Overview
Join to apply for the Safeguards - Nuclear Graduates 2026 role at Nuclear Graduates.
One Programme, Two Years, Three Secondments, Endless Opportunities. The Nuclear Graduates programme provides you with the opportunity to contribute to some of the biggest challenges facing our society, from energy generation to waste management, transport through to decommissioning. The Nuclear Decommissioning Authority has brought together leading businesses and organisations to create the award winning and 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 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 sponsored by ONR, you will play a crucial role in ensuring the safety and security of the UK's nuclear industry. ONR is the nation’s independent nuclear regulator, with a mission to protect society by securing safe nuclear operations.
Safeguards are defined as measures to verify that countries comply with international obligations not to use nuclear materials from civil nuclear programmes for non-peaceful purposes. ONR seeks to achieve sustained compliance with domestic safeguards regulations, which require operators to account for and control qualifying nuclear material. ONR also works to enable the UK to meet its international safeguards obligations, including the operation of the State System of Accounting for and Control of Nuclear Material and facilitation of IAEA safeguards verification activities in the UK.
We are looking for individuals who can demonstrate strong interpersonal skills in addition to technical competencies. The role requires building and maintaining effective working relationships with a wide range of stakeholders, including licensees, government bodies, and international partners. We look for individuals who can influence and persuade, make sound judgments, communicate effectively, work well in a team, and be self-aware of their limits.
Entry requirements include a degree (BSc or MSc) in a relevant subject.
Responsibilities
* Gain broad exposure to the UK's nuclear sector through two years of placements and secondments across the industry.
* Work on projects with real impact, learning from leading experts.
* Engage in a programme of professional development to enhance skills and expertise.
* Contribute to safeguarding activities to verify compliance with international and domestic obligations.
Qualifications
* A degree (BSc or MSc) in a relevant STEM subject, security, or political science.
* Demonstrated strong interpersonal and stakeholder engagement abilities.
Start date
September 2026.
Entry requirements (summary)
* Minimum 2:2 in a relevant degree.
* Right to work for the duration of the 2-year programme; offers conditional upon right-to-work checks.
* Successful completion of security clearance checks.
* Willingness to travel and relocate; Energus head office is in Workington, Cumbria, with locations varying by sponsor.
Recruitment stages
* Online application form
* Psychometric assessment (Neurosight)
* Online video interview
* Assessment centre (in-person)
* Offer and onboarding, with security paperwork prior to September 2026 start
* Onboarding through social media groups and welcome sessions
Face-to-face assessment centres will take place in early 2026. If you are invited and cannot attend, you may be unable to complete the process. Check emails regularly for correspondence.
Benefits
* Salary £30,000 per year
* £5,500 travel budget; £3,500 flexible training budget
* Three secondments across the UK nuclear sector
* Dedicated development and mentoring support
* Mentor assigned from start to end of the programme
* Professional development tailored to the programme
* Dedicated programme team support; Mental Health First Aiders available
* 25 days annual leave plus bank holidays; 6 discretionary days for study/relocation
* Energus contributory pension scheme; employee assistance programme; DigiCare+; EnergUS Extras
* Membership of up to 2 professional institutions; 24/7 EAP service
* Cycle to Work scheme
We are committed to fair and accessible recruitment. If you have a disability or health condition and require adjustments during the application process, please let us know. Applicants meeting essential criteria will be offered an interview where possible.
Seniority level
* Internship
Employment type
* Full-time
Job function
* Research, Analyst, and Information Technology
Industries
* Professional Training and Coaching
Closing Date: Friday 14 November 2025. Applications received after this date may not be considered. We reserve the right to close a role early if we receive sufficient applications. Please apply at the earliest opportunity. Only one Nuclear Graduates application is required.
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