Summer Placement Design Engineering

Join our Design Engineering Summer Placement Programme at Severn Trent.

We design and deliver water and wastewater infrastructure—from pipelines to treatment facilities—while helping Severn Trent meet operational and environmental challenges.

• Contribute to the design and planning of water and wastewater projects.
• Gain exposure to digital engineering tools and techniques used to model and optimise asset performance.
• Understand how design decisions impact construction, operations, and long‑term sustainability.
• Collaborate with multidisciplinary teams to solve real‑world engineering challenges.
• Learn how regulatory, environmental, and commercial factors influence infrastructure design.
• Support the development of innovative solutions that improve efficiency and resilience across our network.
• Explore different areas of the business to understand how design integrates with delivery and operations.

8 or 12‑week placement based at our Coventry or Raynesway (Derby) office. You’ll work day‑to‑day with industry professionals, take lead on projects, and gain a real‑world understanding of design engineering solutions.

Starting Salary: £23,492
Programme Duration: 8 or 12 weeks
Locations: Severn Trent Centre, 2 St John Street, Coventry, CV1 2LZ

• Studying a UK university degree in Design Engineering, Civil Engineering, Environmental Engineering, Mechanical Engineering (with sustainability or infrastructure modules), or any related engineering‑aligned degree.
• Studying at a UK university and eligible to work in the UK without sponsorship.
• Creative and solution‑focused mindset with a passion for design engineering, infrastructure planning, and delivering sustainable water and wastewater solutions.

• A ‘can‑do’ attitude – eager to get involved, take ownership, and deliver high‑quality work.
• Adaptability and resilience – comfortable with variety and able to thrive in a fast‑paced, ever‑changing environment.
• Strong prioritisation and problem‑solving skills – assess tasks quickly and tackle challenges head‑on.
• Excellent communication and collaboration – work confidently across multiple teams and build strong relationships.
• Curiosity and a growth mindset – keen to learn, ask questions, and continuously improve.
• Accountability and integrity – act responsibly, make thoughtful decisions, and contribute positively to team culture.
• Creative thinking – challenge the status quo and bring fresh ideas to drive innovation.
• Self‑awareness and reflection – open to feedback and committed to personal development.

We are committed to fostering a diverse, inclusive, and cohesive culture that represents the communities we serve. Discover more about our diversity and inclusion commitments at Severn Trent.

Roles close 13 Jan 2026 at midday (12 pm).
Assessments run February – March.

Start date:

1 June for a 12‑week placement and 29 June for an 8‑week placement.