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

Upload CV and cover letter, detailing motivations and suitability for the opportunity.
Online strengths-based assessment

This opportunity uses a single-stage strengths-based interview as part of the selection process.

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

Engineer the Future of Water. Empower Communities. Protect the Planet.

At Mott MacDonald, we’re not just building infrastructure we’re shaping the systems that deliver clean water, protect public health, and support sustainable living. As a Graduate Mechanical Engineer in our Water Division, you’ll be part of a team that’s transforming the entire water cycle from abstraction and treatment to distribution and disposal.

You’ll work on high-profile, innovative projects, including advanced resilience schemes at some of the largest wastewater treatment works in the UK, helping protect the River Thames and surrounding communities from pollution and flooding. This is your opportunity to contribute to meaningful change, supported by a culture that values your growth, wellbeing, and ideas.

What You’ll Be Doing

Design with purpose: Contribute to mechanical designs across the full water cycle potable water systems, wastewater treatment, and more.

Innovate and collaborate: Work alongside multidisciplinary teams to deliver sustainable, forward-thinking solutions for complex challenges.

Learn and grow: Gain exposure to cutting-edge technologies and engineering practices, supported by mentoring and training.

Make an impact: Help deliver projects that improve lives, protect ecosystems, and respond to the climate emergency.

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: 

Mechanical 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 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:

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.

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:

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.
Flexible working
Pension matched up to 7% of base salary
Competitive annual leave
An annual professional institution subscription
Life insurance
Income continuance
Enhanced Paternity leave
Annual company performance bonus scheme – Subject to company performance
Cycle to work scheme
Travel TaxSaver tickets
Commitment to Continuing Professional Development – we are accredited by Engineers Ireland
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.
Make a difference within our communities through our social outcomes.

2027 Ireland Graduate Mechanical Engineer Career Path - Water

Benefits

Job Description