mechanical engineer Review

During my placement as a Mechanical Engineer in the Water Sector at Mott MacDonald, my primary focus was on the design of wastewater treatment plants, particularly the design of pumping stations. This role required detailed hydraulic calculations, including assessing head losses in rising mains due to gravity (elevation differences), water velocity (based on the duty point flow rate in liters per second and pipe diameter), pressure differentials between suction and discharge, and frictional or minor losses. A critical aspect of my work involved understanding the broader context of the treatment plant—both upstream and downstream of the pumping station. This holistic view was essential to ensure that the design integrated seamlessly with existing processes. Investigating existing infrastructure was often a complex and time-consuming task, but it was also one of the most rewarding parts of the job, especially when a clear solution emerged from the research. Throughout the placement, I contributed to several long-term projects on large-scale wastewater treatment plants. These projects often presented real-world engineering challenges, and I found great satisfaction in collaborating with the team to develop practical, effective solutions. Beyond the core design work, my role was varied and engaging. I participated in a range of additional tasks, including contributing to DSEAR (Dangerous Substances and Explosive Atmospheres Regulations) reports, reviewing HVAC systems, and supporting the development of digital mobilization apps. Working in a dynamic team environment made the experience both enjoyable and enriching.

Over the course of my placement, my understanding of pump calculations and the fundamental principles of hydraulics has significantly deepened. Being immersed in an environment where these calculations are a daily activity has strengthened both my technical knowledge and confidence in applying first principles to real-world scenarios. In addition to technical growth, I’ve developed strong communication and teamwork skills. Collaborating with colleagues, engaging with site operations teams, and liaising with suppliers have all contributed to my ability to work effectively within a multidisciplinary team. These experiences have also enhanced my organisational skills and given me a clearer understanding of project management processes. My ability to interpret and apply engineering standards and regulations has improved considerably. Tasks that once felt complex have become more intuitive, thanks to regular exposure and hands-on experience. I’ve also become more efficient in my work, making better use of digital tools and information management systems to streamline my workflow. Overall, this placement has been a highly motivating experience. It has not only reinforced my passion for engineering but also equipped me with practical skills and insights that I will carry forward in my career. I also learned how much admin you have too do.

I was given a well-balanced level of responsibility throughout my placement—enough to keep me motivated and engaged, but never so much that I felt overwhelmed. There was always support available from the mechanical team and the wider Mott MacDonald network whenever I encountered challenges or uncertainties. One of the advantages of working in a large organisation like Mott is the robust review process: all work is checked and approved by senior engineers. This structure allowed me to contribute meaningfully to real-world projects while maintaining a safe space for learning and development. It provided the reassurance that any mistakes would be caught and corrected, turning them into valuable learning opportunities rather than critical setbacks.

I received excellent support and guidance during my placement. The mandatory training at the beginning was helpful for understanding general office etiquette, but it didn’t cover much in terms of technical knowledge. That part was picked up by my line manager, who shared useful documents and knowledge that helped me get to grips with the technical side of things. At the start, I was given a clear outline of how tasks should be done. As the placement progressed, I was given more freedom to figure things out on my own, which helped me grow in confidence and independence. There was always someone available to talk to—whether it was an engineer on a project I was working on or my line manager. That made a big difference whenever I had questions or needed support. The pump training course I did in April was fantastic. It would have been even better if it had taken place earlier in the placement, as the main concepts which were covered had mostly been gained through practical experience. The details and specifics we learned during the course were extremely useful and genuinely fascinating.

The company culture during my placement was really positive and welcoming. From the beginning, I felt like part of the team. People were approachable and always willing to help, whether it was my line manager or engineers working on the same project. The general atmosphere in the office was friendly and professional. There was a good balance between getting work done and having casual conversations, which made the environment feel relaxed but focused. I never felt uncomfortable asking questions or seeking clarification, which made learning much easier. There was also a strong sense of collaboration—everyone seemed happy to share their knowledge and experience. That made a big difference, especially when I was still getting used to the technical side of things.

really enjoyed my placement overall. It was a great opportunity to grow both technically and professionally. I especially enjoyed working on real-world engineering projects, where I could get involved in problem-solving, making calculations, and building a case for why something should be done a certain way—whether that was following existing methods or proposing new ones. One of the most rewarding parts was collaborating in a team environment. It made the work more engaging and fun, and I learned a lot from the people around me. The office environment—and Mott MacDonald as a whole—was welcoming, social, and enjoyable. I also really appreciated how varied the work was. I wasn’t doing the same thing every day, which kept things interesting and fresh.

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If you're applying to Mott MacDonald, my advice would be to show your enthusiasm for engineering and problem-solving. Be open to learning—there’s a lot of support, and asking questions is encouraged. Teamwork and communication are key, so highlight any experience you have working with others. The work is varied, so showing that you enjoy adapting to new challenges will help. Most importantly, be yourself—the culture is friendly, welcoming, and values genuine interest and curiosity.