Radioactive Waste Management

What will you do on the programme?

As a graduate on our Radioactive Waste Management programme, you will contribute to the safe, compliant, and sustainable handling of radioactive materials.

Your work will span the full lifecycle of radioactive waste – from initial characterisation and treatment planning to packaging, transport, and long-term disposal. You’ll help shape environmental impact assessments, contribute to case reports, and support the development of disposal strategies that meet regulatory and environmental standards.

You could be working with multidisciplinary teams supporting clients in both the Defence and Civil Nuclear sectors. This might include projects at nuclear power stations across the UK or at Rosyth, where Babcock leads the dismantling and management of radioactive waste from decommissioned nuclear submarines. You may be involved in feasibility studies for new waste treatment facilities or help clients assess and optimise disposal options, often engaging with stakeholders to develop practical mitigation strategies.

Projects will vary in scale and complexity. You might support large programmes involving multiple disciplines or contribute to smaller consultancy assignments with direct client interaction. Each placement will offer new challenges and opportunities to deepen your understanding of radioactive waste management while making a meaningful contribution to real-world outcomes.

Whatever you work on, your efforts will help protect communities, the environment, and future generations through safe and effective radioactive waste solutions.

How is the programme structured?

The Radioactive Waste Graduate Programme runs for two years and is designed to give you breadth and depth of experience.

If you join us in Rosyth, play an important role in supporting the safe and responsible dismantling of nuclear-powered submarines. You’ll be based in the Radioactive Waste and Health Physics Department, where you’ll build knowledge across waste management, radiological protection and environmental safety.

If you join our Cavendish Nuclear business, you’ll rotate through placements every three to six months, giving you the chance to explore a variety of projects and teams in the Defence and Civil Nuclear sectors. These rotations offer opportunities to broaden your experience – and some may even take you to different locations – helping you build your professional network and deepen your understanding of how the business operates.

How do we develop and support you?

From day one, you’ll receive structured support, personalised training, and dedicated mentorship to help you excel throughout your programme and beyond.

You’ll join our Graduate Development Programme, featuring expert-led masterclasses on communication, personal branding, resilience, and wellbeing.

In addition, you’ll receive tailored technical training through in-house sessions covering key areas such as waste management, environmental protection, health physics, and radiological safety. The focus and scope of this training are customised to support your individual development needs, helping you work towards the membership requirements of a relevant professional institute.

Development and support

What’s waiting for you after the programme?

Upon completing the programme, you’ll move into a permanent role within Radioactive Waste Management, where you can continue developing as a specialist in waste management, radiological protection or environmental safety.

From there, your development doesn’t stop. We’ll support you as you grow into more senior roles and take on greater responsibility. Through the Babcock Role Framework, you’ll have a clear view of how your career can progress, with mapped-out pathways, development opportunities and the tools you need to get wherever you want to go.

What rewards and benefits will you get?

We want you to feel supported, valued and excited about what’s ahead. That’s why we offer a comprehensive package designed to support your development, your wellbeing and your life outside of work too.

Rewards and benefits

What do you need to apply?

A science degree in Chemistry, Physics, Materials Science, Environmental Science, Nuclear Science/Technology, or a closely related subject.
Many of our graduate programmes are subject to Security Clearance and Trade Control restrictions which mean that your place of birth, nationality, citizenship, or residency you hold or have held may impact which programmes you are eligible for. For this programme, you must be able to achieve Baseline Personnel Security Standard (BPSS) and Security Check (SC) and Naval Nuclear Propulsion Information (NNPI) clearance. Further details are available at United Kingdom Security Vetting: clearance levels – GOV.UK (www.gov.uk).

Where will you be based?

Select one of the locations below to find out about the different areas of our business that are offering places on our Radioactive Waste Management Graduate Programme for Autumn 2026.

While you’ll join a specific business area and location, placements at different sites across the UK are possible. Agile working is supported, but you’ll be expected to work on-site multiple times a week. We encourage flexibility and openness to relocation throughout the programme and will consider your personal circumstances when arranging placements.

Marine – Rosyth

At the heart of our Marine business is our 320-acre Rosyth facility, which is home to one of the largest and most modern waterside advanced manufacturing and repair facilities in the UK. At Rosyth, we specialise in the design, build and through-life support of complex naval and commercial marine assets.

Here you’ll play an important role in supporting the safe and responsible dismantling of nuclear-powered submarines. You’ll learn how nuclear reactor systems are dismantled and how materials are carefully processed for reuse, recycling, or disposal.

Your work will span the entire radioactive waste lifecycle. This could include planning and preparation, supporting studies to understand waste characteristics, helping develop treatment and packaging solutions, or assisting with storage and transport activities.

Your home base will be our Rosyth facility, however, some of your placements may be at other locations.

Cavendish Nuclear – Bristol, Warrington, Newbury, and other key sites

Joining Cavendish Nuclear means getting involved in some of the most important engineering projects in the UK – and beyond. You could be involved in a wide range of complex waste management and decommissioning approaches and challenges. This might include assessing options for the treatment and disposal of waste from nuclear decommissioning projects, or contributing to environmental enhancement initiatives aimed at improving areas around client sites.

Whether you’re based in Bristol, Warrington, or Newbury – or occasionally working at client sites – you’ll be helping to clean up the nuclear legacy and shape a future where nuclear energy plays a vital role in protecting our nation, ensuring energy security, and meeting our net zero commitments.

Current openings in
Radioactive Waste Management

Location:

Before You Apply

Applications are reviewed in the order they are received, and if there’s a high level of interest in this programme, we may close applications earlier than advertised. To give yourself the best chance of being considered, we strongly recommend submitting your application and completing any required online assessments as soon as possible.