Overview
Thermal Project Engineering 2026 Graduate Programme
Start Date: September 2026
Salary: £34,000
Location: Leeds, London, Glasgow, Perth
Working Pattern: Permanent | Full Time | Flexible First options available
Role
Upon joining SSE as a Thermal Project Engineering Graduate, you'll be leading the way in contributing to an improved energy landscape for future generations by helping us design and deliver the thermal power generation infrastructure of tomorrow.
You will benefit from exposure and real-life experience, alongside first-class guidance to develop your technical skills. Our Graduate Programme provides a supportive, yet challenging, environment to excel and reach your full potential, forming the foundation for you to become our next technical, experienced, and driven future leaders – vital on our journey towards net zero.
About Us
In our Thermal business you’ll experience the opportunity to spend time across the wider Thermal business, including Project Engineering, Operations, Project Delivery and Asset Management. You can learn more about the Thermal Engineering Graduate programme (note: removed external links).
What do I need to join?
You’ll have a minimum of a 2:2 BEng in an engineering discipline. Please note, you must be willing and able to independently relocate to the role location prior to the start of the programme.
At SSE we’re proud to celebrate difference. We value a friendly and inclusive culture where you can be yourself. Safety is at the heart of everything we do at SSE, and you should align with our core values and have a genuine passion and interest in the energy sector.
Throughout our recruitment process, we are looking for individuals who can demonstrate the ability to decide and initiate action; work with people; relate and network; adapt and respond to change; create and innovate; learn and research; adhere to principles and values; and show signs of entrepreneurial and commercial thinking.
What’s in it for you?
Our programmes are accredited by the IET, ICE and IMechE and offer a route to Professional Registration.
Flexible benefits
Enjoy discounts on private healthcare and gym memberships. Wellbeing benefits like a free online GP and 24/7 counselling service. Interest-free loans on tech and transport season tickets, or a new bike with our Cycle to Work scheme. Generous family entitlements such as maternity and adoption pay, and paternity leave. We support a Flexible First approach, which can include hybrid work patterns or flexibility across the working week, arranged with your manager.
This will be a structured and challenging development programme with support from the Learning and Development Graduate Programme Manager, a business manager and a professional engineering mentor to help you reach your full potential. The programme will support your career development into a permanent role with SSE that reflects your experience and passion.
You will also have the option to participate in Education and Employability outreach events and volunteering opportunities. Some of our existing graduates are involved in the recruitment process, which we find rewarding.
Equal opportunity employer
We are dedicated to fostering an open and inclusive workplace where people from all backgrounds can thrive. We create equal opportunities for everyone to succeed and welcome applications from those who may not be well represented in our workforce or industry.
Next Steps
All applications should be submitted online. The closing date for applications is Thursday, 23rd October, 2025.
As an equal opportunity employer we actively encourage applicants from all protected characteristics and commit to providing any reasonable adjustments required during the application, assessment and upon joining SSE. If you would like to discuss any working differently requirements or adjustments, please contact graduates@sse.com. If you would prefer a call to discuss adjustments, let us know by email and we can arrange a call for a time that suits you. You can learn more about our commitments to being an inclusive employer in Inclusion & Diversity at SSE.
Before commencing employment with SSE, you’ll be required to complete our pre-employment screening process, including a basic criminal records and credit check.
SSE welcomes applications from all nationalities and any successful candidate must evidence a valid right to work prior to commencement. Please note that due to immigration rule changes in July 2025 to the Skilled Worker route, this role falls below the minimum "New Entrant" salary threshold and therefore does not meet sponsorship requirements.
#LI-HM1
#LI-THE
#J-18808-Ljbffr