Graduate HPC Computational Engineer

United Kingdom Atomic Energy Authority; Abingdon; On-site; GBP 30,000 - 41,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

25 days annual leave

Flexible working options

Skern Lodge residential

Job summary

UK Atomic Energy Authority's Graduate Development Programme offers a unique opportunity to work with world‑leading experts on fusion software, HPC, data analysis and AI, while developing technical, professional and leadership skills for a meaningful career in a rapidly advancing field.

You will split time with 20% dedicated to professional development and 80% to role‑based work within the Computational Materials and Engineering department at Culham, contributing to innovations that bring fusion

Qualifications

• Degree in Computer Science, Mathematics, Physics or Engineering (2025–2027).
• Driven with a strong appetite to learn and take on new challenges.
• Able to collaborate effectively and communicate clearly to technical and non-technical audiences.
• Well organised with the ability to plan and prioritise workload.

Responsibilities

• Develop software, algorithms and scientific workflows for HPC/HTC environments.
• Build computational tools and software solutions for complex engineering challenges.
• Gain hands-on experience in software development, data analysis, and emerging technologies (AI, ML and advanced computing).

Skills

Driven

Collaborate effectively

Clear communication

Well organised

Education

Degree in Computer Science, Mathematics, Physics or Engineering

Job description

Overview of Responsibilities

Fusion, the process that powers the sun and stars, is one of the most promising options for generating the cleaner, carbon-free energy that our world badly needs. UKAEA leads the way in realizing fusion energy, partnering with industry and research organisations to achieve ground-breaking advancements. Our goal is to bring fusion electricity to the grid by developing the power stations of tomorrow and the skilled workforce to deliver them.

What you’ll join

Your degree got you this far. Where could fusion energy take you? If you’re looking for your first graduate role and want a career that’s meaningful, challenging, and packed with opportunities to grow, UKAEA’s Graduate Development Programme could be the perfect next step. Working alongside world-leading experts, you’ll help advance groundbreaking fusion technology while building the technical, professional, and leadership skills needed for a successful career. This is your chance to be part of an industry that’s helping create a sustainable future for generations to come.

What you’ll do

• Develop software, algorithms and scientific workflows for High Performance Computing (HPC) and High Throughput Computing (HTC) environments, helping to advance cutting-edge fusion research and simulation capabilities.
• Build computational tools and software solutions to tackle complex engineering and scientific challenges, supporting the development of future fusion technologies.
• Gain hands‑on experience in software development, data analysis and emerging technologies, including AI, machine learning and advanced computing, while collaborating with experts across UKAEA, academia and industry.

How you’ll develop

On the graduate scheme here at the UK Atomic Energy Authority, you will have 20% of your time focused on professional and personal development. This will include a series of core development activities to fast track your business acumen, along with skills for technical, project management and people leadership. The remaining 80% of time is role‑based, working within a team growing your technical knowledge within your chosen discipline. Working with your line manager, you will get the opportunity to experience different roles and responsibilities within projects to broaden your understanding and help decide your future career route.

What you’ll need

• Degree in Computer Science, Mathematics, Physics or Engineering from 2025 to 2027.
• Driven, with a strong appetite to learn and take on new challenges.
• Able to collaborate effectively and communicate clearly to both technical and non‑technical audiences.
• Well organised and adaptable with the ability to plan and prioritise workload.

Benefits

• £35,227 base salary.
• Final salary defined benefit scheme with an equivalent of 21.5% employer pension contribution.
• 25 days annual leave, plus 3 days Christmas closure and 2.5 privilege days, in addition to UK bank holidays.
• Flexible working options plus family‑friendly leave provisions.
• Take part in our Skern Lodge residential to develop new skills and build your network.

Our commitment to ED&I

UKAEA’s mission is clean energy for all, and we welcome talented people from all backgrounds to help us achieve this goal. We are committed to equality, diversity, and inclusion and strive to ensure fair representation across our workforce. We particularly encourage applications from groups currently underrepresented in STEM, including women and individuals from diverse ethnic backgrounds, while ensuring all appointments are made on merit.

UK Atomic Energy Authority is committed to being accessible. Please email [e-mail] if you have any questions or require any help or adjustments.

Applications are due to close at 23:59 on 8th November 2026.

Programme

• Department: Computational Materials and Engineering
• Discipline: Science
• Site Location: UKAEA Culham, Oxfordshire
• Type of Employment: Full-time
• Reference Number: REF4495N