Job Description

At Curtins, we're an employee-owned engineering consultancy driven by a simple ambition: to create a better built environment for everyone.

For over 65 years, we've delivered practical, innovative and sustainable solutions that make a positive impact on communities across the UK and Ireland. From major regeneration schemes and commercial developments to education, healthcare and residential projects, our work helps shape the places where people live, learn, work and thrive.

Our Summer Placement Programme offers university students the opportunity to gain valuable paid work experience during their summer break while building practical engineering skills that will strengthen their CV and future career prospects.

As a Student Engineer, you'll join a supportive team of engineers, designers and consultants who are passionate about solving problems, sharing knowledge and developing future talent.

Whether your interests lie in structures, infrastructure, drainage, highways or sustainable design, we'll help you discover where your strengths and passions fit best.

The details

• Paid Summer Placement Opportunity
• Flexible Summer 2027 start dates to align with university holidays
• Typically 8-12 weeks of hands-on engineering experience
• Open to students studying Civil Engineering, Structural Engineering or a related engineering discipline
• Work on live projects, learn from experienced engineers and build experience that will support your future career

What you'll be doing

From day one, you'll be involved in live projects and real engineering challenges.

Working alongside experienced engineers, you'll:

• Contribute to the design and delivery of a wide variety of projects across multiple sectors.
• Support engineering calculations, technical analysis and design development.
• Assist with the preparation of drawings, reports and engineering documentation.
• Learn how engineering designs progress from concept through to construction.
• Collaborate with colleagues across different disciplines to create integrated solutions.
• Gain exposure to client meetings, project management and commercial awareness.
• Develop an understanding of industry standards, regulations and best practice.
• Participate in STEM activities, community initiatives and wider Curtins events.

This is a hands-on opportunity to apply what you've learned at university in a real-world environment while developing the skills employers look for in future engineers.

What will I gain from the placement?

We want your placement to be a genuinely valuable learning experience.

During your time with us, you'll:

• Gain practical experience working on real engineering projects.
• Learn from experienced engineers and industry professionals.
• Develop your technical, professional and communication skills.
• Build your confidence in a professional consulting environment.
• Strengthen your CV with relevant industry experience.
• Expand your professional network.
• Gain a clearer understanding of potential engineering career paths.

Many of our graduate engineers joined Curtins after first gaining experience through placements, internships or work experience opportunities.

What we're looking for

We're looking for curious, motivated students who enjoy solving problems and working collaboratively.

You'll ideally:

• Be currently studying towards a degree in Civil Engineering, Structural Engineering or a related engineering discipline.
• Be returning to university following your placement.
• Have strong analytical and problem-solving skills.
• Enjoy working as part of a team.
• Have good communication skills.
• Be keen to learn and develop your engineering knowledge.
• Have an interest in shaping sustainable and innovative engineering solutions.

Most importantly, we're looking for people who share our values:

Integrity - doing the right thing.

Being Human - supporting and respecting others.

Curiosity - asking questions and seeking better solutions.

Impact - making a meaningful difference through our work.

Why Curtins?

As an employee-owned business, every person at Curtins contributes to and benefits from our success.

Alongside exciting projects and a supportive culture, you'll enjoy:

• Competitive pay for the duration of your placement.
• Meaningful work on live projects.
• Support and mentoring from experienced engineers.
• Opportunities to get involved in STEM, charity and community initiatives.
• The chance to build valuable industry experience and enhance your employability.

Most importantly, you'll be joining a business where your ideas matter, your development is supported and you'll gain experience that will help shape your future career.

Discover what a career in engineering could look like with Curtins.

Apply for our Summer Placement Programme 2027.

Should you wish to discuss any adjustments to the application process or provide us with feedback, please contact hr@curtins.com. We would be happy to discuss ways we can make the process more suitable to your needs.

We value diversity and respect all differences in people. We invite enthusiastic individuals who share our values of integrity, being human, curiosity and impact to apply.