Mechanical Engineering - NDA group graduates Dounreay 2026 in Thurso

Say hello to the NDA group graduate programme. Graduates are fundamental to our future. Our programme is dedicated to supporting talented and ambitious graduates in building a first‑class foundation for a rewarding career in the nuclear sector.

As a Dounreay Direct Entry graduate, you will have the unique opportunity to experience multiple secondments within Nuclear Restoration Services’ Dounreay site, accelerating your expertise in your chosen discipline, and learning from leading experts on work that has real impact. You will also participate in a core programme of behavioural development to enhance your skills and professional expertise and network with peers across the NDA group.

As an NDA Mechanical Engineering Graduate, you’ll have an influence on the future of national nuclear decommissioning. Our structured programme will build your foundations in problem‑solving and process optimisation, preparing you for specialised technical roles or leadership positions. You’ll work alongside experts who will coach you through a core behavioural development curriculum and support your journey to Chartership.

Your prowess in design, analysis, development and implementation will power projects that address the sector’s biggest hurdles from conceptual layouts to hands‑on delivery. You’ll rotate through multidisciplinary teams, gaining everything from safety assessments to large‑scale equipment relocation, all while contributing tangible improvements to decommissioning practice.

Our recent Mechanical Engineering graduates have had a fantastic variety of experiences to grow their skills and technical competencies. They’ve managed contracts and quotes for critical decommissioning services, designed robust road‑move processes to transport heavy plant safely across live sites, and authored comprehensive risk assessments that safeguard people and assets. They’ve led motor assembly and installation on active decommissioning lines, engineered innovative hazardous‑waste storage solutions to meet stringent regulations, and leveraged 3D CAD and simulation software to optimise components. Alongside these achievements, they’ve performed structural integrity calculations to validate performance under real‑world conditions, showcasing the breadth of experience you’ll gain from day one.

We are looking for individuals who can thrive in both collaborative and technical environments. If you have a demonstrable set of technical skills and a passion for the nuclear sector, we highly encourage you to apply.

Why us? Under the NDA group, successful candidates will be employed by Nuclear Restoration Services – Dounreay on a two‑year programme. Once you have successfully completed your personalised programme, you will be placed into a substantive role in the business, subject to business requirements and your performance during the programme.

Benefits Whilst On The Programme Are:

• A salary of £32,000 per annum
• Secondments that provide experience across the breadth of Nuclear Restoration Services – Dounreay
• A well‑established bus system to aid travel onto site
• A support system which includes a dedicated mentor, a company lead and a pastoral care professional
• Membership of a professional institute
• A programme of professional and behavioural skills development, which will be tailored to your needs
• Generous annual leave of 28 days annual leave, plus public holidays, Christmas closure, and every third Friday off

As Well As:

• Attractive company pension scheme
• Company bonus scheme
• Relocation assistance
• Employee Assistance Programme and DigiCare+
• Cycle2Work Scheme
• Established employee networks including Young Generation Network, Green, Gender Balance, Neurodiversity amongst others

Entry Requirements:

• A minimum of a 2:2 in a relevant degree subject
• The right to work in the UK by the start of the programme.
• Successful completion of security clearance and substance tests. These will be conducted post‑offer
• The willingness and ability to work on‑site at Dounreay, Caithness for the duration of the programme, as well as in the longer term
• The drive and determination to contribute to the delivery of our mission whilst embodying our group values of Respect, Openness, Collaboration, Performance, & Creativity

We encourage you to regularly check emails (including any junk mail/spam folders) throughout the selection process, all correspondence including selection invitation will be sent via email. Please note that in submitting your application you agree for your application details to be shared with the Dounreay Early Careers Team where appropriate.

Closing date – Friday 2nd January 2026. Any applications received after this date will not be considered. We reserve the right to close a role early should we receive sufficient applications. We encourage that you apply at the earliest opportunity to avoid disappointment. Please note only one Dounreay Direct Entry application is required - please do not submit multiple applications.

Inclusion: As 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.