2026 UK Graduate Maritime Career Path: Transport

Before making an application, please browse all graduate opportunities available as we will only accept  one application per candidate.  To avoid missing out on your preferred opportunity, we also recommend that you apply as soon as possible as we will close when the position has been filled.
Join us as a Graduate Coastal Engineer or Coastal Scientist and help create resilient coastlines, restore natural habitats, and safeguard communities for generations to come.
Innovate & Collaborate: Work alongside leading experts to design, model, and deliver projects that protect coastlines, enhance biodiversity, and address climate change.
Access structured training, mentorship, and clear pathways for professional development—your growth and achievements will be celebrated every step of the way.
Contribute to projects that reduce flood risk, restore ecosystems, and support sustainable development, making a tangible difference to society and the environment.
It’s an exciting time for our Ports, Coastal and Offshore team with major project success and workload growth. As part of your role you will join our experts in developing ports, coastal and offshore projects. Alongside this you will have the opportunity to develop your skills in project management, business development and driving sustainability in the marine environment. 
We are especially looking for someone with great team spirit to become an integral part of our Ports, Coastal and Offshore team which brings together a wealth of knowledge and experience in coastal processes (including numerical modelling), strategic planning, feasibility and business case preparation, climate resilience, engineering design and construction supervision.
We are pioneering the use of digital, carbon and positive social outcomes to provide clients with optimum solutions. 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.   
Below you’ll find more information on both the Coastal Scientist and Coastal Engineer roles.
Coastal Scientist – Bristol, Croydon, Liverpool, Newcastle, and Southampton
As a coastal scientist you will be involved in a wide range of technical work including:
Coastal erosion and flood risk feasibility studies
Options studies/business case preparation to secure funding opportunities for schemes
Climate risk and vulnerability assessment
Mapping and feasibility of offshore cables and windfarms
Marine nature-based solutions
Coastal Engineer – Bristol, Croydon, Liverpool, Newcastle, and Southampton
As a coastal engineer you will be involved in a wide range of technical work including:
Options studies/business case preparation to secure funding opportunities for schemes
Climate risk and vulnerability assessment
Mapping and feasibility of offshore cables and windfarms
Marine nature-based solutions
But what truly sets us apart is our culture - one that celebrates collaboration, values diversity, and prioritises wellbeing.
Growth & Development: From mentorship to technical training, we invest in your personal and professional journey.
Inclusive Culture: Purpose & Impact: Your work will contribute to safer hospitals, transport hubs, military installations, and more - projects that matter to society.
At Mott MacDonald, we’re looking for curious, motivated graduates who want to make a real difference. To be eligible for this opportunity, you will have less than 12 months’ 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: 
Coastal Scientist
Coastal science
Coastal Engineer
Civil engineering  
Coastal engineering  
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. Joining us as a graduate is your opportunity to shape your own story.
We Are Looking For Graduates With The Following Strengths
Delivers high quality written work with strong attention to detail and clarity.
As we want the best people for the role, we support flexible working.  Mott MacDonald Ltd. are not currently offering sponsorship to candidates under the Skilled Worker visa route in the UK. This decision is as a consequence of the changes made to the Skilled Worker route 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. For this reason, we cannot accept applications from candidates who would be working under the Graduate visa route or other time-limited visas, (irrespective of visa duration), due to their temporary nature and the requirement for sponsorship under the Skilled Worker route in future.
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 the future.
A graduate position should be more than just a job. 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 mentor, 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.
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. A flexible 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 flexible plan, you’ll have the ability to manage the range of benefits we have on offer, to suit your specific needs.
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 strong 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. 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. 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’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.
Contract Type: Permanent

Full Time
Transport

Discipline: Maritime

Recruiter Contact: earlycareers.recruitment@mottmac.