Job Description

We're looking for a Mechanical Engineering Student to join our Natural Resources, Nuclear and Networks team based in Falmer for a Summer Placement. You will be working on our Sewage/Water Treatment Plant project which is a part of Southern Water.



Our Natural Resources, Nuclear and Networks division provide design, build and maintenance solutions to protect the UK's essential services and assets. Working across the water, nuclear and other decarbonised energy, environmental and waterways sectors, we provide sustainable and safe solutions for our clients and customers whilst protecting and restoring natural habitats



https://www.kier.co.uk/who-we-are/our-business-divisions/



This is a fantastic opportunity to join a leading construction and infrastructure services company on our placement programme. These programmes have been designed to provide you with the experiences and tools needed for progression within your chosen career.

Location:

Falmer, Brighton

Starting Salary:

26,208 per annum

Pathway:

8 Weeks- 40hrs per week

Starting date:

July 2026

We are unable to offer certificates of sponsorship to any candidates in this role.

What will you be responsible for?

As a Summer Placement Mechanical Engineer, you'll be working within the Water team assisting in the design, development, and implementation of mechanical systems. This role offers a fantastic opportunity to gain hands-on experience, receive mentorship from experienced professionals, and develop a strong foundation in quantity surveying.

What

will your day-to-day duties include?

Assisting in the design and development of mechanical systems for projects. Supporting the preparation of detailed drawings, specifications, and reports. Conducting site visits to monitor progress and ensure compliance with design specifications, safety standards, and quality requirements. Ensuring compliance with all relevant regulations, standards, and company policies.

How does a placement work?

Kier is committed to encouraging talent and providing opportunities for growth and development.



When you join, you will be enrolled onto our summer placement scheme. The programme will take 8 weeks to complete and has been designed to immerse yourself in the world of construction, you'll get to see your learnings in real world situations and gain practical experiences to support the rest of your degree.

Benefits for you:

Practical experience

: gain valuable hands-on experience in your field.

Skill improvement

: develop technical and professional skills.

Networking

: build professional relationships and expand your network.

Career insight

: gain insights into your chosen industry and potential career paths.

Employment opportunities

: increase your chances of securing a further placement, or graduate opportunity, at Kier or elsewhere.

What are we looking for?

We're on the lookout for students undertaking a degree in Mechanical Engineering or a related field, who can join us on an 8-week placement across July - August.

You must be returning to university upon completion of your placement

.

The role of Summer Placement Mechanical Engineer is great for you if you have:

Excellent numerical and analytical skills. Good communication skills written and verbal Ability to work well both independently and collaboratively as part of a team Ideally hold a full driving licence

Diversity and inclusion

Making Kier a diverse and inclusive place to work is a high priority for us. We're proud of the steps we've taken so far, but we know we must always do more. Our employees are key in shaping Kier's diversity and inclusion initiatives, and our people have made a huge impact on how we work, by using their experiences to shape our policies. You can see our D&I action plan here.



As a Disability Confident employer, we will ensure that a fair and proportionate number of disabled applicants that meet the minimum criteria for this role will be offered an interview.





We look forward to seeing your application to #joinkier

Recruitment timeline

October 2025: Initial applications



November 2025: Application reviews



January 2026 onwards: Interviews