2026 Graduate - R&D Engineer

Veolia aims to be the benchmark company for ecological transformation. Our mission to "Resource the world" demonstrates the unwavering commitment of our 215 ,000 employees to creating a positive impact for our planet. 

VEOLIA GRADUATE PROGRAM 2026

Graduate R&D Engineer

Location: Lund, Sweden

Required: Degree in Environmental Engineering or similar field

Application Deadline: 19th April 2026

Note that the term Graduate 2026 is our program name, not the year we expect you to graduate

Veolia are ready to launch our Graduate Recruitment Campaign for 2026!

You will join us between July and October 2026 and complete our 1-year fully immersive graduate programme. This structured development journey leads to exciting long-term career opportunities across our global operations.

This is a permanent position from day one, demonstrating our unwavering commitment to our graduates' long-term success and development. We believe in investing in our future leaders by offering permanent contracts rather than fixed-term positions, providing our graduates with job security and peace of mind from the start. This approach allows you to fully focus on your development and career growth.

At the end of the 12-month graduate program, we conduct comprehensive career conversations with each graduate to explore their strengths, interests, and aspirations. This discussion helps determine the most suitable career path within our company. Our commitment to permanent employment reflects our confidence in our graduate program and our dedication to nurturing long-term talent. It also demonstrates our strong track record of graduate retention and career progression within Veolia.

We pride ourselves on our positive and inclusive culture that emphasises equality and collaboration rather than focusing on hierarchy. At Veolia, our employees' diverse perspectives are encouraged and valued. Joining us means you will participate in our thriving DEI communities and related initiatives.

Veolia has a meaningful purpose where you'll be part of something bigger than just a job; you'll be part of a network driving ecological transformation and making a meaningful impact on society and the environment through our work.

Our Graduate Program is our commitment to developing talented employees through:

• Structured training on both essential and technical skills
• Networking opportunities
• A dedicated support network of a Program Leader, Line Manager, Mentor, Coach, and HR Manager
• Experiential learning, delivered on a monthly basis
• Four times in-person workshops at key locations at our operations across Europe
• A Sustainability Challenge to develop your entrepreneurial skills
• Regular reviews with your support network - and a great chance for feedback

As a Graduate R&D Engineer, you will join a dynamic team of specialists in Lund, Sweden, working at the cutting edge of biological wastewater treatment technology. You will support exciting R&D programs focused on developing compact biofilm technologies, contributing directly to Veolia's mission of ecological transformation. Through hands-on laboratory and pilot-scale work, data analysis, and collaboration with global partners, you will gain invaluable technical expertise and help shape the next generation of innovative, sustainable water treatment solutions.

Day-to-Day Duties and Learnings:

• Operate and support laboratory and pilot-scale trials to test and develop new wastewater treatment technologies
• Monitor and evaluate the performance of ongoing experiments, ensuring accurate and reliable results
• Conduct microscopy analysis to examine and understand biological processes within wastewater treatment systems
• Collect, analyse, and interpret data from tests to draw meaningful conclusions and support R&D decision-making
• Follow up on the performance of full-scale treatment plants, bridging the gap between research and real-world application
• Support a variety of research and development initiatives within the team, contributing to the growth of competitive solutions and products
• Collaborate with internal and external partners across the globe on innovative development projects
• Contribute to knowledge sharing within the team, developing your understanding of biological wastewater treatment processes

 

 

Ideal Skills and Experience:

• Degree in Environmental Engineering or similar field (essential)
• Fluent in English
• Swedish would be an additional benefit
• Other European languages are useful
• Strong analytical and problem-solving capabilities
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills
• Proficiency in Google Workspace or similar platforms
• Willingness to travel (approximately 20–30 days per year)
• Valid European driving licence
• Hands-on approach with willingness to work in the field or with lab and pilot trials
• Specialisation in wastewater treatment and/or experience in biological wastewater treatment (desirable)
• Familiarity with data handling and evaluation tools (desirable)

All applicants must be able to provide documentation proving their right to work in the country of this position without requiring employer sponsorship at any time.

Location: Lund, Sweden.

Travel requirements for both work and training 

Full-time, Permanent

At Veolia, we believe in the power of innovation and collaboration. If you're ready to make your mark in water technology and environmental protection, we want to hear from you!

 

As an inclusive company, Veolia is committed to diversity and gives equal consideration to all applications, without discrimination.