Nuclear Safety Engineering and Operations Graduate Programme

Nuclear Safety Engineering and Operations Graduate Programme

Programme title: Nuclear Safety Engineering and Operations Graduate Programme

Salary: Minimum £35,000. Salary is dependent on location, role and qualifications.

Location: Devonport, Plymouth

Application closing date: 20 October 2026

Programme start date: September 2027

Role ID: 74573

What will you do on the programme?

As a Nuclear Safety and Operations Engineering Graduate based at Devonport Royal Dockyard, you’ll play a key role in supporting the safe operation, maintenance, and development of nuclear and radiological facilities. From your first day, you’ll contribute to real world projects that help protect people, our assets, and the environment.

Your work will be varied and meaningful. One week, you might be reviewing engineering designs for compliance with nuclear safety standards, developing safety cases, or conducting hazard analysis. The next, you could be performing risk assessments, modelling scenarios, collaborating with multidisciplinary teams to tackle operational challenges, or preparing technical reports and presenting your findings to stakeholders. Every task you undertake will directly contribute to the safety and performance of our operations.

This is your opportunity to explore different areas of the business, build your technical and professional skills, and find the path that’s right for you. Whether you’re interested in nuclear safety or plant management, you’ll be supported to grow your expertise and take the next step in your engineering career.

How is the programme structured?

The programme spans two years and is designed to give you a strong foundation in nuclear safety engineering and operational safety management.

For the first 18 months, you’ll rotate through a series of placements across the business, each lasting two to four months. These rotations will give you a broad understanding of our operations and help you identify where your strengths and interests lie. In the final six months of the programme, you’ll move into a more focused role, taking on greater responsibility and building even more in-depth experience in your chosen area.

How do we develop and support you?

From day one, you’ll receive structured support, personalised training, and dedicated mentorship to help you succeed throughout the programme and beyond.

You’ll work alongside and learn from industry experts, including safety case authors, plant and operations managers, human factors consultants, radiation protection advisors, and environmental management specialists, giving you a well-rounded understanding of nuclear and radiological safety.

You’ll also join our Graduate Development Programme, which includes expert led masterclasses covering communication, personal branding, resilience, and wellbeing. To support your professional development, we provide guidance toward Chartered or Incorporated Engineer status and cover all associated fees.

What’s waiting for you after the programme?

On successful completion of the programme, you’ll have the opportunity to specialise in either Nuclear Safety or Plant Management.

Your development doesn’t stop there. We’ll continue to support you as you grow into more senior roles and take on increased responsibility. Through the Babcock Role Framework, you’ll have a clear view of how your career can progress, with defined pathways, development opportunities, and the flexibility to move between Nuclear Safety Engineering and Plant Management as your interests and career evolve.

What rewards and benefits will you get?

We want you to feel supported, valued and excited about what’s ahead. That’s why we offer a comprehensive package designed to support your development, your wellbeing and your life outside of work too.

In addition to a minimum starting salary of £35,000, you’ll benefit from: 

• A minimum of 25 days of holiday plus bank holidays
• Generous pension and employee share schemes
• Flexible benefits, including cycle to work scheme, discounts
• Wellbeing support, covering mental, physical, financial, and social wellbeing, with services like our Employee Assistance Programme, digital GP service, and health checks.

You’ll also have the chance to get involved in our STEM outreach activities and volunteering opportunities.  

What do you need to apply?

• You’ll need to have achieved, or be on track to achieve, a Bachelor's or Master's degree in a STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering or Maths) subject.
• Many of our programmes are subject to Security Clearance and Trade Control restrictions which mean that your place of birth, nationality, citizenship, or residency you hold or have held may impact which programmes you are eligible for. For this programme, you must be able to achieve and maintain Baseline Personnel Security Standard (BPSS), Security Check (SC) and Naval Nuclear Propulsion Information (NNPI) clearance. For further details, visit GOV.UK and search ‘United Kingdom Security Vetting: clearance levels’.
• Under applicable national security legislation, this post may only be occupied by a sole UK national. This legal requirement is independent of our recruitment policies, and all eligible applicants will be assessed fairly and without discrimination. 

Where will you be based?

Places on our Nuclear Safety and Engineering Operations programme for September 2027 are available in our Nuclear sector in Plymouth.

Based at Devonport in Plymouth, the largest naval base in Western Europe, you’ll be part of the team that delivers critical support to the Royal Navy’s surface ships and submarines. Throughout your placements, you’ll work on a variety of projects that contribute directly to the safe operation and continuous improvement of nuclear and radiological facilities within a highly specialised environment.

Importantly, you’ll be joining us at a time of long-term investment and strategic importance. We have a programme of submarine work that spans decades, offering the opportunity to be part of a legacy of national defence and innovation.

While you’ll join a specific business area and location, placements at different sites across the UK are possible. Agile working is supported, but you’ll be expected to work on-site multiple times a week. We encourage flexibility and openness to relocation throughout the programme and will consider your personal circumstances when arranging placements.

Application process and important information

Applications are reviewed in the order they are received, and if there’s a high level of interest in this programme, we may close applications earlier than advertised. To give yourself the best chance of being considered, we recommend submitting your application and completing any required online assessments as soon as possible.

Please apply to one programme only. If we receive more than one application from you, we’ll assess the first one submitted. If your chosen programme becomes oversubscribed, we may contact you to discuss other programmes you could be eligible for.

We're a Disability Confident Employer. If you require additional support or adjustments during the recruitment process, please let us know when you apply. Our team will contact you after receiving your application to discuss your requirements and the support available.

We’re committed to building an inclusive culture where everyone’s free to thrive. We are happy to talk about flexible working – please ask about alternative patterns of work at interview.

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