croydon 

As a graduate joining our airport planning team, you’ll step into a role that blends technical insight with strategic thinking, contributing to projects that shape the future of aviation infrastructure. From masterplanning through to design development and technical advisory, your work will cover all airport facilities (airfield, aprons, terminals, landside transport, utilities, and support buildings), while also working on emerging areas such as sustainable air transport, future travel experience and advanced air mobility. You’ll be involved in both spatial and strategic planning, using analytical methods and simulation tools to support decision-making.  

Working on landmark international airport projects alongside more experienced colleagues, you’ll gain practical insight into how airport planning projects are delivered globally. The role also includes supporting client and stakeholder engagement, and collaborating with other disciplines such as airfield engineering, transaction advisory, forecasting, project/asset management, and business planning. 

Aviation Analyst – (Masters Essential) Croydon

Join our Aviation Advisory and Data Analytics team as a Graduate Aviation Analyst, where you'll apply forecasting, capacity optimisation, and simulation modelling to support complex, multi-disciplinary airport projects. You'll engage with clients, contribute to high-quality reports and proposals, and help develop in-house analytical tools and benchmarking databases. The role also includes domestic and international client visits, subconsultant coordination, and delivering data-driven insights to support strategic decision-making. 

Why Join Us? 

• Purpose-Driven Work: Every day, your contributions will help shape a safer, more sustainable, and more connected world. 

• Continuous Growth: From day one, you’ll be supported to reach your full potential—professionally and personally. 

• Inclusive Culture: Be yourself and thrive in a workplace where everyone belongs and is empowered to succeed. 

• Societal Impact: Your work will help connect communities, support economic development, and drive positive change in the aviation industry. 

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 Masters’ degree (obtained no earlier than 2024) or expected to achieve one, in one of the following degree disciplines:  

Airfield Engineer  

        • Civil engineering   

Airport Planner 

• Civil engineering / aeronautical engineering/ airport planning / transport planning / architecture and/or air transport management. 

Aviation Analyst 

• Civil engineering / airport planning or management/ air transport management / economics, finance, or other aviation-related 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 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.