SDA Technical Engineering Graduate Scheme

The SDA is seeking motivated university graduates for its Technical Engineering Graduate Scheme, offering a 37-hour work week.

Graduates will receive support from a Graduate Manager, Placement Supervisor, and Mentor, gaining valuable experience in nuclear engineering and scientific principles in a defence setting.

The scheme includes various work placements across SDA, the Defence Nuclear Organisation, Navy Command, and Industry Partners, with the opportunity for relocation and accommodation funding as per MOD policy.

Graduates will work towards achieving Chartered or Incorporated status and may have the option for further academic study (MSc/MEng) and technical training.

After completing the scheme, graduates will be assigned to roles within SDA or the Defence Nuclear Enterprise with potential relocation to various UK locations. Hybrid working may be available depending on placement.

Responsibilities:

As part of this role, you'll be providing support to technical staff across the business assisting with technical activities, while continually developing yourself. You’ll be involved in the following:

• Undertaking a structured technical training programme based around our platforms and systems to develop capabilities in a defence context.
• Solving engineering problems through the through the full lifecycle of the equipment and developing upgrades to ensure it continues to provide the battle-winning "edge" our customers need.
• Delivering engineering products/services against agreed objectives to develop knowledge and experience and adding value to the team and wider business.

SDA have a range of exciting opportunities available within the following Engineering and Science disciplines including:

• Maritime / Nuclear Engineer (18 roles)
• Nuclear Scientist or similar (5 roles)
• Naval Architects (5 roles)
• Computer and Environmental Scientists (4 roles)

Person specification

You must have or be expected to achieve by September 2025 a minimum of 2.2 in an Engineering or Science-related Honours Degree (or equivalent). Please provide detail in the application for all qualifications you hold. (Including GCSEs).

Relevant work experience, demonstrating technical project skills, including through internships, placements, work experience or practical assignments/activities.

Formal certificates must be provided within three months of signing the contract. Failure to provide this will result in your contract being withdrawn.

Five full GCSEs at A*-C or grades 4-9, including English Language and Maths.

Benefits:

Alongside your salary of £29,680, Ministry of Defence contributes £8,598 towards you being a member of the Civil Service Defined Benefit Pension scheme.

• You will receive learning and development opportunities tailored to your role
• A generous benefits package including market leading employer pension contributions of around 28% of your salary (not including any personal contribution)
• 25 days holiday +1 additional day every year you work up to 30 days.
• SDA benefits also include: flexible working after 6 months in the business, depending on academic requirements
• MOD Discount Schemes
• Health and Wellbeing support
• Family friendly initiatives and so much more.

Security

Because of the classification of much of the role, all posts will be open to UK Nationals only .

Please note offers of employment are subject to achieving satisfactory pre-employment and security checks. These include an Occupational Health Assessment and a Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS). As part of this you will need to confirm your identity, employment/education history, nationality and any criminal record (unspent convictions only). The level of security needed is Security Check (SC) and you should usually have been continuously resident in the UK for 5 years immediately before clearance action commences.

If you have lived overseas or travelled extensively during this period, it may affect the length of time to obtain full security clearance and this may affect your offer of employment. It is essential that ALL requests for information are completed fully and timely, as incomplete information may result in significant delays. Offers of employment are also subject to candidates achieving acceptable grades where predicted.