At a Glance
- Tasks: Join a two-year programme tackling real-world nuclear challenges through hands-on projects.
- Company: Be part of the award-winning Nuclear Graduates programme with top industry sponsors.
- Benefits: Enjoy a £30,000 salary, travel budget, training budget, and 25 days annual leave.
- Other info: Experience diverse placements, mentorship, and professional development throughout your journey.
- Why this job: Gain invaluable insights and skills in the dynamic nuclear sector while making a real impact.
- Qualifications: Minimum 2:2 degree in a relevant subject; passion for engineering and collaboration is key.
The predicted salary is between 25000 - 35000 £ per year.
OverviewMechanical Engineering - Nuclear Graduates 2026Join to apply for the Mechanical Engineering - Nuclear Graduates 2026 role at Nuclear GraduatesOne Programme, Two Years, Three Secondments, Endless Opportunities. There has never been a more exciting time to join the nuclear sector. From energy generation to waste management, transport through to decommissioning, the Nuclear Graduates programme provides you with the opportunity to contribute to some of the biggest challenges facing our society. The Nuclear Decommissioning Authority has brought together leading businesses and organisations to create the award winning & professionally accredited Nuclear Graduates programme. The sponsoring companies for the 2026 cohort are Rolls-Royce, the Office for Nuclear Regulation, the Atomic Weapons Establishment, the Ministry of Defence - Defence Nuclear Enterprise, Great British Energy - Nuclear, and the Environment Agency. Whether your passion lies within science, engineering or business, Nuclear Graduates will ensure that over two years you will gain an invaluable insight into the breadth of the UK\'s nuclear sector, giving you the opportunity to contribute to innovative designs, systems, products, and services. As a Nuclear Graduate, you will have the opportunity to see the nuclear sector from different perspectives, learn from leading experts on projects that have real impact, and receive a programme of professional development to enhance your skills and expertise, while also demonstrating a commitment to understanding the communities in which the nuclear sector works. Joining the Mechanical Engineering Nuclear Graduate programme offers a uniquely tailored two-year development plan complete with world-class training, multiple industry placements, and dedicated mentorship.You can expect to gain experience in:Nuclear reactor designSupporting the operation of a power-generating nuclear power station or nuclear-powered submarineTesting and quality of systems and components used in plant operationsModel-based systems engineeringProject team to overcome manufacturing challenges whilst getting to know the latest state-of-the-art technologiesSafety assessment and inspection of the design, installation, commissioning, maintenance and operation of systems and components of the plantsRecent graduates on our Mechanical Engineering Nuclear Graduate Scheme have taken the lead in managing contracts and preparing detailed quotes, designed efficient road-move processes to transport critical components safely, authored comprehensive risk assessments, supervised motor assembly and installation in complex systems, and engineered innovative hazardous-waste storage solutions to meet stringent regulatory standards. They leverage advanced 3D CAD tools and simulation software to validate designs under real-world conditions and perform rigorous structural-integrity calculations to ensure components withstand operational demands. If you have a demonstratable set of technical skills and thrive in collaborative environments, we highly encourage you to apply.Throughout your two-year journey on the Nuclear Graduates programme you will be employed by Energus whilst being supported by an industry leading sponsoring organisation. At the end of your two-year programme, you will be supported in securing a role with your sponsoring organisation or within the wider nuclear sector.Entry requirementsA minimum of a 2:2 in a relevant degree subject.Candidates need to have the right to work for the duration of the 2 year programme. Any offers will be conditional upon satisfactory right to work checksSuccessful completion of security clearance checksApplicants must be willing and able to travel and relocate. Energus head office is based in Workington, Cumbria, however role locations will vary dependent on sponsor location.Start date: September 2026Recruitment stagesThe recruitment and selection process consists of the following stages:Online application form - please complete all required sections of the application to ensure this is submitted successfully.Psychometric assessment - called Neurosight, this will be sent via email.Online interview - a 20-30 minute video interview with representatives from one of the sponsoring organisations.Assessment centre – these will be delivered face to face and will involve various activities, alongside insightful information around the nuclear industry and our programme.Offer - following our assessment centres, we aim to issue outcomes within two weeks. Successful candidates will begin their exciting journey as a Nuclear Graduate, working with our dedicated Energus People & Skills team to complete security paperwork ahead of starting the programme in September 2026.Onboarding - we welcome all our graduates ahead of the start date, through social media groups and welcome sessions, ensuring you are prepared, and any support required is in place, providing you with the best start to your exciting future as a Nuclear Graduate.Face-to-face assessment centres will take place in early 2026. If you are invited to an assessment centre and are unable to attend, you may be unable to complete the selection process. We encourage you to check emails regularly throughout the selection process, as correspondence including selection invitations will be sent via email.Closing Date: Friday 14 November 2025. Any applications received after this date will not be considered. We reserve the right to close a role early should we receive sufficient applications. Please note only one Nuclear Graduates application is required, please do not submit multiple applications.Company BenefitsSalary £30,000 per year£5,500 individual travel budget (for travelling to training and meetings whilst on programme)£3,500 flexible individual training budgetAccess to three secondments to give you experience across the breadth of the UK nuclear sectorA dedicated team of experts to support your development and progress throughout your time on the programmeA sponsor company lead to provide you with day-to-day support during your programme and with your secondmentsA dedicated mentor, assigned to you upon starting the programme who will stay with you throughout your Nuclear Graduates journeyA comprehensive, tailored programme of professional developmentThe support of a dedicated Nuclear Graduates programme team throughout the two years of your graduate programme25 days annual leave, plus bank holidays6 discretionary days leave for study and relocationEnergus contributory pension schemeEnergus Employee Assistance Programme and DigiCare+EnergUS Extras, providing in-house news, wellbeing resources and employee discountsMembership of up to 2 professional institutionsAccess to an independent Employee Assistance Programme service offering a 24/7 support lineOpportunity to participate in our Cycle2Work SchemeAs proud members of the Disability Confident Scheme, Energus aim to create a fair and accessible recruitment process for all candidates. If you have a disability or health condition and require any reasonable adjustments during the application or interview process, please let us know – we will work with you to ensure your needs are met. We are committed to offering an interview to all disabled applicants who meet the essential criteria for the role. In the event of a high number of eligible applicants, we will prioritise those whose skills and experience most closely match the requirements of the role.Expiring statusClosing Date indicates the role may be closed after 14 November 2025; applications received after this date may not be considered. #J-18808-Ljbffr
Mechanical Engineering - Nuclear Graduates 2026 employer: Nuclear Graduates
Energus is an exceptional employer for aspiring Mechanical Engineers, offering a unique Nuclear Graduates programme that combines world-class training with hands-on experience across the UK nuclear sector. With a strong focus on professional development, dedicated mentorship, and a supportive work culture, employees are empowered to tackle significant challenges while enjoying competitive benefits such as a generous salary, travel budget, and flexible training opportunities. Located in Workington, Cumbria, this role provides a chance to engage with leading organisations and contribute to impactful projects in a collaborative environment.
Contact Details:
Nuclear Graduates Recruitment Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Mechanical Engineering - Nuclear Graduates 2026
✨Get Your Hands Dirty at Engineering Events
Join local engineering meetups or industry conferences related to mechanical engineering. Whether it's a workshop or a career fair, these events are goldmines for networking and getting a foot in the door. Plus, you can showcase your passion and enthusiasm directly to potential employers like Nuclear Graduates.
✨Connect with Professors & Peers
Tap into your university’s resources—professors often have connections in the industry. Don’t be shy to ask about potential openings or recommendations. Your classmates might also know of companies hiring. Often, it’s who you know that gets you in front of the right people!
✨Highlight Your Projects and Practical Experience
When you land those interviews, make sure to talk about your hands-on projects or internships. Whether it's a design project or hands-on experience with CAD software, specific examples will make you stand out. Companies like Nuclear Graduates love to hear about practical applications of your skills.
✨Apply Directly on Company Websites
Check out the careers page of Nuclear Graduates and apply directly through there. It shows initiative and interest in their specific values. Plus, you'll often find openings that aren't advertised on job boards, giving you a better chance to land that full-time gig!
We think you need these skills to ace Mechanical Engineering - Nuclear Graduates 2026
Nuclear Reactor Design
Quality Assurance
Model-Based Systems Engineering
Project Management
Risk Assessment
3D CAD Tools
Simulation Software
Structural Integrity Calculations
Safety Assessment
Collaboration Skills
Technical Problem-Solving
Adaptability
Communication Skills
Attention to Detail
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Off Your Technical Expertise:In mechanical engineering, it’s vital to highlight your technical skills and projects. Make sure to include relevant software proficiency (like CAD tools) in your CV. If you've worked on specific engineering projects, detail your key contributions — we want to see how you’ve applied your skills in a practical setting!
Focus on Problem-Solving Examples:Employers in mechanical engineering love to see how you handle challenges. Use your cover letter to share specific instances where you’ve solved a complex problem or improved a design. This will show us you're not just knowledgeable but also capable of applying that knowledge effectively.
Highlight Relevant Certifications:Include any relevant certifications or training that can set you apart from the competition. Whether it's coursework from your degree, a recognised certification, or extra training in new technologies, we love to see candidates who continuously improve their skill set. This tells us you're serious about your career in engineering!
Tailor Your CV for the Role:Don’t forget to customise your CV for Nuclear Graduates and the Mechanical Engineering - Nuclear Graduates 2026 role specifically. Pull examples from your experience that align with the job description — it shows us you've done your research and are genuinely interested in becoming part of the team. We recommend applying through our website to ensure your application gets to the right people!
How to prepare for a job interview at Nuclear Graduates
✨Brush Up on Your CAD Skills
Since mechanical engineering often involves design processes, be ready to showcase your proficiency in CAD software like SolidWorks or AutoCAD. Bring along a digital portfolio or even some sketches that demonstrate your design capabilities — it’s a great way to show what you can bring to the table at Nuclear Graduates.
✨Prepare for Technical Questions
Expect technical questions that test your understanding of engineering principles and problem-solving skills. You might get hypothetical scenarios where you need to design a component or troubleshoot a mechanical system. Practising these types of questions will give you the confidence to tackle whatever comes your way!
✨Show Your Team Spirit
As a full-time mechanical engineer, collaboration is key! Be ready to share examples of past team projects or any experiences where you contributed to solving a complex problem with others. Demonstrating your ability to work in a team will resonate well with the interviewers at Nuclear Graduates.
✨Discuss Your Future Goals
Since this is a full-time position, your long-term vision is important. Be open about your career aspirations, whether it’s mastering a specific tool or leading projects. This shows that you're committed not just to learning but also to growing with Nuclear Graduates, making you a more appealing candidate.
