2026 UK Graduate Systems Engineering Career Path: Transport

The key to a successful economy is the development of safe and efficient transport networks. Systems Engineers play an important role in providing design assurance for our transport systems, through enhancing the safety and reliability systems.

What You’ll Do:

• Innovate & Collaborate: Work alongside experienced engineers to design, develop, and deliver integrated systems across diverse projects—bridging disciplines and connecting people.

• Grow & Achieve: Access structured training, mentorship, and clear pathways for professional development—including support towards chartership and specialist skills. Your achievements will be recognised and celebrated.

• Make an Impact: Contribute to projects that improve efficiency, enhance safety, and support sustainable development, making a tangible difference to society and the environment.

Our team of systems engineers are dedicated to addressing every aspect of complex systems development. We apply the principles of systems thinking to design, integrate, and assure complex railway systems throughout their entire lifecycle. Collaborating closely with our seasoned experts, you will play a vital role in delivering systems engineering and assurance solutions to transport infrastructure owners and design and construction companies, not only in the UK but also across the globe. This is your chance to make a meaningful impact in a dynamic and evolving industry.

Our team offers a range of essential services, such as requirements management, system architecture development, systems integration, design assurance, verification, and validation, as well as expertise in reliability, availability, and maintainability (RAM) and engineering safety management (ESM).

Our primary domain is in the Transport sector, solving real-world problems for clients that manage transport networks and own all forms of transport assets – rail, road, and aviation. We also provide technical input across multiple domains for projects across Mott MacDonald meaning we play our part in maintaining Mott MacDonald’s objective of applying technical excellence and innovation to deliver projects that transform our clients’ businesses, our communities and employee opportunities.

As part of your application, we will ask you to select your preferred opportunity based on the sector 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.

As a Graduate Systems Engineer, you'll be involved in exciting UK rail projects, ranging from station upgrades to major national railway developments. Some of our ongoing projects includes Chippenham and Okehampton Stations, East West Rail, High Speed 2, Lower Thames Crossing, NEOM, Changi Airport, various Network Rail and Transport for London projects. You'll also get the chance to contribute to some of these projects as well as others in countries like Australia, Canada, Ireland, Saudi Arabia, and the United States. It's a progressive role that offers a diverse range of opportunities.

We have roles available in Croydon, London, and Glasgow.

Why You’ll Thrive Here:

We’re proud of our award-winning reputation and the trust our clients place in us. But what truly sets us apart is our culture - one that celebrates collaboration, values diversity, and prioritises wellbeing.

Here’s what you can expect:

• Growth & Development: From mentorship to technical training, we invest in your personal and professional journey.

• Inclusive Culture: We welcome diverse perspectives and foster an environment where everyone feels seen, heard, and valued.

• Team Spirit: You’ll be part of a supportive, caring team that works together to solve complex challenges and celebrate shared successes.

• Purpose & Impact: Your work will contribute to safer hospitals, transport hubs, military installations, and more - projects that matter to society.

• Integrity & Trust: We uphold the highest standards of ethics and transparency in everything we do.

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 some relevant experience (excluding placements) and have a minimum of a bachelor’s degree (obtained no earlier than 2024) or expected to achieve one, in one of the following degree disciplines:

• Systems engineering

• Mechanical engineering

• Electrical engineering

• Aerospace/aeronautical engineering

• Chemical 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 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 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 great 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 adaptable working.  Please ask us at interview stage about any adaptability you may need. 

Mott MacDonald Ltd. is not able to provide visa sponsorship through the UK Skilled Worker route at this time. This is due to changes made 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.

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 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 senior economist, 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.

You will have the opportunity to make a difference; learn more about our Social Outcomes and the difference we can make! 

You’re probably wondering what else is on offer. Join us, and you’ll get:

• Biannual salary reviews: we believe that hard work should be rewarded and recognised. Therefore, for the first three years of your career with us, you’ll have biannual salary reviews. 

•  A competitive salary: in addition to biannual reviews, we will ensure that you’re given a salary that matches the current industry standard. 

• Contributory pension up to 7% of your salary: we have the best people on our team, and we like to look out for them. With our support, you’ll have all the advice and options you need to be able to invest in your future. 

• An adaptable benefits scheme: our company is made up of a range of different people and we understand that different people want different things. That’s why with our adaptable plan, you’ll have the ability to manage the range of benefits we have on offer, to suit your specific needs. 

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 solid 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. As well as events, you’ll also have access to discounts on cinema tickets, travel, fashion, utilities and much more as part of our company benefits which you can take advantage of the moment you join.  

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 have the opportunity to contribute.

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 embrace agility, adaptability and trust.

More about Mott MacDonald

We’re a global engineering, management and development consultancy.

Our purpose is to improve society by considering social outcomes in everything we do, relentlessly focusing on excellence and digital innovation, transforming our clients’ businesses, our communities and employee opportunities.

A fundamental part of this is respecting each person’s differences and striving to meet their needs.

Our values: progress, respect, integrity, drive, excellence.