Radiological Protection - NDA group graduates 2026

Say hello to the NDA group graduate programme 

Graduates are fundamental to our future. Our programme focuses on supporting talented and ambitious graduates to build a first-class foundation for a rewarding career in the nuclear sector.  

Our graduate programme covers all aspects of nuclear decommissioning, from the breaking down of nuclear reactors, to the safe transport and treatment of waste, to the restoration of sites for new purposes.

As a Radiological Protection Graduate, you’ll embark on a two-year journey of accelerated development, gaining exclusive access to multiple secondments across Nuclear Restoration Services (formerly Magnox and Dounreay). You’ll work alongside leading experts on projects that directly impact the safety, sustainability, and innovation of nuclear operations.

This Graduate Scheme is a gateway to becoming an accredited Radiological Protection Engineer. Through a powerful blend of theoretical learning and immersive practical experience, you’ll also complete the AURPO (Association of University Radiation Protection Officers) qualification, setting you on a path to professional recognition and long-term career success.

You’ll be part of a vibrant, multi-disciplinary graduate community, collaborating on real-world challenges and driving change across the sector. From technical advice and risk assessments to shaping design strategies and contingency plans, your contributions will help define the future of radiological protection in the UK.

Throughout the programme, you’ll gain hands-on experience with some of the most advanced tools and techniques in the field of radiological protection. Past graduates have been involved in a variety of exciting opportunities within the nuclear sector. Some of these (certainly not limited to) include:

Throughout their placements, past graduates have conducted radiation shielding assessments to ensure safe working environments and infrastructure design, worked with the Reactor Activation Model to predict and manage radiological hazards in reactor components, and developed and refined gamma spectrum analysis code to enhance the precision of radiological data interpretation. They have also performed detailed radiation dose modelling and calculations to support safety planning and regulatory compliance, built and managed a respirator management database to optimise protective equipment usage across sites, calibrated CZT detectors for accurate gamma radiation measurements in complex environments, and led comprehensive radiological risk assessments that inform policy, operational decisions, and emergency preparedness.

We are looking for individuals who can thrive in both collaborative and technical environments. If you have a demonstrable set of technical skills and a passion for the nuclear sector, we highly encourage you to apply.

Why us? 

Throughout your two-year journey on the NDA group graduates programme, you will be employed by Energus and complete two 12-month placements within the NDA group (three for FAR graduates). 

At the end of the programme, we will support you to secure a role within the NDA group or within the wider nuclear sector.

Benefits whilst on the programme are:

• Annual salary of £32,000 

• A comprehensive, tailored programme of professional development worth £9,900  which includes Membership of up to 2 professional institutions 

• A robust support network which includes dedicated mentor, a company lead, access to our graduate and employee networks and a pastoral care professional 

• Generously funded travel & subsidence to support with travel to training and events

• 25 days annual leave, plus bank holidays and 6 additional discretionary days leave

• As well as membership of Energus’  Contributory pension scheme,  Employee Assistance Programme, Aviva DigiCare+ (to help you take control of your health and wellbeing) and our Cycle2Work Scheme 

To be considered for a place on our prestigious programmes, you will need

• A minimum of a 2:2 in a relevant degree subject 

• The right to work in the UK for the duration of the programme.

• To be willing and able to travel and relocate to any of the offices/sites that host placements for your chosen programme. Placements are organised to maximise your development and are aligned to business needs.

• To show that you personify our group values of Respect, Openness, Collaboration, Performance, & Creativity 

Any offers will be conditional upon you providing proof of your right to work by the time you start in the role and passing security clearance and vetting checks .

Individuals holding National Security Vetting (NSV) have several key responsibilities, primarily revolving around maintaining the confidentiality and integrity of sensitive information and reporting any potential security concerns. They must ensure their clearance remains valid, promptly report any changes in their circumstances that might affect their clearance, and adhere to local security protocols.

All correspondence relating to your application will be sent via email. Please regularly check your emails (including any junk mail/spam folders),

Closing Date: Friday 31st October 2025

Any applications received after this date will not be considered. We reserve the right to close a role early should we receive sufficient applications. We encourage that you apply at the earliest opportunity to avoid disappointment. Please note only one NDA group graduates application is required - please do not submit multiple applications.

As proud members of the Disability Confident Scheme, Energus aim to create a fair and accessible recruitment process for all candidates.  If you have a disability or health condition and require any reasonable adjustments during the application or interview process, please let us know – we will work with you to ensure your needs are met.  We are committed to offering an interview to all disabled applicants who meet the essential criteria for the role.  In the event of a high number of eligible applicants, we will prioritise those whose skills and experience most closely match the requirements of the role.