Nuclear Safety Engineering and Operations

What will you do on the programme?

As a Nuclear Safety and Operations Engineering Graduate based at Devonport Royal Dockyard, you’ll play a key role in supporting the safe operation, maintenance, and development of nuclear and radiological facilities. From your first day, you’ll be contributing to real-world projects that help protect people and the environment.

Your work will be varied and meaningful. One week, you might be reviewing engineering designs for compliance with nuclear safety standards, developing safety cases, or conducting hazard analysis. The next, you could be performing risk assessments, modelling scenarios, collaborating with teams to tackle operational challenges, or preparing technical reports and presenting findings to stakeholders. Every task contributes to the safety and performance of our operations.

This is your opportunity to explore different areas of the business, build your skills, and find the path that’s right for you. Whether you’re interested in nuclear safety or plant management, you’ll be supported to grow your expertise and take the next step in your career.

How is the programme structured?

The programme spans two years and is designed to give you a strong foundation in nuclear safety engineering and operational safety management.

For the first 18 months, you’ll rotate through a series of placements across the business, each lasting three to four months. These rotations will give you a broad view of the work we do and help you discover where your strengths and interests lie. In the final six months, you’ll take on a more focused role with greater responsibility.

Throughout the programme, you’ll receive training and guidance from industry experts including safety case authors, plant and operations managers, human factors consultants, and radiation protection advisors. Additionally, you’ll collaborate with radiation protection advisors and environmental management specialists, gaining a well-rounded understanding of the field.

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.

To support your journey toward Chartered or Incorporated Engineer status, we offer guidance and cover all associated fees.

Development and support

What’s waiting for you after the programme?

Upon completing the programme, you’ll have the opportunity to specialise in either Nuclear Safety or Plant Management.

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, including plenty of opportunity to move between Nuclear Safety and Plant Management as your career evolves..

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?

You’ll need a degree in a STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering or Maths) 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), Security Check (SC) and Naval Nuclear Propulsion Information (NNPPI) clearance. Further details are available at United Kingdom Security Vetting: clearance levels – GOV.UK (www.gov.uk).

Where will you be based?

Places on our Nuclear Safety and Engineering Operations programme for Autumn 2026 are available in our Nuclear sector in Plymouth.

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.

Nuclear – Plymouth

Based at Devonport in Plymouth, the largest naval base in Western Europe, you’ll be part of the team that delivers critical support to the Royal Navy’s surface ships and submarines. Throughout your placements, you’ll work on a variety of projects that contribute directly to the safe operation and continuous improvement of nuclear and radiological facilities within a highly specialised environment.

Importantly, you’ll be joining us at a time of long-term investment and strategic importance. We have a programme of submarine work that spans decades, offering the opportunity to be part of a legacy of national defence and innovation.

While Plymouth will be your home base, your programme may also offer opportunities to broaden your experience at other locations, giving you a wider perspective on our operations.

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Current openings in
Nuclear Safety Engineering and Operations

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Application guidance

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.