Join us to design iconic bridges that connect communities and transform cities.
From helping shape entire cities to adapting infrastructure to deal with the climate emergency, a career at Buro Happold presents the chance to make a difference. This is an opportunity to join our Bridges team in London or Edinburgh office for an 8-week summer placement.
An exciting opportunity for an enthusiastic Bridge/Civil Structures Student to join our London or Edinburgh team. This role will see you designing the construction of all types of bridge, from architectural footbridges like the Lille Langebro in Copenhagen, to major bridge crossings such as the Northern Spire in Sunderland.
Join our Bridges team
Working closely with our infrastructure design teams, we have designed and supervised the construction of dozens of bridges, underpasses, cut and cover tunnels and culverts in many countries over the past decade. We provide input into the design of roads and railways, into the viability of major infrastructure projects and their environmental impact.
We participate actively in the research and the development of materials, new technology, sustainability strategies and methods of analysis, in order to develop our core competencies. This equips us to develop innovative design concepts, such as parametric design tools to enable rapid prototyping to help make early carbon saving design decisions.
In fact, you’ll be working with, and helping to develop, our 3D parametric modelling software ( BHoM ). It enables us to make state-of-the-art structural analyses. This was a real benefit in testing the unique design of the award-winning Lille Langebro swing bridge which uses a locking mechanism which allows the two halves to separate and open for boats to pass through.
Not only will we help you develop your technical engineering skills, but we will also train you in all areas required to gain your professional accreditation, such as becoming chartered with the Institution of Civil Engineers.
We work for public clients, contractors (design-build projects) and private developers. We advocate a close dialogue with our clients to optimise the design and the construction process, such as enabling the Stratford Town Centre Link that spans 11 railway lines to be launched over an operational station.
To find out more about the Bridges discipline please click here .
What sort of projects would I work on?
New Danube Bridge, Budapest
The new road bridge structure will open in 2027 and will be a new landmark bridge to add to Budapest’s collection of great bridges.
Lille Langebro, Copenhagen
The recently completed Lille Langebro is a pedestrian and cycle bridge in Copenhagen which sits beside the Langebro traffic bridge, it improves the accessibility for cyclist in the city and enhance the vibrancy of the waterfront.
Red Sea Project, King of Saudi Arabia
This project allowed Buro Happold to ask the question, “do we need a bridge, and if so, what type and where”? This extraordinary project is one of many large Buro Happold projects in KSA which offer unique engineering challenges at a large scale. Amongst other aspects, these projects also enable Buro Happold to have significant impact on the expenditure of carbon.
Stratford Town Centre Link
This footbridge is a landmark structure in east London providing a generous and exciting link between Stratford town centre, Westfield, and the Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park. It was the first bridge in the UK to be launched over a live railway.
Design Competitions
We enter multiple design competitions every year with our architectural collaborators. These competitions allow us to consider both form and function within a very creative environment. They also offer fantastic opportunities for our graduates to lead.
What will I do?
- Learn about analysis and bridge design
- Leaning new software such as visual programme tools e.g. Grasshopper
- Embodied carbon calculations
- Perform design verification and independent checks
- Help the team move towards our internal and external sustainability goals
- Analyse erection techniques
- Assess strength and propose rehabilitation of existing structures
About you:
You will be currently studying a degree or master’s level in Civil or Structural Engineering. It would be beneficial for the successful candidate to demonstrate skills and knowledge in:
- Developing concept designs
- Work competently with some assistance from Engineers and above
- Prepare and take responsibility for concept and preliminary engineering solutions for detail design
- Prepare Technical Specifications
- Finite Element Analysis
- Aptitude for coding and computational analysis
- CAD/Revit knowledge
What’s in it for you?
Broad insight within a team, mentored by a subject matter expert. The opportunity to experience our culture and value, and learn what sets us apart from other organisations. Exposure to a wide range of portfolios, including local community led projects and global large scale clients. The diversity of the projects we work on is one of the many reasons Engineers love to work at Buro Happold.
Application Process
The recruitment timeline can vary depending on the role and team you are applying to. Successful applications are progressed to interview stage within 2-3 months from the closing date of the advert. We will endeavour to keep you informed throughout the time that your application is being considered, however, due to the volume of applications received and the size of our team, we are not able to respond to individual requests for status updates.
Please see our Early Careers Candidate Pack for further guidance and information.
This is a paid role for current university students for an 8-week placement taking place during Summer 2026. Exact dates can be flexible depending on candidate and team availability.
The annual salary for this placement will be in-line with the UK Real Living Wage.
If you are experiencing problems with your application submission, please contact earlycareers@burohappold.com .
A place for everyone
Buro Happold values an individual's flexible approaches to working patterns as an important part of how you work and achieve balance. We welcome applications from those who are seeking flexibility in their careers.
Our exceptional portfolio of projects is the result of the diversity of thought, identities, backgrounds, and experiences that shape us. Appreciating each other’s differences is key, we want employees to feel they don’t have to mask elements of their identity to thrive.
We are working to change the lack of representation of marginalised groups in the built environment. We are particularly keen to hear from anyone who feels they are underrepresented in the industry. We have much to learn from one another. Embracing differences allows us to develop the most innovative and elegant solutions.
Please let us know if there are any adjustments we could make to the application process to make it easier and more comfortable for you. Contact recruitment@burohappold.com so we can work with you to support you throughout your application.
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