Graduate Civil Engineer

Based in Oxfordshire, this graduate position focuses on the design, management, and climate change adaptation of resilient port, harbor, and coastal infrastructure.

At HR Wallingford, we design smart, resilient solutions across the natural and built environments to help everyone live and work more sustainably with water. By harnessing research, data insights and the power of our collective expertise, we help the world to better understand the changing influence and impact of water.

Globally our port and maritime infrastructure faces a number of challenges for it to remain resilient given the increase in climate induced hazards, and to efficiently service the needs of our energy transitions towards low carbon fuels and marine renewables.

At HR Wallingford our team of engineers and scientists apply world leading skills and knowledge to help address these challenges collaboratively.  We blend physical and numerical modelling with practical engineering and experience to provide unique validation and insights to the projects we are involved with, setting us ahead in the regeneration and development of resilient port and coastal infrastructure.

As a member of our Engineering Division you will be involved in work that spans across ports, harbours, marinas, beaches, coastal defences, and breakwaters, and increasingly looks at climate change adaptation. You will be based in Oxfordshire, working mainly on commercial projects alongside opportunities to be involved in research projects. 

Working closely under our Principal and Senior Engineers you will be involved predominantly on project design and management, with opportunity to work in our physical modelling laboratories.

In particular, you will:

• Support project delivery, working collaboratively with clients and colleagues to help ensure projects are completed on time and within budget, also working closely with other engineering and modelling specialists;

• Undertake design work, including engineering design of port and coastal structures;

• Prepare drawings, plans, bills of quantities, and specifications;

• Work collaboratively with our drafting team providing sketches to enable the development of drawings as well as reviewing them to ensure quality;

• Ensure and follow quality control procedures maintaining HR Wallingford’s reputation;

• Participate in the preparation and submission of proposals.

HR Wallingford runs an Institution of Civil Engineers’ approved training scheme, and we support and encourage our graduates to become Chartered Engineers.

About you

We are looking for a motivated Graduate Engineer who is eager to learn and develop. You have recently graduated or are due to graduate in 2026 from a university with a good MSc or MEng degree in civil, structural or geotechnical engineering.

Familiarity with Microsoft Office software is essential. A knowledge of CAD or structural design software (SAP2000, STAAD, Robot) will be considered advantageous.

You will need to demonstrate:

• A good level of autonomy and pro-activeness.

• High levels of numeracy with strong analytical skills and problem-solving abilities

• Strong, effective communication skills – English proficiency is mandatory

• Experience to take the initiative, find solutions and proactively drive progress.

• Ability to support and work closely with other members of the Engineering Division.

• Collaborative team work

• Good attention to detail, record keeping, presentation and report writing skills

• That you are flexible, adaptable and self-motivated.