Graduate Civil Engineer

At Tilbury Douglas, you won’t just be starting your career – you’ll be helping to deliver projects that make a real difference to people and communities.

As a Graduate Civil Engineer, you’ll gain hands-on experience from day one, working alongside experienced engineers and construction professionals. You’ll support the planning, coordination and delivery of civil engineering activities, helping to ensure projects are completed safely, efficiently and to the highest standards of quality and sustainability.

You’ll develop your technical knowledge and practical engineering skills while seeing how designs are transformed into completed buildings and infrastructure that people and communities depend on.

This is a site-based role, with your initial project expected to be based in Exeter and the South West. As you develop, you’ll have opportunities to gain experience across a variety of projects, clients and locations within the wider Southwest Water region, helping you build broad technical experience and a strong foundation for your civil engineering career.

You’ll learn from experienced professionals, take on real responsibility and see first-hand how projects come to life – building strong foundations for your future career with Tilbury Douglas. 

What you’ll be doing

As a Graduate Civil Engineer, you’ll develop your skills across key areas of project delivery, gaining the experience you need to progress towards professional accreditation.

No two days are the same and, with the support of experienced colleagues, you’ll:

• Assist with the planning, coordination and delivery of civil engineering and construction activities.
• Support setting out, surveying and engineering control to ensure works are delivered accurately and in line with design information.
• Interpret engineering drawings, specifications and technical information, translating these into practical site activities.
• Assist with the preparation of method statements, risk assessments, inspection and test plans, and other engineering documentation.
• Monitor works to help ensure they are completed safely, efficiently and to the required quality and technical standards.
• Support quality inspections, maintain accurate engineering records and help identify and resolve technical issues.
• Work closely with site, design, commercial and supply chain teams to coordinate activities and solve engineering challenges.
• Liaise with designers, subcontractors and other project stakeholders to support effective project delivery.
• Help monitor project progress and understand how engineering activities interact with programme, cost, quality, safety and environmental requirements.
• Develop your understanding of temporary works, construction methods and buildability.
• Gain experience in modern methods of construction, sustainability and the digital tools used in engineering and project delivery.
• Build strong working relationships with project teams, clients, consultants and supply chain partners.

Why this role?

This isn’t just about calculations, drawings and setting out – it’s about using engineering to solve real problems and create the infrastructure and buildings that people and communities rely on.

You’ll see how engineering designs are transformed into completed projects, gaining practical experience of the technical decisions, coordination and problem-solving involved throughout construction.

With mentoring, structured training and support towards professional accreditation with the Institution of Civil Engineers (ICE), you’ll develop the technical expertise, problem-solving abilities and people skills to become a trusted engineering professional. You’ll be on a clear pathway towards becoming an Incorporated or Chartered Engineer.

As your experience and confidence grow, you’ll take on increasing engineering responsibility and develop the skills needed for a long-term career in civil engineering and construction.

What we’re looking for

We want to hear from people who are passionate about civil engineering and want to make a difference through the projects they help deliver. You’ll bring:

• A degree, or be expected to graduate in 2027, in Civil Engineering or a closely related discipline (2:2 or above).
• A full UK driving licence, or be working towards obtaining one by February 2027.
• Strong organisational and problem-solving skills, with a proactive approach to challenges.
• Good written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to work effectively with a range of people.
• A practical mindset, with attention to detail and quality.
• A collaborative approach, with enthusiasm to learn and take on responsibility.
• Previous site or construction-related experience is desirable but not essential.

What we offer

Start your career with a programme designed to help you learn, develop and succeed from day one.

• A structured two-year Graduate Development Programme, giving you the experience and skills to build a successful career.
• ICE Initial Professional Development support and guidance towards professional accreditation.
• Mentoring from experienced Supervising Civil Engineers and Delegated Engineers.
• A competitive salary and benefits package, including car allowance, Performance Related Pay and up to 8% matched pension contributions.
• 26 days’ annual leave plus bank holidays, with the flexibility to buy or sell additional days.
• Private medical insurance, 24/7 wellbeing support and a wide range of flexible benefits and employee discounts.
• Two volunteering days each year, giving you time to make a difference in the community.

Selection Process Timeline

• Video Interview – Shortlisted candidates will be invited to complete a video interview. Invitations will be sent between 16 November and 1 December 2026, and candidates will have one week to complete and submit their interview.
• Interview – Successful candidates will progress to a formal interview, taking place between 11 and 27 January 2027.
• Offer – Successful candidates will receive an offer by the week ending 12 February 2027.

Who we are

Tilbury Douglas is a leading UK building, infrastructure, engineering and fit-out company, delivering vital projects across a diverse range of sectors, including healthcare, education, highways, justice, defence, aviation, water and the environment.

People are at the heart of our success. We are committed to creating an inclusive culture where everyone is valued, supported and empowered to make a difference. Our values guide everything we do: Everyone has a voice, Do the right thing, Take pride in what you do, and Bring better to life.

Why Tilbury Douglas?

Tilbury Douglas offers the opportunity to work on meaningful, real-world projects while developing within a supportive and inclusive environment. The company places a strong emphasis on career development, innovation, wellbeing and practical learning, demonstrated by its Platinum membership of the 5% Club and recognition of Early Careers employees through national industry awards.

Start your career where it matters – building a better future together.