Graduate engineering jobs

If you're considering which discipline to specialise in, such as electrical, mechanical or nuclear engineering, discover what you can expect from various graduate engineering jobs and make an informed decision

Talented graduate engineers are in high demand to help plug the industry's skills gap. So, whether you're scientifically minded, feel you would excel in a hands-on environment or are more focused on consultancy and the broader picture, there's an engineering job for you.

Aerospace engineer

Within this broad area, you'll be responsible for maintaining and developing such things as:

civilian and military aircraft
missiles
satellites
space vehicles
weapons systems.

You'll apply excellent technical knowledge and creative thinking to optimise speed, fuel efficiency, and flight safety while reducing costs and risks.

Aerospace engineers are employed by:

airline operators
the Armed Forces
government research agencies like the Ministry of Defence (MoD).

While you can start your career at a lower level, you'll require a degree in aerospace engineering or a relevant subject such as mathematics or physics to become qualified.

Discover what's involved with the role of an aerospace engineer.

Biomedical engineer

Working with medical professionals and researchers, you'll design and oversee the manufacture of medical products and equipment for patients.

Good conceptual ability and excellent commercial awareness are required to ensure the projects you're working on are profitable and beneficial to patients.

You could work in various settings, from hospitals and trusts to medical equipment manufacturers and research departments.

To become a biomedical engineer, you'll need to achieve a degree in a related field, such as:

biomedical science or engineering
mechanical engineering
physics.

Learn more about becoming a biomedical engineer.

Broadcast engineer

It's your job to ensure that television, radio, and other media programming are broadcast on time and of the highest quality. You'll need excellent IT skills and a keen eye for detail to spot and solve problems efficiently.

As broadcast engineering is a competitive field, pre-entry work experience is essential.

Discover what qualifications you need to become a broadcast engineer.

Chemical engineer

Using the latest technologies and methods, you'll transform raw materials into products via chemical processes, such as creating plastic from oil.

The role includes developing new products from trial to commercialisation and improving product lines and systems based on your findings.

You'll need an aptitude for chemistry, a mathematical mind, and a firm grasp of health and safety legislation.

Gain an insight into the role of a chemical engineer.

Civil engineer

Concerned with both natural and man-made environments, civil engineers bring together a community through the design, construction and maintenance of its infrastructure.

As a consulting civil engineer, you'll ensure projects are completed safely and on time by investigating sites, assessing risk and drawing up detailed designs and plans.

These plans are brought to life by contracting civil engineers. Working mainly on-site, you'll oversee and participate in construction.

Find out what you can do with the skills and experiences gained from a civil engineering degree, and read our tips for getting into the industry.

Electrical or electronic engineer

An electrical engineer is tasked with keeping the country connected by managing, maintaining and developing broadcasting, transport and power channels.

Working on a smaller scale, electronics engineers design, develop and test equipment, such as resistors and transistors.

For both these roles, it's common to hold a degree in electrical or electronic engineering.

Engineering geologist

Responsibilities focus on identifying and dealing with geological factors affecting engineering works.

Before embarking on construction projects, you'll assess the integrity of soil, groundwater, rock, and other natural conditions to ensure any developments at the site are sustainable in the long term.

Discover the skills you'll need to become an engineering geologist.

Land-based engineer

You'll develop specialist equipment and conduct environmental impact assessments while designing, testing, and developing agricultural, construction, and other off-road vehicles.

Many land-based engineers have an agricultural engineering degree, while the following skills would be helpful:

creativity to invent new designs or solutions
awareness and understanding of the end user, e.g. farmers and horticulturalists
strong business and management skills
ability to record and analyse data.

Read more about the role of a land-based engineer.

Manufacturing engineer

As a manufacturing engineer, your job is to efficiently and cost-effectively bring designs to life on a large scale.

You could work in:

biotechnology
food and drink
pharmaceuticals
plastics.

Responsibilities include operating manufacturing machinery, organising equipment maintenance, and repairing faults on time.

Consider becoming a manufacturing engineer.

Marine engineer

Ships, submarines and military vessels are among the vehicles you'll build, maintain and repair as a marine engineer (also known as a naval architect).

Some aspects of the job, such as on-ship inspections, require working in high-pressured, physically demanding environments.

However, your work's design and research elements will take place in an office or laboratory.

Mechanical engineer

If you're mathematically minded, able to work with a range of people and can deal with high levels of pressure, a career as a mechanical engineer will suit you.

Mechanical systems are found in almost all products and services. You could work on the development of smartphones or spacecraft. In more senior positions, your role will likely involve overseeing the manufacturing process.

Learn more about becoming a mechanical engineer and see what you can do with a mechanical engineering degree.

Nuclear engineer

As the person responsible for designing, developing, operating, and decommissioning nuclear power stations, you'll need knowledge of complex instrumentation, electrical systems, and nuclear systems' workings.

Within the role, there is plenty of opportunity to specialise. For example, you could become a specialist hydraulic engineer or use your chemical, electrical or mechanical engineering knowledge.

Explore where a career as a nuclear engineer could take you and find out how to get a graduate job in nuclear energy.

You can also explore nuclear engineering courses.

Structural engineer

As a structural engineer, you'll design structures to withstand stresses and pressures imposed through environmental conditions and human use and ensure they remain stable and secure. You'll also examine existing buildings to test if they are structurally sound.

To succeed, you'll need:

good analytical and problem-solving skills
strong mathematical ability
a grasp of physics.

Discover what you could earn as a structural engineer.

Technical brewer

You'll ensure a consistently high production standard by overseeing the process of brewing and packaging beer. You may also be responsible for developing new recipes and ensuring the safety of the plant and machinery.

You'll need a keen eye for detail, good decision-making skills and stamina to deal with the job's physical demands.

Find out what it takes to become a technical brewer.

Water engineer

Your priorities in tackling issues such as global warming and population growth are serving communities by:

providing clean water
disposing of wastewater
preventing flood damage.

You can enter this field at the technician level with an HND or foundation degree, but it is advantageous to have a degree in a related field.

Read about the key responsibilities of a water engineer and consider other environmental jobs.

Other graduate engineering jobs

Find out more

Explore engineering graduate schemes.
Get an overview of the UK's engineering industry.
Read about opportunities for women in engineering.