Graduate Engineer Buildings Facades London 2021

At WSP, there’s nothing we love more than pushing boundaries. Harnessing innovation and sharing insights across our diverse, international team to create a tomorrow’s world that's cleaner, greener and safer. Join us and you’ll be part of an organisation that takes pride in its people and purpose: creating long-lasting solutions to meet the needs of generations to come.

When the public judge a building they do so by judging the façade. However, a façade is not just a pretty face – it’s a crucial element of a successful building that determines both its aesthetics and performance. Our Facades team work on some of the the highest calibre, prestigious and complex projects around the world.  Facades are becoming increasingly complex as architects are pushing the limits of creativity and coming up with a diverse array of geometrical features. The intricate forms include details such as multi-sloped surfaces, cantilevers, chamfers, lanterns and canopies. Our façade teams have rich experience with complex façade systems for low-rise, high-rise and super-tall buildings, allowing us to provide the best possible advice to developers and architects.

As a graduate facades engineer you would be involved in collaboration with Architects, Structural Engineers, Environmental Engineers, Fire Engineers, Acousticians as well as Contractors. Working on projects such as HS2 Old Oak Common and Euston stations, Paddington Cube and South Quay Plaza. You'll gain varied experience including on the job experience to develop your knowledge on a solid sustainable base leading toward professional (Chartership) qualifications.

A typical week would include

We asked our graduates what it’s like to do their job. On a day to day basis, the life of a graduate at WSP starts off in the morning with cups of tea and responding to any urgent client emails.

Beyond that, anything could happen! You could get involved in carrying out research on potential cladding materials, modelling or design calculations in 3D software packages. Your day could also involve visiting site and liaising with contractors, discussing options for concept designs with colleagues, responding to client requests for information or meetings with the team about the scope and progress of projects.

Naturally, there is a lot to learn and you are likely to be guided through complex software packages, team briefings and client updates from the start.

What you'll need

• You’ll be graduating in 2021 or have recently graduated with at least a 2:1 in a Master’s or Bachelor’s degree in a related built environment discipline such as Structural and or Architectural Engineering
• You’ll ideally have less than two years relevant experience
• You’ll be passionate with the curiosity and creativity to solve problems and an interest in the facades/ cladding market
• You'll be interested in developing an understanding of the impact of façade systems on the structure and environmental performance of the building
• You'll have an interest in environmental aspects of façade design – thermal performance, daylight, solar control etc, in 3D software applications (although experience of using these isn't necessary) as well as a longer term interest in learning environmental and structural software packages.
• You’ll want to stretch and inspire us, speaking up about any new ideas you have
• You’ll want to throw yourself in from day one and put your studies into practice
• You’ll have excellent communication skills
• You’ll enjoy working in a team environment, sharing ideas and collaborating with colleagues 
• You’ll have confidence to work under pressure with the ability to prioritise and plan effectively

Please note game based assessment results at WSP are valid for a period of 12 months, if you have completed an assessment within this timeframe and been unsuccessful we will not be able to consider your application. Please do not apply again within that 12 month period.

Early applications are recommended and we reserve the right to close this vacancy prior to the advertised closing date.

What if we can?

Our graduate development programme is a 2 year programme designed to provide you with both professional skills and specialist technical development opportunities. The programme is supported by our senior leadership team and is tailored give you the support, guidance and the development opportunities you need to help you work towards chartered status or equivalent professional qualifications. The structured programme includes but is not limited to training in:

• Technical report writing
• Team specific technical skills
• Project management (introduction and advanced)
• Influential communications
• Commercial concepts
• Teambuild challenge
• Continuous Improvement

Our Culture

Across our offices in the UK, we strive to have a friendly and inclusive culture which respects and maximizes the contribution individuals can bring to WSP. We recognise the benefits that people with varying backgrounds and experiences can bring. VIBE (our LGBTQ+ Employee Resource Group) and our Gender Balance Group work with the business to ensure we continue to promote the right environment to enable all employees to reach their full potential and to ensure we continue to promote an inclusive and diverse workplace for everyone.

Our employees also come together through our social events some of these events have included office Olympics, go karting, BBQs and of course the annual Christmas events! More recently there have been online networking and quiz events.

We also offer our Professional Growth Network (PGN) which is a networking group run by early career professionals for early career professionals. It helps to grow your network of contacts across the UK business as well as providing you with opportunities for extra experience to support you in achieving chartered status or other professional accreditations.

You’ll also be joining a team of people who donate thousands of hours of time volunteering in support of local initiatives and raise thousands for good causes, often backed by charity donations from the WSP Foundation. Our long-standing support for local communities has been recognised by the government-backed National Equality Standard.

Benefits

Finally, we have a comprehensive wider benefits package which includes:

• Professional Development Bonus to recognise attainment of professional statuses
• 2 paid days a year to be used for volunteering activities 
• Cheaper gym memberships and Tastecards
• Discounts and offers with a variety of high street retailers through our Treats programme
• A standard 25 day annual leave allowance plus Bank Holidays and the flexibility to buy and sell annual leave
• The Cycle to Work Scheme (which entitles you to a tax free bike)
• The option to purchase additional benefits such as dental care, personal accident cover, holiday or life insurance at reduced rates
• Reduced rates on gadget insurance
• Employee Assistance Programme – EAP offers you free access to specialist advice in areas such as legal, financial, personal and family matters including bereavement and counselling services. 

How long does the process take?

You'll receive an email acknowledging receipt of your application within 48 hours of submission. We work hard to match you to the most suitable roles in our business and the recruitment process can vary depending on the role and team you are matched to. Most applications are progressed to assessment centre within 2-3 months but it’s good to know that the whole process can last up to 6 months in total. We will aim to keep you informed throughout the time that your application is being considered however, due to the volume of applications received, we are not able to respond to individual requests for status updates.