2026 UK Graduate Civil Aviation Career Path : Transport

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Our aviation team consists of 70 planners, engineers and analysts from over 20 different nationalities, working together to deliver world‑class airport consultancy services to our clients. We provide planning, engineering and analytical services for airports of all sizes, from small regional facilities to some of the biggest and best airports in the world, including London Heathrow, Hong Kong International Airport, Singapore Changi and New York JFK. As one of the world’s most experienced aviation consultancies, our client portfolio includes airports, governments, civil aviation authorities, airport companies, equity investors and providers of debt finance; so there really is no better place to start your career.

We have provided project finance, business planning and transaction advice for $75bn worth of airport assets in over 100 countries. Globally recognised as a key player in the industry, our work was awarded with the 2018 Infrastructure Journal Global Awards for Best Airport Deal in North America for Wade International Airport in Bermuda, the Best Airport Deal in Europe for the 14 Greek Regional Airports and Best Airport Deal in Africa for Antananarivo and Nosy Be Airports in Madagascar.

What You’ll Do

• Innovate & inspire : Collaborate with experts to deliver projects that enhance airport infrastructure, improve passenger experience, and advance sustainable aviation.
• Grow & achieve : Benefit from structured training, mentorship and clear pathways for professional development – your growth is our priority.
• Make an impact : Contribute to projects that support global connectivity, economic growth and environmental stewardship.

As part of your application, we will ask you to select your preferred opportunity based on the role and location. Some of our opportunities 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.

Airfield Engineer

(Master’s Essential) – Croydon

You will support our team of civil and electrical engineers in their development of airfield designs for airports, helipads and vertiports in the UK and around the world. You’ll prepare airfield pavement designs, undertake geometric and grading design of runways, taxiways, aprons, service roads, and undertake storm water drainage and water management system design for airports, heliports and vertiports. In this team you will assist in the production of Civil 3D design of civil works and infrastructure and generate 3D models for airfield projects.

Airport Planner

(Master’s Essential) – Croydon

As a graduate joining our airport planning team, you’ll step into a role that blends technical insight with strategic thinking, contributing to projects that shape the future of aviation infrastructure. From master‑planning through design development and technical advisory, your work will cover all airport facilities (airfield, aprons, terminals, landside transport, utilities and support buildings), while also working on emerging areas such as sustainable air transport, future travel experience and advanced air mobility. You’ll be involved in both spatial and strategic planning, using analytical methods and simulation tools to support decision‑making. Working on landmark international airport projects alongside more experienced colleagues, you’ll gain practical insight into how airport planning projects are delivered globally. The role also includes supporting client and stakeholder engagement, and collaborating with other disciplines such as airfield engineering, transaction advisory, forecasting, project / asset management and business planning.

Aviation Analyst

(Master’s Essential) – Croydon

Join our Aviation Advisory and Data Analytics team as a Graduate Aviation Analyst, where you’ll apply forecasting, capacity optimisation and simulation modelling to support complex, multi‑disciplinary airport projects. You’ll engage with clients, contribute to high‑quality reports and proposals, and help develop in‑house analytical tools and benchmarking databases. The role also includes domestic and international client visits, sub‑consultant coordination and delivering data‑driven insights to support strategic decision‑making.

Candidate Specification

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 some relevant experience (excluding placements) and have a minimum of a Master’s degree (obtained no earlier than 2024) or are expected to achieve one, in one of the following disciplines :

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; 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 :

We support adaptable working. Please ask us at interview stage about any adaptability you may need.

Why Join Us?

About Your Development

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 senior economist 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 – designed to give you the skills and tools necessary for a long‑lasting successful career here at Mott MacDonald.

Benefits

Equality, Diversity & 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. We encourage individual expression in our workplace and are committed to creating an inclusive environment where everyone feels they have the opportunity to contribute.

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 embrace agility, adaptability and trust.

About Mott MacDonald

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, and transforming our clients’ businesses, communities and employee opportunities. A fundamental part of this is respecting each person’s differences and striving to meet their needs.

Our values : progress, respect, integrity, drive, excellence.

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