2027 UK Graduate Hydraulic Engineer Career Path - Water

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.

Application process

• Online strengths-based assessment
• Application form

CVs and cover letters are not required as part of the application process. Candidates will be assessed through a single-stage strengths-based interview.

Start your career with a global, employee-owned consultancy where your work can make a real difference. At Mott MacDonald, you'll work alongside experts, contribute to meaningful projects, and have the support, learning opportunities, and experience needed to grow your career from day one.

Job Description

This role will present you with a fantastic opportunity to develop your technical and project management skills through your project work, with great prospects for career progression as the business continues to grow.   

 
Working on a number of water frameworks across the UK and internationally, you’ll work alongside our senior and principal modellers as part of our UK-wide modelling team. Your network modelling work will include model build (1D and 2D models), model calibration, verification, foul water flooding assessment or clean water network resilience planning, and mitigation solution optioneering. Your daily work will involve working with industry standard hydraulic modelling software as well as GIS and coding. You will also be responsible for producing reports and presenting to clients. 

 
You can see examples of our work and find out more about the discipline here on our website: 

Wastewater networks - Mott MacDonald

Clean water networks - Mott MacDonald

Graduate Hydraulic Engineer

Design Networks. Manage Water. Deliver Solutions.

Plays a key role in helping to shape the future of water and wastewater infrastructure. Working on projects across the UK and internationally, you will contribute to the planning, design and improvement of water supply, wastewater and drainage networks that support communities and protect the environment. You will collaborate with multidisciplinary teams to develop innovative and sustainable solutions that address challenges such as climate change, population growth, flooding and ageing infrastructure.

What you'll be doing:

• Supporting the development and delivery of water, wastewater and drainage projects that improve network performance and resilience.
• Analysing data and technical information to identify challenges, evaluate solutions and inform decision-making.
• Collaborating with multidisciplinary teams to help design and improve water supply, wastewater and drainage infrastructure.
• Contributing to projects that address flooding, environmental protection, river and coastal water quality, and sustainable water management.
• Developing technical knowledge and gaining experience with industry-leading tools, digital technologies and engineering approaches used across the water sector.
• Producing technical reports, presenting findings and supporting engagement with clients and project stakeholders.

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 masters degree (obtained no earlier than 2025) or expected to achieve one of the following degree disciplines:  

•    Geography 
•    Hydrology and Water Management 
•    Water and Environmental Engineering 
•    Environmental Science 
•    Civil Engineering 
•    Mathematics

For some of our opportunities, a master’s degree is essential – this is reflected in the list of opportunities in the application form

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 ask 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: 

•    Methodical approach to problem solving.

•    Ability to use your initiative to undertake tasks efficiently and independently.

•    Excellent verbal communication skills, which allow you to confidently liaise with clients and team members.

•    Excellent written communication and attention to detail.

UK Immigration

AI Usage

At Mott MacDonald, we see the value AI can bring, but we take a people-first approach to hiring. While AI tools can help candidates prepare and build confidence, every application and hiring decision is reviewed by our recruitment and hiring teams. We encourage the responsible use of AI while ensuring we get to know the real person behind the application.

Accessibility

We want you to feel supported and able to perform at your best throughout our recruitment process. If there is anything we can do to make applying or interviewing with us more accessible, please contact us at reasonable.adjustments@mottmac.com and we'll be happy to discuss how we can help.

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. 

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. From your first day, you’ll have access to Perks at Work, giving you discounts on cinema tickets, travel, utilities and much more, helping you make the most of our employee benefits.   

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 offer a hybrid working policy that embraces your well-being, flexibility, and trust.

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 can contribute.

We offer some fantastic benefits including:

Financial wellbeing

• Biannual salary reviews: We believe hard work should be recognised and rewarded. To support your development and progression, you'll be eligible for salary reviews twice a year during your first three years with us, subject to successfully completing your probation period.
• We match employee pension contributions between 4.5% and 7%.
• Life assurance equal up to 4 x your basic salary, with an option to increase the level of cover to 6 x your salary.
• Our income protection scheme provides a financial benefit, as well as absence and return to work support due to long-term illness or injury.
• Flexible benefits, including increased life assurance cover, critical illness insurance, payroll saving and will writing.
• As an independently owned business we share the financial success of the business with all our colleagues in various ways including annual bonus schemes.

Employee Ownership

• Our employee ownership model means no external investors, just us, creating a culture of shared success.
• Our employees have a stake and a voice in our business, giving them a direct connection to our success through our personal and group performance bonuses.
• As your career grows, so does your stake, recognising your long-term impact and contribution.
• Your voice matters, with the opportunity to connect directly with senior leadership through formal channels to help shape our future.
• For our senior roles you will have a direct pathway towards ownership from day one.

Health and wellbeing

• Private medical insurance for all UK colleagues.
• Health cash plan to support you with every day health costs and treatments.
• Access to Peppy, providing free support from menopause experts for all UK colleagues.
• A variety of wellbeing support is available through our comprehensive wellbeing program, including access for you and your family.
• Ability to flex your salary to opt into a wide range of health benefits, many of which can be extended to your family too.

Lifestyle

• 33 days holiday each year, inclusive of public holidays and dependent on level, with the ability to buy or sell leave through our flexible benefits programme.
• 10 days additional paid leave for Armed Forces Reservists and Cadet Force Adult Volunteers.
• Holiday entitlement increased to a minimum of 35 days after 5 years’ service.
• Variety of employee saving schemes and discounts from high-street retailers.

 Enhanced family and carers leave

• Enhanced family leave policies, including 26 weeks paid maternity and adoption leave, and two weeks paid paternity/partner leave.
• Our shared parental leave matches maternity leave meaning we pay up to 24 weeks at full pay.
• Up to five additional days leave are provided for those with significant caring responsibilities, two of which are paid.
• We offer policies and dedicated support to help military families balance service life with career and wellbeing.

Learning and development

• Primary annual professional institution subscription.
• A broad range of opportunities to enhance both technical and soft skills through mentoring, formal training, and self-development options.

Networks, communities, and social outcomes

• Join a wide range of groups including our Advanced Employee Networks which support our LGBTQ+, gender, race and ethnicity, disability, and parents/carers communities.
• We are proud signatories of the Armed Forces Covenant and Gold Award holders in the MOD Employer Recognition Scheme, supported by our dedicated internal Armed Forces Network.
• Make a difference within our communities through our social outcomes.