Project Engineer Review
at Balfour Beatty
Graduate Scheme
Civil Engineering, Construction, Engineering, Surveying
Brighton and Hove
Review Submitted: November 2025
Overall Rating
4.6 /5
The Overall Rating is the average of all the ratings given in each category. We take those individual ratings and combine them into one final score!
4.8/5
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Overview of the Role
4.4/5
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Experience & Company Culture
5/5
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Recommendations & Advice
Overview of the Role
Overall, how would you describe your experience at Balfour Beatty?
Overall, my experience at Balfour Beatty has been genuinely excellent. I joined as a Graduate Engineer and have been trusted with real responsibility from early on, with strong support and mentoring from my team. That combination of high standards + people who want you to succeed has helped me grow fast, and I’m proud to have been promoted straight to Project Engineer and now operating as a lead engineer within my team on a major National Grid substation project (~£50m).
The work is meaningful (suuuuuper critical infrastructure), technically challenging, and it’s made me a far more rounded engineer, not just technical delivery, but planning, management, safety, quality, and commercial acumen which helped succeed when dealing with the client and subcontractors.
The work is meaningful (suuuuuper critical infrastructure), technically challenging, and it’s made me a far more rounded engineer, not just technical delivery, but planning, management, safety, quality, and commercial acumen which helped succeed when dealing with the client and subcontractors.
What are the main responsibilities of the role and which elements of the role do you enjoy the most?
My main responsibilities include supporting and leading day-to-day civil engineering delivery on site: setting out and checking, coordinating construction activities, managing subcontractors and interfaces, reviewing drawings/specs, raising technical queries, and ensuring works are delivered safely, right-first-time, and to programme. I also spend a lot of time on planning and coordination (lookaheads, permits, logistics), quality assurance (ITPs, inspections, snagging/handovers), and collaboration with designers, commercial teams, and the client.
What I enjoy most is solving real problems on site and turning designs into built assets, especially on substations where tolerances, sequencing, safety and interfaces really matter. I also enjoy mentoring newer team members/graduates, sharing what I’ve learned, and helping create a strong team culture where everyone improves together.
I also enjoy seeing how my calculated decisions translate into the project making more money!
What I enjoy most is solving real problems on site and turning designs into built assets, especially on substations where tolerances, sequencing, safety and interfaces really matter. I also enjoy mentoring newer team members/graduates, sharing what I’ve learned, and helping create a strong team culture where everyone improves together.
I also enjoy seeing how my calculated decisions translate into the project making more money!
To what extent does your role give you the opportunity to contribute meaningfully and feel valued by your team?
5/5
To a veeeeeeeeeeeeery high extent. I’ve consistently been given opportunities to take ownership of workstreams, lead coordination, and be the “go-to” person for parts of delivery and realy and truly that trust makes you feel valued. I’m able to contribute daily through engineering input, proactive planning, solving issues quickly, and supporting others (including mentoring and helping new starters get up to speed, in fact I love doing that a bit too much).
Recognition is there too , being promoted early and being treated as a key part of the project team has reinforced that my effort and results matter, and it motivates me to keep raising the bar.
Recognition is there too , being promoted early and being treated as a key part of the project team has reinforced that my effort and results matter, and it motivates me to keep raising the bar.
How does your compensation package - including perks & benefits - fairly remunerate you for the work you do?
4/5
I’d say the package is strong overall, especially considering the learning and responsibility I’ve been given early in my career. The benefits are valuable and the role comes with good development opportunities that genuinely raise your long-term earning potential (training, exposure to major projects, professional progression).
The reason it’s a 4 rather than a 5 is simply that the market for engineers is competitive and the workload/responsibility on major infrastructure projects can be intense, so there’s defintely always room for compensation to better reflect the pace, accountability, and cost of living, esepcially given the amount of hours and dedication invested on the project. Overall though, it’s a solid package and I feel the company invests in its people. The private medical insurance and company car are the best part!
The reason it’s a 4 rather than a 5 is simply that the market for engineers is competitive and the workload/responsibility on major infrastructure projects can be intense, so there’s defintely always room for compensation to better reflect the pace, accountability, and cost of living, esepcially given the amount of hours and dedication invested on the project. Overall though, it’s a solid package and I feel the company invests in its people. The private medical insurance and company car are the best part!
How well do you feel the role is preparing you for your future career?
5/5
Extremely well I would say. This role has exposed me to multiple facets of engineering and project delivery that you can’t fully learn from theory alone: construction sequencing, site leadership, actual construction management, safety and quality systems, programme pressures, and making decisions that balance technical, commercial and practical constraints.
It’s also strengthened my confidence to lead, coordinating many different people and disciplines, communicating with the client and supply chain (simply being able to decide on the spot on a supplier rather than another one after so much trial and error!), and taking ownership of outcomes. It’s exactly the type of experience that prepares you for progression into senior engineering and project management roles.
It’s also strengthened my confidence to lead, coordinating many different people and disciplines, communicating with the client and supply chain (simply being able to decide on the spot on a supplier rather than another one after so much trial and error!), and taking ownership of outcomes. It’s exactly the type of experience that prepares you for progression into senior engineering and project management roles.
How would you rate the extent to which you were developing new or existing skills through formal training and your day-to-day role?
5/5
5/5 — the learning curve has been massive (in a good way). The day-to-day role constantly stretches you: setting out and checks, constantly reviewing and arguing with designers on design updates and suggesting creative and technical solutions, problem-solving under pressure, managing subcontractors, and building strong communication and leadership skills. I’ve also developed commercial awareness (understanding cost, scope change, productivity, and cost to value engineering) which is essential for becoming a well-rounded engineer.
Working on National Grid substations has also increased my awareness of how construction impacts the environment and how to control that properly (waste, noise/dust, drainage/pollution prevention, material choices, compliance), alongside the highest standards of safety and quality. Formal training helps, but the real growth comes from applying it daily on a live project with a supportive team around you. The team has been unreal, especially when you realise that when everyone works together towards the same objective, true growth never fails to happen!
Working on National Grid substations has also increased my awareness of how construction impacts the environment and how to control that properly (waste, noise/dust, drainage/pollution prevention, material choices, compliance), alongside the highest standards of safety and quality. Formal training helps, but the real growth comes from applying it daily on a live project with a supportive team around you. The team has been unreal, especially when you realise that when everyone works together towards the same objective, true growth never fails to happen!
Experience & Company Culture
How is the support you receive?
5/5
The support has been excellent. My line manager and wider team have backed my development from Graduate level and given me real opportunities to take ownership, ask questions, and grow quickly. The balance of coaching + trust has been a big reason I’ve progressed fast (including moving into a Project Engineer role and taking on lead-engineer responsibilities on a massiveee project). When I’ve needed guidance, I’ve had people willing to make time and genuinely help.
How is your work-life balance?
3/5
Work-life balance is okay overall, but it can be challenging at times because major infrastructure projects are demanding. Site-based delivery often means early starts, long days, travel, and busy periods around key milestones, outages, or handovers. The work is genuinely rewarding and the learning is huge, but the intensity can fluctuate, so I’d rate it a 3/5 rather than higher.
What is the organisational culture, values and general atmosphere like?
4/5
The culture is generally positive, inclusive and high-performing. People are supportive, and there’s a real sense of teamwork, especially on project sites where everyone has to collaborate to get the job done safely and right-first-time. I’ve been trusted early, encouraged to step up, and I’ve also been able to mentor others, which says a lot about the environment.
It’s a 4/5 mainly because culture can vary slightly by project/team, and on site the nature of the work means flexibility/hybrid working isn’t always as straightforward as office-based roles.
It’s a 4/5 mainly because culture can vary slightly by project/team, and on site the nature of the work means flexibility/hybrid working isn’t always as straightforward as office-based roles.
How would you rate Balfour Beatty initiatives when it comes to equality, diversity, inclusion and accessibility?
5/5
From my experience, Balfour Beatty takes EDI seriously and it shows in day-to-day behaviour. Teams are respectful and welcoming, and progression is based on performance and attitude, I’ve felt valued for what I bring, and I’ve seen the same approach applied across different backgrounds and seniority levels. There’s a clear expectation of professionalism and inclusion, and that creates a strong environment where people can grow and contribute.
I'm Muslim, and the first week on the job, once my construction manager realised I was praying inn the drying rooms he instantly ordered a wellbeing container, with sofas and carpets and made it my place (and other people's) safe for prayer and meditation. I will never in life forget that action, especially since I didn't even think of asking for it.
I'm Muslim, and the first week on the job, once my construction manager realised I was praying inn the drying rooms he instantly ordered a wellbeing container, with sofas and carpets and made it my place (and other people's) safe for prayer and meditation. I will never in life forget that action, especially since I didn't even think of asking for it.
How would you rate Balfour Beatty CSR (Corporate Social Responsibility) initiatives?
5/5
Balfour Beatty’s CSR genuinely stands out. I’ve seen strong focus on doing the right thing socially, ethically and environmentally: from sustainability and carbon awareness on projects, to community engagement and encouraging people to get involved in volunteering and outreach. Working on critical National Grid infrastructure also makes the “purpose” feel real, and there’s a consistent message that we should build responsibly and leave a positive legacy, not just deliver programme.
Recommendations & Advice
Would you recommend Balfour Beatty to a friend?
Yes
Why?
Because it wasn’t “salesy” in the recruitment process , the reality has been the same: a supportive team, high standards, and loads of opportunities to step up if you’re proactive. I’ve been trusted early and backed by the people around me, which is a big reason I’ve progressed quickly and taken such a liking to the job, in fact I love how this job really helps you become the Engineer (in my case) you always dreamed to become
How well did the role match your expectations based on the recruitment process?
5/5
Honestly, it matched really well. What they described in the interview — real responsibility, proper engineering, fast-paced delivery, and working in big teams , is exactly what it’s been like. It’s challenging, but in a good way, and you learn very quickly.
When considering the recruitment & onboarding process, have you any specific tips or advice you would give to others applying to Balfour Beatty?
Be yourself and be honest about what you know and what you don’t, they don’t expect you to be perfect, they want someone who’s switched on and keen to learn. If you’ve got examples where you took initiative, solved a problem, or helped a team (even at uni or part-time work), bring those because that’s what they care about.
Also, show you understand what the job is really like: it can be fast-paced, site-based, and you’ll be dealing with lots of people (subbies, designers, client, H&S, commercial). If you can communicate well, stay organised, and take ownership, you’ll do well.
For onboarding, don’t just sit back waiting for someone to tell you what to do. Ask questions, get out on site, learn the drawings/specs, understand the programme, and find a mentor/buddy early it makes a massive difference.
Also, show you understand what the job is really like: it can be fast-paced, site-based, and you’ll be dealing with lots of people (subbies, designers, client, H&S, commercial). If you can communicate well, stay organised, and take ownership, you’ll do well.
For onboarding, don’t just sit back waiting for someone to tell you what to do. Ask questions, get out on site, learn the drawings/specs, understand the programme, and find a mentor/buddy early it makes a massive difference.
