EES Student Placement Engineer

At the Port of Dover, our vision is to be the most seamless, sustainable and innovative port in the world. We are investing in major infrastructure programmes that will support our ambitious Port of Dover 2050 vision, enhance customer experience, and drive economic growth.
We are looking for a motivated and enthusiastic Student Placement Engineer to join our Engineering team and support the delivery of key projects across our Entry Exit System (EES), Outbound Controls (OBC) and Port of Dover 2050 programmes.
This is an exciting opportunity to gain practical experience across the full project lifecycle, from concept design and procurement through to construction delivery and site supervision.

About the Role
As a Student Placement Engineer, you will work closely with programme teams, contractors and stakeholders to support the delivery of engineering projects and construction activities. You will gain exposure to design development, quality assurance, procurement processes and on-site project delivery while contributing to some of the Port's most significant infrastructure projects.

This placement is for 12 months, starting September 2026.

Key Responsibilities
•    Support the EES, OBC and Port of Dover 2050 programme teams in the delivery of engineering and construction projects.
•    Assist with the preparation and management of engineering project documentation.
•    Prepare and modify engineering drawings, specifications and technical tender documents to support contractor procurement.
•    Develop and review RIBA Stage 2 designs aligned with the Port of Dover 2050 vision.
•    Assist with basic engineering design activities and technical reviews.
•    Monitor construction works and support site supervision activities.
•    Ensure contractor compliance with Quality Management Systems and project requirements.
•    Witness and validate testing, inspections and trials, including Inspection and Test Plans (ITPs) and trial panels.
•    Monitor construction programme progress and challenge delivery where necessary to ensure project objectives are achieved.
•    Promote and maintain safe systems of work across all project activities.
•    Build effective working relationships with internal teams, contractors and external stakeholders.

What You'll Bring
Knowledge & Experience
Essential:
•    Currently studying towards a Construction, Design or Civil Engineering degree (BSc or MSc).
•    Strong Microsoft Office skills, including Outlook, Word and Excel.
•    Good AutoCAD skills with the ability to create, modify and overlay drawings.
•    Understanding of the design development process from concept through to construction.
•    Awareness of tender document preparation and procurement processes.
Desirable:
•    Knowledge of safe systems of work, including confined spaces and working at height.
•    Understanding of NEC3 or NEC4 contracts.

Practical Application
•    Understanding of CDM Regulations and Health & Safety Management within construction environments.
•    Excellent written and verbal communication skills.

Personal Qualities
We're looking for someone who is:
•    Enthusiastic, proactive and eager to learn.
•    Flexible and adaptable in a fast-paced project environment.
•    Able to work independently and collaboratively as part of a team.
•    Highly organised with strong planning and analytical skills.
•    Detail-oriented with a problem-solving mindset.
•    An excellent communicator and active listener.
•    Able to manage competing priorities and adapt to changing demands.
•    Committed to maintaining high standards of integrity, professionalism and respect.

Benefits

• 5 weeks annual leave + bank holidays (pro rata)
• Generous contributory pension scheme
• Discretionary annual bonus scheme
• Private Health Care
• Life assurance
• Employee assistance programme
• 3rd party discounts
• Benefits and reward platform
• Free Parking
   

Why Join Us?
At the Port of Dover, you'll have the opportunity to contribute to transformational projects that shape the future of one of the UK's most important transport and logistics hubs. You'll gain invaluable experience, work alongside experienced professionals, and play a role in delivering infrastructure that supports national trade, travel and growth.
Be part of a team that is committed to creating a safer, more sustainable and customer-focused future.

Hours of work: Monday – Friday 37.5 per week

Salary: £22k

All offers of employment are subject to us obtaining satisfactory references (covering all education, training, employment and unemployment in the preceding 5 years) and there will be a pre-employment medical including a Drug and Alcohol test. We need to satisfy your Right to Work in the UK.

Please be aware that all employees will be subject to background security checks in order to obtain a Dock Pass.

We value the unique differences that each of our colleagues bring to work every day and are committed to creating an environment where everyone is looking after each other and respected, included and able to perform at their best.

All offers of employment are subject to us obtaining satisfactory references (covering all education, training, employment and unemployment in the preceding 5 years) and there will be a pre-employment medical including a Drug and Alcohol test. We need to satisfy your Right to Work in the UK.

Please be aware that all employees will be subject to background security checks in order to obtain a Dock Pass.

We value the unique differences that each of our colleagues bring to work every day and are committed to creating an environment where everyone is looking after each other and respected, included and able to perform at their best.

All applications are reviewed by our team — we do not use AI for screening.

Closing date: 28 August 2026 at 5pm