Graduate Civil Design Engineer

Develops civil engineering designs for major infrastructure projects, coordinating technical drawings, design documentation, project milestones, and multidisciplinary teams to deliver safe, practical, and sustainable solutions.

About the role

We are Balfour Beatty. You may not know us by name, but you’ll recognise what we do. We’re a leading international infrastructure group, building, maintaining and improving infrastructure that supports communities for generations to come.

As a Graduate Civil Design Engineer, you'll join our 2027 Early Careers programme and gain hands-on experience while contributing to some of the UK's most significant infrastructure projects. From day one, you'll take on real responsibility, develop technical and professional skills, and work alongside experienced colleagues who will support your growth. You'll also be part of a supportive graduate community, building the skills, experience and industry-recognised accreditations needed for a successful career.

In this role, you’ll join one of our Balfour Beatty Power T&D teams as a Graduate Civil Design Engineer, based in Derby.

What you'll be doing

As a Graduate Civil Design Engineer, you'll contribute to the development of engineering solutions that help shape major infrastructure projects, from roads and bridges to water and energy networks. Working alongside experienced engineers and designers, you'll apply your academic knowledge in a practical environment while developing the technical, analytical, and professional skills needed for a successful career in civil engineering design.

You'll support the production and coordination of technical drawings, models, and design information while gaining experience across the project lifecycle. Through a structured development programme, you'll build the knowledge and experience required to work towards professional accreditation and progress your engineering career.

You'll support with: 

• Coordinating design activities across bid and pre-construction phases, ensuring information is organised, aligned, and delivered in line with project requirements
• Reviewing, analysing, and contributing to design outputs, ensuring alignment with technical standards, customer requirements, and project constraints
• Supporting the development of engineering solutions that are practical, efficient, safe, and buildable
• Managing the flow of design information between multidisciplinary teams to support effective collaboration and project delivery
• Liaising with internal teams, designers, clients, and stakeholders to resolve design queries and maintain effective communication throughout the project lifecycle
• Preparing, reviewing, and maintaining design documentation, ensuring accuracy, consistency, and version control
• Tracking design progress against programme requirements and supporting delivery in line with key project milestones
• Identifying and managing risks and opportunities, including value engineering and buildability considerations
• Supporting quality assurance processes to ensure design deliverables meet expected standards
• Using digital engineering tools and technologies to support design development, coordination, and project delivery
• Building and maintaining strong professional relationships with stakeholders, clients, and project teams
• Contributing to sustainability, innovation, and continuous improvement initiatives that enhance project outcomes
• Taking ownership of your ongoing professional development, working towards chartership and developing advanced technical and leadership capabilities

Who we're looking for

We value your potential over past experience and are looking for graduates with a degree in Civil Engineering and a genuine interest in our industry. To be eligible, you’ll need to achieve a minimum 2:2 honours degree by the time you start.

We’d love to receive your application if you:

• Are curious, proactive and motivated to develop professionally.
• Enjoy solving problems and finding practical solutions.
• Work well with others and build positive relationships.
• Communicate clearly and confidently with different people.
• Take ownership, adapt to challenges and are committed to achieving results.

Why work for us as a Graduate

• Work on high-profile projects that make a real difference, while building your career with one of the UK’s leading infrastructure groups.
• Be part of a supportive early careers network, with structured training and with structured training and coaching from experienced industry professionals.
• Take part in unique development experiences, including residential trips in the Lake District and personal development delivered by our external partners.
• Take ownership of your ongoing professional development, with support towards professional membership and chartership or professional registration where relevant to your career path.

What we can offer you

• Competitive salary and flexible benefits, giving you the freedom to shape a rewards package that works for you.
• 25 days' holiday, with the option to buy or sell additional days.
• A permanent contract from day one, reflecting our commitment to your long-term career.
• Clear progression opportunities, with bi-annual performance and pay reviews throughout your programme.
• Opportunities to connect with fellow graduates through networking events, development activities and our Early Careers Showcase.
• Opportunities to get involved in wider business initiatives, community projects and programmes such as the Duke of Edinburgh's Award.

About us

The power sector is one of the fastest-growing areas in infrastructure, helping to keep homes, businesses and communities connected. It plays a vital role in supporting the UK's transition to a low-carbon future by strengthening electricity networks and enabling the integration of renewable energy sources.

At Balfour Beatty, our Power Transmission & Distribution teams work with regional, national and international electricity network owners and operators to deliver engineering solutions across the electricity grid, including overhead lines, cabling, substations and distribution networks.

From early-stage planning and design through to construction and maintenance, our teams help deliver some of the UK's most ambitious power projects, improving network resilience and supporting a more sustainable energy future.

Diversity and inclusion

At Balfour Beatty, we want everyone to be able to thrive and achieve their full potential, regardless of their identity or background. We’re making great progress through our Value Everyone DEI Action Plan, but we know we’ve got more to do.