Job Description

Role: Graduate Civil Engineer - Highlands (Scotland)

Start date: September 2027

Additional information

• Site-based role
• Based in Highlands/Alness to Wick for the duration of 2-year programme

As an international business we also have opportunities available in Ireland. 

About Us

Murphy is a leading international, multi-disciplined engineering and construction company founded in 1951 that improves life by delivering world-class infrastructure. Operating in the United Kingdom, Ireland, Canada, the USA, Australia and New Zealand Murphy provides better engineered solutions to infrastructure sectors including transportation, water, energy and natural resources. We also have a number of related businesses – Ground Engineering; Utility Connections; Plant; Process Engineering; Pipeline Testing Services; Specialist Welding Services and Electrical Services. Murphy employs more than 4,700 engineers, professional managers and skilled operatives around the world. Together, we work as ‘One Murphy’ by directly delivering the people, plant and expertise needed to make projects a success.

Project

The Accelerated Strategic Transmission Investment (ASTI) upgrade framework includes a programme of overhead lines, underground cables and substations in order to redevelop the transmission network in the north of Scotland between now and 2030.

The allocation of work for Murphy includes the design and construction of two new 400kv substations in Spittal and Loch Buidhe and the delivery of 85km of Overhead Line (OHL). Additionally, the conceptual design phase of our design contract was pivotal in supporting SSEN’s Planning Consent submission to the Scottish Government.

Our contributions in this framework are integral to SSEN’s broader Accelerated Strategic Transmission Investment (ASTI) Pathway to 2030 programme, which aims to bolster green energy production, enhance our national network resilience, and upgrade the transmission infrastructure by the end of the decade.

Graduate Programme

Now that you have finished your degree, it is time to take the first step of your career and join our two-year graduate training programme.

We are offering the opportunity for you develop knowledge, skills and experience which will enable you to have a successful career in engineering and construction.

Murphy are hiring Graduate Civil Engineers to work alongside our experienced site engineers across multi discipline construction projects from large scale civils, rail, water, oil & gas and electricity upgrade projects as part of the green energy transition across the UK. The graduate scheme offers both technical and soft skills courses to help your professional development and growth as a civil engineer.

When you join as a Graduate civil engineer you will be signed up to our ICE Approved Training Scheme, this is a structured training programme run by ICE approved employers.

Our scheme will help you get the skills, knowledge and experience you need to complete the initial professional development (IPD) stage of your path to becoming professionally qualified. 

You will have the support of a business mentor, to help your progress in the role and support your onboarding in the company. Furthermore, you will be given a SCE (Supervising Civil Engineer) who will guide you on your professional journey to ICE membership. 

You will be given the opportunity to work on different projects and gain an understanding of various  aspects of civil engineering broadening your understanding and putting into practice what you have learnt during your time at university. 

Key responsibilities will include:

• You will work on site alongside experienced engineers assisting with the setting out, supervision and control of construction activities so they are delivered safely to programme, cost, and quality and that work is recorded in accordance with the contract.  
• You may be involved in progress, design and client meetings.  You will gain experience across all disciplines and understand how a project is controlled and managed, technically and commercially and how you, as an engineer, can influence the project.
• Contributing to the design and implementation of technical solutions.
• Correct use and maintenance of surveying and setting out instruments and equipment.
• Assistance with production of method statements, a site diary, inspection and test plans, maintenance of work, material delivery and as-built records.
• Inspections in accordance with the Inspection and Test Plan 
• Assisting the engineering team making sure all materials on site are suitable, stored in line with manufacturer’s recommendations, current working practice, contract specification or project requirements  
• Close liaison with the site foreman and works managers.

What do we look for? 

• Problem solving skills
• Personal ownership your development
• Team working skills
• Computer literate and proficient in Microsoft Word and Excel 

Above all, we need people who will adopt our values and strive to live them: 

• One Family, One Team, One Murphy  
• Always Deliver  
• Respect, Integrity & Accountability   
• Never Harm  
• Continually Improve  

Location

The position is based in North Scotland (Inverness) with work predominantly across the Highlands/Alness to Wick for the duration of the 2-year programme.

How will I learn?

In short, by grabbing every chance you get.  Alongside working on some fascinating, challenging and occasionally jaw-dropping projects, you’ll also be part of our Murphy Learning programme, where everyone has ownership of their own training. You decide what skills you want to gain, with support and guidance from your manager. We call it the 70:20:10 principle, and it goes like this: 

• 70% learning on the job, challenging yourself with new projects and responsibilities 
• 20% learning through others, training and networking with senior managers, colleagues, and industry leaders 
• 10% structured learning, choosing training courses that fit your needs and your team’s aims 

Entry Requirements

Studying toward an ICE accredited Civil Engineering Degree or equivalent. 

Additional Requirements 

• You will need a full UK driving licence due to the location of the project. 
• To provide you with the best development opportunities we may ask you to work away from your home location within the UK during your 2-year programme.
• Eligible to work in the UK with a valid work permit if applicable.  Please note, we do not provide sponsorship.

Our Recruitment Process

Our recruitment process consists of three stages:

1. Application including a CV
2. Online interactive exercise 
3. In-person assessment centre (which start from November 2026) 

It’s important to us that everybody has an equal chance to succeed, therefore if you'd like to discuss any reasonable adjustments for any part of the recruitment process, please feel free to get in touch at emergingtalent@murphygroup.co.uk

Please note: Should we receive a high volume of suitable applications we may choose to close our opportunities early. Therefore, to avoid missing out, we do recommend you submit your application asap. 

Murphy is unable to employ anyone who does not have the legal right to live and work in the UK.