Find a job 
Featured Companies 
Featured Universities 
For Companies At a Glance
- Tasks: Join a dynamic team tackling complex civil engineering projects in the nuclear sector.
- Company: Specialist client in nuclear decommissioning with a focus on professional growth.
- Benefits: Starting salary of £32,000, 28 days leave, mentoring, and relocation support.
- Why this job: Make a real impact while developing your skills in a unique engineering environment.
- Qualifications: Minimum 2:2 degree in engineering and eligibility to work in the UK.
- Other info: Structured placements and access to a strong early-careers network.
The predicted salary is between 28800 - 48000 £ per year.
A specialist client within the nuclear decommissioning sector is seeking a talented Graduate Civil Engineer to join their structured early-career programme based at their Dounreay site. This is a rare opportunity for a motivated graduate to begin their career at one of the UK’s most technically unique and historically significant nuclear locations.
The organisation offers a two-year development pathway designed to give graduates wide-ranging exposure to engineering activities across the site. Through a series of planned placements, the successful candidate will contribute to complex infrastructure, decommissioning and remediation projects, working alongside experienced engineers who are recognised leaders in their fields. The role provides hands-on involvement in civil engineering challenges that vary from the refurbishment of legacy structures to the design support of new waste-management facilities.
Professional growth is at the heart of the programme. Graduates receive ongoing behavioural and technical training, support from dedicated mentors, and access to a strong early-careers network across the wider group. The company also actively supports progression toward Chartered status, ensuring individuals build the competencies needed for future technical or leadership roles.
Recent graduates placed with the client have worked on a wide range of site-specific tasks, such as structural inspections, analysis of ageing facilities, assessment of environmental factors affecting reinforced-concrete performance, verification of contractor engineering deliverables, and modelling tasks using digital design tools. These examples reflect the breadth of real, impactful work graduates can expect to encounter.
The recruiter’s client is seeking applicants who enjoy problem-solving in highly technical environments and who are comfortable collaborating across multidisciplinary teams. A genuine interest in the nuclear sector and a proactive approach to learning will be key to success.
What the Programme Offers- Starting salary of £32,000
- A series of structured placements across the Dounreay site
- Access to site transport services
- A comprehensive support network including mentoring and pastoral support
- Membership of a relevant professional institution
- Tailored technical and behavioural development
- 28 days’ annual leave, plus public holidays, Christmas shutdown and every third Friday off
- Competitive pension and company bonus schemes
- Relocation support
- Wellbeing and employee-support programmes
- Access to employee networks covering a wide range of communities and interests
- Minimum 2:2 degree in a relevant engineering discipline
- Eligibility to work in the UK for the full duration of the programme
- Ability to obtain the required security clearance and pass necessary pre-employment checks
- Willingness to be based on site at Dounreay throughout the programme and beyond
- Commitment to the organisation’s values, including collaboration, integrity, creativity and high performance
Applicants are advised to monitor their email throughout the process, as all interview and assessment information will be issued electronically. By applying, candidates consent to their details being shared with the client’s early-careers team for the purposes of progressing their application.
Civil Engineer employer: GradBay
Contact Detail:
GradBay Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Civil Engineer
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to current or former employees in the nuclear sector, especially those who have been through similar graduate programmes. They can offer insider tips and might even put in a good word for you.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for your interviews by brushing up on technical knowledge relevant to civil engineering and the nuclear sector. Think about real-world problems you've solved during your studies and be ready to discuss them.
✨Tip Number 3
Show your passion for the nuclear industry! Research recent developments and challenges in the sector, and be prepared to share your thoughts on how you can contribute to solving them during your interviews.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, we’re here to support you every step of the way in landing that dream job.
We think you need these skills to ace Civil Engineer
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV reflects the skills and experiences that align with the role of a Graduate Civil Engineer. Highlight any relevant projects or coursework that showcase your problem-solving abilities and interest in the nuclear sector.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to express your enthusiasm for the role and the company. Mention specific aspects of the programme that excite you, and don’t forget to show how your values align with theirs.
Showcase Your Technical Skills: Since this role involves complex engineering tasks, be sure to mention any technical skills or tools you’re familiar with. Whether it's digital design tools or structural analysis, let us know what you bring to the table!
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to apply directly through our website for a smoother application process. It’s the best way to ensure your application gets into the right hands and stands out to our team!
How to prepare for a job interview at GradBay
✨Know Your Stuff
Make sure you brush up on your civil engineering fundamentals, especially those related to nuclear decommissioning. Familiarise yourself with recent projects in the sector and be ready to discuss how your academic background aligns with the role.
✨Show Your Passion
Express your genuine interest in the nuclear sector during the interview. Share any relevant experiences or projects that sparked your enthusiasm for this field, as it will demonstrate your commitment and proactive approach to learning.
✨Prepare for Problem-Solving Questions
Expect to tackle technical questions that assess your problem-solving skills. Practice articulating your thought process clearly, as this will showcase your ability to collaborate across multidisciplinary teams and think critically under pressure.
✨Ask Insightful Questions
Prepare a few thoughtful questions about the company’s projects, culture, or the early-career programme. This not only shows your interest but also helps you gauge if the organisation is the right fit for you.
