Job Description

Job Category: Engineering
:
Graduate Mechanical Design Engineer 2026
Locations: Plymouth (South West) / Norwich (East)
Become a part of the UK's top-rated construction and civil engineering graduate programme. Recognised as the No.1 choice for graduates by TheJobCrowd and winner of the Environmental and Ethical Awareness category.
Our Graduate Development Programme is designed to give you a rich, hands-on experience where you will develop your technical skills, grow your network and gain professional qualifications if you want to.
Work with some of the best people in the industry in a full-time role, as you start an exciting and rewarding career where you will be enabled to add value to society.
We are proud to be a platinum member of the 5% club member based on the quality of training and development of our 'earn as you learn' opportunities
What will you be doing?
As Graduate Mechanical Design Engineer, you will:

• Assist in the design of mechanical systems for water and wastewater treatment plants
• Support the development of mechanical drawings, Pipeline and Instrumentation Drawings (P&IDs) and General Arrangement Drawings
• Perform basic hydraulic calculations
• Prepare technical specifications and data sheets for procurement of mechanical equipment in compliance with relevant Water Industry (WIMES - Water Industry Mechanical and Electrical Specifications) and Client Standards
• Attend site visits, carry out surveys, and support installation and commissioning activities.
• Attend Client meetings including HAZOP (Hazard in Operation) Studies and Buildability reviews
• Work closely with civil, electrical, and process engineers to ensure integrated design solutions.

This role is available for a September 2026 start, with the possibility of an earlier start date to suit yourself and the business.
As part of the graduate programme you will be expected to work in and around the location advertised, with the possibility for expanding travel to other projects and locations in the future. This may include staying away from home.
Who are we?
As a leading construction company, we aim to improve the UK's built environment and deliver lasting change in the communities we work in.
Our purpose is to improve lives by building facilities and infrastructure, support our team's growth, promote best practices in our supply chain, and care for the environment. At Galliford Try, we cultivate an inclusive culture where everyone can reach their full potential, emphasising health, safety and wellbeing through our 'Be Well' program, which offers gym discounts and support for various wellbeing topics.
Encouraged by our people-orientated values, we invite motivated and enthusiastic people to join us in making a meaningful difference.
What do we offer?
Our development programme lasts for two years and runs in parallel to your permanent job, covering 7 modules designed to bring out your interpersonal and leadership skills, and complement the hands-on technical experience that you will gain in your role.
If you decide to work towards professional qualifications, we will fully fund your qualification and pair you with a dedicated mentor. Our programme concludes with a celebration of you and a promotion within your role to start the next stage of your career.

• A starting salary of 29,500
• 28 days holiday excluding bank holidays, increasing with years of service, with an option of utilising our holiday purchase scheme
• Private medical insurance
• Two paid volunteering days per year
• Agile working programme
• A range of benefit schemes including: Save as You Earn share purchase scheme, Employee Assistance Programme, Enhanced maternity and paternity leave, Pension scheme, Cycle to Work scheme and discounts on your favourite brands and holidays.

What are we looking for?
We invite applications from graduates who are passionate about the industry and have achieved, or are on track to achieve a Bachelors or Masters degree in mechanical engineering (or similar) prior to September 2026.
A full UK driving licence (or currently learning, you will be expected to have obtained a Full UK Driving Licence by 7th September 2026) and the eligibility to live and work in the UK without restriction is essential for this role.
You will be:

• A collaborator: You work and communicate effectively with lots of different people at different levels, providing valuable input into key projects.
• A problem-solver: You look at potential solutions from all angles, bringing ideas and solutions to the table.
• A self-starter: Embrace ownership on your tasks and projects, you're motivated to improve and develop your own skills.
• An adapter: You have a flexible approach to work, able to adapt to new circumstances or change in plans and you can positively change direction when needed.
• An inquisitor: Being curious comes naturally to you, you ask questions to learn and understand more.

What's next?
Step 1: Apply for the role you're interested in - we can't wait to receive your application!
Step 2: Applicants who pass an initial screening stage will be invited to complete a pre-recorded video interview where you will be asked questions that allow you to showcase who you are; these will include self-awareness, curiosity and innovation, and your ability to articulate yourself well.
Step 3: The final stage of our interview process is a virtual assessment centre made up of an individual interview, dynamic group tasks and a meet the team session to answer any questions you may have about the role or team you would be joining.
While we work hard to keep you updated with your application every step of the way, due to the high volume of applications and assessment centres taking place, please be mindful that there may be a delay at some stages in the process.
Please note: the closing date for applications is 12th December 2025, please ensure you have applied before this time to be considered for the role.
Don't meet every requirement of the role?
At Galliford Try, we are committed to building a diverse, inclusive and authentic workplace, so if you're excited about this role but your past experience doesn't align perfectly with every requirement of the role, we encourage you to apply anyway. You may be just the right candidate for this or other roles.
As a Disability Confident employer, we have committed to offer an interview to any candidate with a long-term health condition or disability that meet the essential criteria for the advertised position. Please contact the Resourcing Partner listed within the job advert if you believe this applies to you. We will also take the opportunity to discuss any adjustments required for your interview.
For more information on this role or to enquire about other Early Careers positions available please contact our Early Careers team on earlycareers@gallifordtry.co.uk
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Skills Required