Graduate Civil Design Engineer Review

My experience at Balfour Beatty has been highly rewarding and full of growth. As a Graduate Civil Design Engineer in the Rail Design and Engineering team, I’ve gained valuable hands-on experience in both design and project management, often taking on responsibilities beyond a typical graduate role. I’ve worked with supportive colleagues and mentors who have helped me develop my technical, interpersonal, and leadership skills. The exposure to complex multidisciplinary projects has strengthened my understanding of design delivery, stakeholder engagement, and commercial awareness. Overall, it has been an excellent environment for professional and personal development, and I’m proud to contribute to projects that build a better tomorrow.

My main responsibilities include developing detailed civil and structural designs, producing technical drawings and reports, and ensuring compliance with relevant standards such as LUL and Network Rail requirements. I also support project management activities, coordinate with multidisciplinary teams, and contribute to risk assessments, buildability reviews, and design assurance processes.
The aspects I enjoy most are solving complex engineering problems and collaborating across disciplines to deliver safe, efficient, and innovative design solutions. I also enjoy taking ownership of project tasks and seeing designs progress from concept to construction, as it provides a strong sense of purpose and professional growth.

I feel I have strong opportunities to contribute meaningfully within my team. I’m trusted with key design tasks, coordination activities, and occasionally leading elements of project delivery, which has helped me grow technically and professionally. My input is valued, and feedback from senior engineers and managers is constructive and encouraging. The supportive team culture and collaborative approach make it easy to share ideas and take initiative. I rated this 4/5 because while there’s always room for further development and responsibility, the experience so far has been highly positive.

The compensation package is fair for my current level, though there is scope for improvement to better reflect the responsibilities and workload involved. The company benefits, such as pension contributions, and flexible working, add good value and support overall wellbeing. I particularly appreciate the professional development opportunities, including training and support towards chartership, which have long-term career benefits. I rated this 3/5.

This role has provided an excellent foundation for my future career. I’ve gained exposure to a wide range of civil and structural design activities, project coordination, and design management, which has built both technical depth and leadership capability. Working alongside experienced engineers and managers has accelerated my professional development and given me confidence in handling complex design challenges. The structured support towards professional qualifications and continuous learning opportunities make this an ideal environment to progress towards chartership and future management roles.

The support I receive from my line manager, mentors, and wider team has been very strong. Guidance is always available when needed, and I’m encouraged to take ownership of my work while being supported through more complex design and management tasks. The mentoring structure and feedback culture have helped me develop both technically and professionally. HR and the graduate programme team are also responsive and approachable. I rated this 4/5 as occasional check-ins or structured progress reviews could further enhance visibility of career progression and development goals.

My work-life balance is excellent. The flexibility to work from home when required and the understanding approach from my team help me maintain a healthy balance between professional and personal commitments. Workload is well managed, and expectations are realistic, allowing me to stay productive without compromising wellbeing. The company’s culture genuinely supports mental health and flexibility, which makes a positive difference to overall motivation and focus.

The organisational culture at Balfour Beatty is inclusive, collaborative, and strongly aligned with its core values of integrity, teamwork, and excellence. The environment is welcoming, with open communication and mutual respect across all levels. There’s a strong emphasis on safety, wellbeing, and professional development, which reinforces a sense of shared purpose. The hybrid working policy is well-implemented, offering flexibility while maintaining effective collaboration. Overall, the culture promotes trust, innovation, and continuous improvement, making it a positive place to work and grow.

Balfour Beatty demonstrates a strong commitment to equality, diversity, inclusion, and accessibility across the business. The company actively promotes awareness through initiatives, events, and employee networks that encourage open discussion and representation. There’s a clear focus on creating a workplace where everyone feels respected and supported, regardless of background or role. These initiatives contribute to a genuinely inclusive culture that aligns with the company’s values and long-term vision.

Yes

Yes. I would recommend Balfour Beatty to a friend because it offers a strong platform for professional and personal growth. The company provides meaningful project experience, excellent mentorship, and a supportive culture that values development and wellbeing. The opportunities to work on impactful infrastructure projects and contribute to sustainable, innovative solutions make it an ideal place to build a rewarding career.

The role has fully met and, in many areas, exceeded my expectations from the recruitment process. The responsibilities, team environment, and opportunities for development align closely with what was outlined during interviews and onboarding. The company’s culture, project variety, and support for learning have made the experience both engaging and rewarding.