Industrial Placement - Rail
Industrial Placement - Rail
See it differently
You see the world through a unique lens and that’s exactly what we need. We embrace how you see things differently – it’s essential for creating a sustainable future.
Arup is a global consultancy with advisory and technical expertise across more than 150 disciplines. We guide, plan and design the future of the built environment. Globally, each year we recruit hundreds of graduates and students who help us see things differently and solve the most complex challenges facing our clients, climate and communities.
The Opportunity
The North Rail Team is a multidisciplinary group delivering some of the most significant rail infrastructure projects across the UK and Ireland. The team brings together specialists from rail systems, electrification, civils, track, stations, signalling, project management, safety and digital engineering, enabling us to provide integrated solutions across the full project lifecycle. Our work spans early-stage feasibility and business case development through to detailed design and delivery, supporting clients such as Network Rail, TransPennine Route Upgrade (TRU), Nexus, Translink and other major transport organisations. The team offers opportunities to work on diverse, high-profile projects that help shape the future of sustainable rail transport.
You would:
- Deliver the design and engineering across a range of rail infrastructure projects, from feasibility studies through to detailed design.
- Work collaboratively within multidisciplinary project teams, coordinating with specialists within the rail team.
- Support the production of high-quality technical deliverables, including drawings, calculations and reports.
- Contribute to major UK and international rail programmes, gaining experience across passenger, freight and mass transit schemes across a range of clients.
- Develop technical and professional skills through client engagement and involvement in innovative solutions that support the decarbonisation and modernisation of rail networks."
Is this role right for you?
For this opportunity, we are seeking the following qualifications, skills and attributes:
- A bachelor's degree in relevant academic discipline, such as Mechanical Engineering, Civil Engineering, Data Science, or Electrical Engineering.
- Analytical skills, ability to research into engineering problems.
- Knowledge of the railway and associated systems.
Alongside your degree, we look for the following core attributes;
- Changemakers: A passion for sustainable development and creating a better world is key.
- Innovative minds: We’re looking for critical thinkers who embrace new ideas and challenge the status quo.
- Growth seekers: You have a growth mindset, always eager to learn and explore new ways of working.
Adaptable adventurers: You’re ready to take on any challenge that comes your way.
You should be able to start this opportunity on 1 September 2027.
Advert Closing Date: 16 October 2026
Please note, in the event of high applicant volume, this role may be closed ahead of the advertised closing date. Early application is recommended.
What we offer you
At Arup, we care about each member’s success, so we can grow together.
Guided by our values, we provide an attractive total reward package that recognises the contribution of each of our members to our shared success. As well as competitive, fair and equitable pay, we offer a career in which all of our members can belong, grow and thrive – through benefits that support health and wellbeing, a wide range of learning opportunities and many possibilities to have an impact through the work they do.
We are owned in trust on behalf of our members, giving us the freedom, with personal responsibility, to set our own direction and choose work that aligns with our purpose and adds to Arup’s legacy. Our members collaborate on ambitious projects to deliver remarkable outcomes for our clients and communities. Profit Share is a key part of our reward, enabling permanent members to share in the results of our collective efforts.
We take an approach to flexible working that supports the diversity and wellbeing of our graduates.
We also provide for our permanent members Private medical insurance, Life assurance, Accident insurance and Income protection cover. In addition, you’ll have access to flexible benefits to help you look after all aspects of your wellbeing and give you the freedom and flexibility to find the best solutions for you, your family, and your individual needs.
Next Steps
We've designed our application process to be straightforward and supportive, giving you the opportunity to showcase your skills and potential. Applications are reviewed as they're received, so we encourage you to apply as early as possible.
The process includes an online application, psychometric testing, application review, case study, interview and offer stage. Our friendly Early Careers team is available throughout the process to answer questions and help you feel confident every step of the way.
Different people, shared values
Arup is an equal opportunity employer that actively promotes and nurtures a diverse and inclusive workforce. We welcome applications from individuals of all backgrounds, regardless of age (within legal limits), gender identity or expression, marital status, disability, neurotype or mental health, race or ethnicity, faith or belief, sexual orientation, socioeconomic background, and whether you’re pregnant or on family leave. We are an open environment that embraces diverse experiences, perspectives, and ideas - this drives our excellence.
Guided by our values and alignment with the UN Sustainable Development Goals, we create and contribute to equitable spaces and systems, while cultivating a sense of belonging for all. Our internal employee networks support our inclusive culture: from race, ethnicity and cross-cultural working to gender equity and LGBTQ+ and disability inclusion – we aim to create a space for you to express yourself and make a positive difference. Discover more about life at Arup at www.arup.com/careers/your-life-at-arup. We are an open environment that embraces diverse experiences, perspectives, and ideas.
We are committed to making our recruitment process and workplaces accessible to all candidates. Please contact UKEarlyCareersRecruitment@arup.com to let us know if you need any assistance or reasonable adjustments throughout your application or interview process, and/or to perform the essential functions of the role. We will do everything we can to support you.
As a Disability Confident Level 2 Employer in the UK, we will strive for one third of all our interview places to be allocated to candidates who have disclosed they are disability confident and best meet the requirements of the role.