2025 UK Graduate Aviation Career Path

Job Description

Before making an application, please browse all graduate opportunities available as we will accept one application per candidate. Once you have made an application you will not be able to make changes to your selection or make a new application. The exception is if we open new vacancies in the new year.

To avoid missing out on this opportunity, we recommend that you apply as soon as possible as we will close when the positions have been filled.

Job Description

Our aviation team consists of 70 planners, engineers and analysts with over 20 different nationalities, working together to deliver world-class airport consultancy services to our clients. We provide planning, engineering and analytical services for all sizes of airports, ranging from small regional 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.

You will have the option to work within the following areas:

Aviation Planning Services: You will be given the opportunity to work on the spatial planning of airport infrastructure, providing master planning and design services for airport terminals, airfields including runways, taxiways and aprons, and all other airport areas. You will help to create integrated Masterplans that are fit for the long-term and in line with the growth aspirations of our clients.

Aviation Analytics and Advisory: You will be given the opportunity to provide award-winning business advisory services to a wide range of clients, including airports and their sponsors and lenders. Focussing on our client’s strategic aims, our services include traffic forecasting, terminal and airfield capacity analysis using a variety of modelling tools, lenders’ technical advisory, due diligence, financial planning and operations monitoring.

Aviation Engineering: You will support our team of airfield engineers in their development of airfield designs for airports 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. 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.

Candidate Specification

We are looking for committed and motivated graduates with a genuine passion and a desire to make a difference in the world. If this describes you, apply today to launch your career at Mott MacDonald.

To be eligible for this opportunity, you will have less than 12 months relevant experience (excluding placements), have a minimum of a bachelor's degree or are expected to achieve one of the following degree disciplines:

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• Airport management or Airport planning
• Air Transport Management
• Civil engineering,
• Economics, Finance or Business Related
• other aviation related discipline

In your application you should be able to demonstrate your interest in the role and working at Mott MacDonald through relevant experience, such as studying relevant modules, or previous work experience.

We are looking for graduates with the following characteristics:

• Methodical approach to problem solving.
• Ability to use your initiative to undertake tasks efficiently and independently.
• Excellent verbal communication skills, which allow you to confidently liaise with clients and team members.
• Excellent written communication and attention to detail.

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.

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 are not able to 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 future.

About your development

A graduate position should be more than just a job. We know this and so do you. 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 chartered mentor, who will guide you to meet the objectives of your professional training agreement. We’ll support you on your journey to gaining chartered status with your chosen institution.

What else is involved?

You’ll be enrolled onto Accelerate Your Future, a structured three-year soft-skills development programme which develops the strengths that we know graduates need to be successful at Mott MacDonald. It also gives you the opportunity to network and meet other graduates in your cohort. The programme is a mix of residential events, classroom-based learning, virtual webinars, and sustainability and social impact challenges.

In addition to developing your soft skills, we recognise that each persons career goals vary, so when rolling off the programme we provide you with the tools and support to develop your ongoing career the way you wish to. Alongside our vast library of e-learning courses available to you, you can choose which direction you want your career to go in.

You will have the opportunity to make a difference; learn more about our Social Outcomes and the difference we can make!

You’re probably wondering what else is on offer. Join us, and you’ll get:

• 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. With our support, you’ll have all the advice and options you need to be able to invest in your future.
• 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.

Our social side

Being part of Mott MacDonald means more than just work, there’s a huge range of fun and exciting things that you can get involved in.

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.It doesn’t stop there. 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. 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, flexibility and trust.

More 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, transforming our clients’ businesses, our 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