2026 Graduate - Chemical Engineer

Company Description

Veolia is a global leader in environmental services, operating across all five continents with nearly 218,000 employees. Specializing in water, energy, and waste management, Veolia designs and implements innovative solutions for decarbonization, depollution, and resource regeneration, supporting communities and industries in their ecological transformation. Within this framework, Water Tech brings together a dedicated team of experienced professionals committed to tackling the world’s most complex challenges related to water scarcity, quality, productivity, and energy. Together, we pursue a shared mission to create a more sustainable future.

Job Description

VEOLIA GRADUATE PROGRAM 2026
Chemical Engineer
Location: Padua, Italy
Required: DEGREE IN Engineering (preferably Environmental, Chemical, or related fields)
Application Deadline: 19th April 2026
Salary: 
Note: the term 'Graduate 2026' refers to our program, not the year you are expected to have graduated.
 

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 Chemical Engineer, you will manage water treatment projects from feasibility through to commissioning, working closely with our Engineering team. You'll conduct site inspections, operate treatment plants, and perform chemical-physical water analyses while monitoring critical process parameters. This role offers hands-on experience in project coordination, plant maintenance management, and client relationship building, providing a comprehensive foundation for your engineering career in environmental sustainability.

Day-to-Day Duties and Learnings:

• Manage complete project lifecycles from feasibility studies through to implementation and commissioning of water treatment facilities
• Coordinate project execution phases while maintaining strong client relationships and ensuring adherence to timelines, budgets, and quality standards
• Conduct site inspections and technical surveys in the field to assess water treatment requirements and plant performance
• Operate water treatment plants and execute chemical-physical water analyses to ensure optimal performance
• Monitor analytical and process parameters continuously to maintain treatment efficiency and compliance standards
• Plan and manage ordinary and extraordinary plant maintenance activities, including scheduling and supervision of interventions
• Collaborate with the Engineering team to provide technical support and contribute to design and optimization projects
• Interpret technical documentation and apply water treatment technologies to solve complex environmental challenges

Qualifications

Ideal Skills and Experience:

• Degree in Engineering (preferably Environmental, Chemical, or related fields) (essential)
• Fluent in English and Italian 
• 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
• Knowledge of, or interest in, water treatment technologies and chemical-physical parameters desirable
• Ability to read and interpret technical documentation
• Driver's license B

Additional Information

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