Overview
Join to apply for the 2026 Graduate Programme - Water - Asset Design role at WSP in the UK & Ireland.
We are recruiting graduates for our Asset Design team and offer opportunities to learn in a leading Engineering and Professional Advisory services consultancy. You will work in a collaborative environment with a diverse range of clients and projects.
Locations
* Process Engineering: Manchester, Newcastle, London
* MEICA (Mechanical and Electrical Engineering): Glasgow, Newcastle, Birmingham and Bristol
Role overview
Our Asset Design team provides design and construction support services across civil, structural, mechanical, electrical and process engineering, from feasibility and optioneering through to detailed design and commissioning. We help clients make risk-based decisions that champion no-build and low-build solutions with multidisciplinary design teams covering process, civil, mechanical, and electrical instrumentation and energy.
Projects
Graduates are likely to work on a diverse range of projects across the UK Water Sector supporting major clients such as Thames Water/Costain, Northumbrian Water, Severn Trent Water, Southwest Water, Irish Water, Southern Water, and others. The work includes nutrient removal schemes and clean water projects to ensure safe and resilient supplies and strategic programmes reducing groundwater reliance.
Our Asset Design Teams
Process Engineering: Working as a Graduate in Process Engineering in the Water team offers opportunities to contribute to the planning, design and optimisation of water and wastewater treatment assets, applying engineering principles to improve water quality, treatment efficiency and sustainability. The role involves multidisciplinary collaboration, exposure to digital design tools, and alignment with the UK’s net-zero and climate resilience goals.
Day-to-day activities – Process Engineering
* Support design and modelling of water and wastewater treatment processes within asset design projects.
* Undertake data analysis and prepare technical reports to support decision-making and client deliverables.
* Assist in preparing design drawings, process flow diagrams, and specifications with CAD/BIM teams.
* Contribute to feasibility studies, option appraisals and whole-life cost assessments.
* Engage with clients, regulators and stakeholders to ensure designs meet technical, environmental, and compliance requirements.
* Support site visits, surveys and commissioning activities to link design work with operational performance.
* Collaborate with multidisciplinary colleagues (civil, mechanical, electrical, environmental engineers) to deliver integrated solutions.
Day-to-day activities – MEICA
* Learn design engineering skills in mechanical engineering or electrical/instrumentation, control and automation.
* Produce single line diagrams, load schedules, I/O schedules, instrument schedules and MCC data sheets (EICA).
* Produce pump calculations, isometric drawings, mechanical GAs, equipment sizing and selection (mechanical).
* Attend site visits and learn 3D CAD design skills (mechanical and EICA).
* Learn cable sizing and discrimination software tools (EICA) and hydraulic calculations (mechanical).
You will be mentored by industry experts and supported by friendly colleagues, with opportunities to pursue chartered or incorporated professional status through accredited pathways.
Graduate Development Programme
Two-year Graduate Development programme designed to support personal and professional development through blended learning, core business and professional skills training, mentoring for professional registration and broad on-the-job experience. Graduates in Asset Design are encouraged to work towards Chartered Engineer (CEng) or Incorporated Engineer (IEng) status with professional bodies such as IChemE or CIWEM within a 2–3 year framework, with full support from WSP’s training schemes. There are opportunities to progress to Engineer level, with potential for Senior Engineer, Principal Engineer, or other leadership roles over time.
For more information, please visit the Graduate brochure or Graduate website.
What we will look for
* Recent graduates with at least a 2:1 in a relevant subject (or master’s degree).
* Complete the application form in full and be prepared to undertake an online skill enabler assessment as part of the process.
* Available to start in April or September 2026.
* Passion for engineering and consulting in Water, an interest in the environment, engineering and planning, creativity and problem solving, and readiness to share new ideas.
* Ability to work with internal and external stakeholders and adapt to dynamic project environments.
Don't worry if you don’t meet every criterion exactly—the right qualifications and potential alignment will be considered for other opportunities within the Graduate programme.
Application & Selection
We review applications on a rolling basis. Submit early to ensure full consideration.
What we offer
Work-life balance and hybrid working policy, inclusivity and belonging, health and wellbeing benefits, flex-time, development opportunities, mentoring and Chartered status support. We offer a comprehensive benefits package and the chance to be part of a global team that makes a positive impact.
EEO statement: We encourage applications from suitably qualified and eligible candidates regardless of sex, race, disability, age, sexual orientation, gender reassignment, religion or belief, marital status, pregnancy or maternity/paternity. We will interview all disabled applicants who meet the essential criteria and will provide reasonable workplace adjustments on request.
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