Chemical and Process Engineering Undergraduate Placement Year

Babcock International; Warrington; On-site; GBP 24,000 - 29,000; Full time

Job summary

Babcock International offers a Chemical and Process Engineering Undergraduate Placement Year in Warrington or Bristol. You will contribute to nuclear-related projects, perform technical assessments, and develop process models under mentor guidance.

You'll gain hands-on experience across multiple projects, with exposure to design reviews, 3D layouts, and life-cycle activities, supported toward Chartered Engineer status and CPD development.

Qualifications

• You must be working towards a degree in Chemical Engineering.
• Security clearance requirements may apply (BPSS/SC) per GOV.UK guidance.

Responsibilities

• Support live engineering projects and technical assessments.
• Carry out calculations, mass/heat balances, and create process maps and diagrams.

Skills

Chemical engineering

Data analysis

Teamwork

Education

Chemical Engineering (degree underway)

Tools

AutoCAD Plant 3D

Job description

Chemical and Process Engineering Undergraduate Placement Year

Programme title: Chemical and Process Engineering Undergraduate Placement Year

Salary: £26,784

Location: Warrington or Bristol
Application closing date: 20 October 2026
Start date: August 2027

Role ID: 74744

What you’ll be doing

Join our Cavendish Nuclear business for a Chemical and Process Engineering Placement Year and play a key role in delivering safe, secure, and sustainable nuclear solutions that support the UK's clean energy future. You'll have the opportunity to contribute to nationally significant projects across nuclear new build, advanced reactor technologies, fuel cycle facilities, waste management, decommissioning, and life-extension programmes, helping to shape the future of the UK's nuclear industry.

Throughout your placement, you'll gain hands-on experience on live engineering projects, typically supporting at least two different projects during your placement year. Working as part of multidisciplinary teams, you'll apply the knowledge developed at university to real-world engineering challenges, carrying out technical assessments, analysing data, and presenting findings to colleagues and stakeholders. Depending on the project and stage of the facility lifecycle, you may perform engineering calculations, develop mass and heat balances, create process models, support HAZID workshops and design reviews, produce process flow diagrams, and contribute to 3D plant layouts using specialist software such as AutoCAD Plant 3D.

You could find yourself supporting the design of new nuclear facilities, helping extend the life of existing assets that contribute to UK energy security and the nuclear deterrent, or developing innovative waste management solutions that support the responsible cleanup of the UK's nuclear legacy. Alongside your technical work, you'll also have opportunities to contribute to STEM outreach activities and initiatives that support the communities in which we operate.

We'll also support your journey towards Chartered Engineer (CEng) status with IChemE. From day one, you'll have a dedicated mentor and a structured development plan aligned with professional registration requirements, alongside support with CPD recording, evidence collection, and regular reviews with your line and placement managers to help you progress.

What you’ll get out of it

Our placements are about more than work experience - they're an opportunity to immerse yourself in life at Babcock, form meaningful connections, and develop skills that will set you apart in your future career. You'll work alongside supportive colleagues and gain guidance from experienced professionals every step of the way.

We value the fresh perspectives and innovative ideas that placement students bring to our team. We believe you have the potential to shape the future of our business. But we also understand that this placement is as much about you assessing what's right for you as it is about us getting to know you. Perform well, and you could be considered for a position on our graduate programme - your journey with Babcock could just be getting started.

What you’ll need

• You must be working towards a degree in Chemical Engineering.
• 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) security clearance. For further details, visit GOV.UK and search United Kingdom Security Vetting: clearance levels'.

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.