Job Description
Graduate Civil Engineer – Nuclear Sector (Dounreay, Caithness) – 2026 Intake
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
Entry Criteria
* 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.