Highways Summer Placement 2026

Pell Frischmann is a specialist advisory and technical consultancy operating across the built and natural environment, helping to shape a better future for the communities in which we work. We offer consultancy services, with access to specialist sister companies and partners, to support both public and private-sector clients. We work across sectors encompassing buildings, infrastructure, and regeneration.

Originally formed in 1926, we have a unique heritage in delivering client-focused solutions that deliver value through our commercial awareness, sustainable aspirations, and innovative approach. Our distinctive future is defined by our ownership; Pell Frischmann is a part of RSBG SE, the patient capital investment arm of RAG-Stiftung. RAG-Stiftung is a foundation with the long-term public purpose to deal with the environmental and social commitments resulting from the closing of Germany’s coal mining industry. RSBG SE’s mission is to generate sustainable funds for the foundation; so, our work directly contributes to the challenge of fighting global pollution and climate change.

We are seeking a motivated undergraduate student to join our Highways Design team for a 6–12 week summer placement, starting in June or July 2026. This is an excellent opportunity to gain hands-on experience within a civil engineering consultancy and contribute to the design of real highway and transportation projects.

About the role

As a Summer Placement Student in Highways Design, you will support our engineers in the planning and design of highway infrastructure schemes. You will gain practical experience across various stages of project delivery, from feasibility and preliminary design to detailed design and construction support, while developing key technical and professional skills.

Key responsibilities

  • Assisting with the production of highway design drawings using CAD software
  • Supporting junction layout, road alignment, and drainage design tasks
  • Helping prepare calculations, technical notes, and design documentation
  • Supporting design checks and compliance with relevant standards (e.g. DMRB, Manual for Streets)
  • Working collaboratively with engineers and other project disciplines

What we’re looking for

  • An undergraduate student studying Civil Engineering or a related discipline
  • Available for a 6–12 week placement starting June or July 2026
  • Interest in highways and transportation engineering
  • Strong attention to detail and willingness to learn
  • Basic knowledge of CAD software and Microsoft Office
  • Good communication and teamwork skills

What you’ll gain

  • Practical experience working on live highways and infrastructure projects
  • Exposure to industry standards and real-world design processes
  • Mentoring and support from experienced highways engineers
  • Development of technical, professional, and transferable skills
  • A competitive paid summer placement

Why Pell Frischmann?

We are one of the UK's most influential and highly respected firms of infrastructure and built environment professionals. We provide a collaborative and supportive working environment, where you’ll have the freedom and flexibility to create your own pathway and make a real impact within the business and in the communities in which you will operate.

We'll support your ongoing personal and professional development as your career progresses, allowing you to reach your full potential. We are committed to providing equal opportunities for all, welcoming applications from all backgrounds and are delighted to be a part of the government's Disability Confident Scheme. We're happy to talk about flexible working and are committed to promoting the wellbeing of all our employees.

To apply for this role, please click “Apply for this job” below to complete our short application form and upload a copy of your CV. Please remove any personal details such as your home address and date of birth from your CV.

As part of the application process, you will be asked to complete a diversity monitoring form. We are committed to recruiting, retaining and developing a workforce that reflects at all grades the diverse communities that we serve. By completing this form, you will help us to monitor and analyse diversity information so that we can ensure that our recruitment processes are fair and identify opportunities to improve them. Any information provided on this form will be treated as strictly confidential and will not be seen by those involved in the selection process.

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