2026 UK Graduate Maritime Career Path: Transport

Are you passionate about making a real difference for people and the planet? 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.

What You’ll Do:

• Innovate & Collaborate: Work alongside leading experts to design, model, and deliver projects that protect coastlines, enhance biodiversity, and address climate change.

• Grow & Achieve: Access structured training, mentorship, and clear pathways for professional development—your growth and achievements will be celebrated every step of the way.

• Make an Impact: 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. Our team works across the globe and is currently working in locations such as The Caribbean, US, Senegal, Canada, Belize and Australia, as well as the UK and Europe.

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

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 numerical modelling and metocean studies

• Coastal erosion and flood risk feasibility studies

• Options studies/business case preparation to secure funding opportunities for schemes

• Climate risk and vulnerability assessment

• Stakeholder engagement

• 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:

• Coastal adaptation plans and strategies

• Options studies/business case preparation to secure funding opportunities for schemes

• Outline and detailed design of coastal and flood structures

• Climate risk and vulnerability assessment

• Stakeholder engagement

• Mapping and feasibility of offshore cables and windfarms

• Marine nature-based solutions

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.

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 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 science

• Oceanography

Coastal Engineer 

• Civil engineering
• Coastal 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 as 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 strong 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 flexible working.  Please ask us at interview stage about any flexibility you may need.