Chemical and Process Engineering Graduate Programme

Nuclearinst; Hessle; Hybrid; GBP 32,000 - 39,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

25 days holiday

Generous pension

Cycle to work

Wellbeing support

Job summary

Cavendish Nuclear offers a Chemical and Process Engineering Graduate Programme designed to build a broad foundation through four-to-six-month placements across locations in the UK. The two-year scheme emphasizes technical development, mentoring, and professional growth within a multi-disciplinary team.

You will rotate through office and on-site engineering environments, gaining exposure to projects that support nuclear decommissioning, fuel facilities, and low-carbon energy initiatives.

Qualifications

• Degree in chemical/ process engineering or related field.
• Security clearance requirements may apply (BPSS/SC).
• Eligible for UK national programme based in Cavendish Nuclear.

Responsibilities

• Participate in two-year rotation across projects.
• Work with multi-disciplinary teams on design, development and deployment.
• Gain professional certification support toward Chartered Engineer status.

Skills

Analytical thinking

Team collaboration

Adaptability

Education

BEng in Chemical Engineering

BSc in Chemical Engineering

MEng in Chemical Engineering

Job description

Chemical and Process Engineering Graduate Programme

Programme title: Chemical and Process Engineering Graduate Programme

Salary: Minimum £35,000. Salary is dependent on location, role and qualifications.

Location: Bristol, Warrington or Humberside.

Application closing date: 20 October 2026

Programme start date: September 2027

Role ID: 74533

What will you do on the programme?

Start with the microscopic detail and work your way up. That’s what our process engineers do. Join them and you’ll help us develop robust, innovative solutions to extraordinary challenges.

On our Chemical and Process Engineering programme, your work could power nuclear submarines, shape the future of nuclear energy, or drive the shift to low‑carbon fuels. You might decommission historic nuclear sites, develop next‑generation fuel facilities, or enhance the safety and performance of critical infrastructure.

Whatever you work on, you’ll be part of multi‑disciplinary teams, gaining the insight needed to grow your technical expertise and begin shaping a career with impact.

How is the programme structured?

This is a two‑year programme designed to give you a deep and diverse foundation in chemical and process engineering.

You’ll complete a series of four‑six‑month placements designed to expose you to a broad range of projects, technologies and working environments – from office‑based design teams to on‑site engineering roles. 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.

Each placement will bring new perspectives and challenges. You’ll build your technical skills, develop your professional confidence and discover where your interests and strengths truly lie.

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.

For Chemical and Process Engineering graduates, we provide full support toward achieving Chartered Engineer (CEng) status through the Institution of Chemical Engineers (IChemE).

You’ll be matched with a dedicated chartered mentor who will help guide your progress and identify the experiences and evidence you need. You’ll also have access to structured development plans, support with Continuing Professional Development (CPD), and regular reviews with your line and placement managers to keep you on track.

What’s waiting for you after the programme?

Once you complete the programme, you’ll move into a permanent role within our Engineering Function, where you can continue applying and expanding the skills you’ve developed. You’ll also have the opportunity to build on your progress toward professional registration, a recognised benchmark of engineering competence, which can support your journey into more advanced roles, such as Senior Engineer.

As a global organisation, Babcock provides countless opportunities to enhance your skills and advance your career. To support your growth, we’ve introduced the Babcock Role Framework, which outlines roles, career pathways, and development opportunities. With every job mapped to these frameworks, you’ll have a transparent view of the steps needed to reach Senior Engineer and beyond.

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.

In addition to a minimum starting salary of £35,000, you’ll benefit from:

• A minimum of 25 days of holiday plus bank holidays
• Generous pension and employee share schemes
• Flexible benefits, including cycle to work scheme, discounts
• Wellbeing support, covering mental, physical, financial, and social wellbeing, with services like our Employee Assistance Programme, digital GP service, and health checks.

You’ll also have the chance to get involved in our STEM outreach activities and volunteering opportunities.

What do you need to apply?

• You’ll need to have achieved, or be on track to achieve, a BEng, MEng, BSc, or MSc degree in one of the following subjects: Chemical Engineering, Petroleum, Process Engineering, Industrial Engineering, or Pharmaceutical.
• Many of our 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 and maintain Baseline Personnel Security Standard (BPSS) and Security Check (SC) clearance. For further details, visit GOV.UK and search ‘United Kingdom Security Vetting: clearance levels’.
• Under applicable national security legislation, this post may only be occupied by a sole UK national. This legal requirement is independent of our recruitment policies, and all eligible applicants will be assessed fairly and without discrimination.

Where will you be based?

Places on our Chemical and Process Engineering Graduate Programme for September 2027 are available in our Cavendish Nuclear business. You’ll be based in Warrington, Bristol or Humberside, with opportunities to spend time at other locations depending on the needs of your placements.

We offer agile working, providing some flexibility; however, you can expect to spend several days each week on‑site to support your role and development.

Once you’ve successfully completed the programme, you’ll continue your career in your base location, so it’s important to consider this when applying.

Joining Cavendish Nuclear means getting involved in some of the most important engineering projects in the UK – and beyond. You could be working on the decommissioning of legacy nuclear sites, supporting the construction and operation of cutting‑edge nuclear power plants, or helping sustain our national defence through work on the UK’s nuclear deterrent. Whether you're based in Bristol, Warrington or Humberside, you'll be helping to clean up the nuclear legacy and create a world where nuclear plays a key contribution in protecting our nation, ensuring security of energy supply and meeting our net zero commitments.

We’re a Disability Confident Employer. If you require additional support or adjustments during the recruitment process, please let us know when you apply. Our team will contact you after receiving your application to discuss your requirements and the support available.

We’re committed to building an inclusive culture where everyone’s free to thrive. We are happy to talk about flexible working – please ask about alternative patterns of work at interview.