Graduate Scientist

Morson Human Resources Limited; Dorchester; On-site; GBP 28,000 - 32,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive salary

Career Development and Training

Pension with employer contributions

25 days holiday (28 after 5 years, 30+

Job summary

TKMS ATLAS UK is seeking a Graduate Scientist / Engineer to join the technical team in Dorset. You will apply your engineering or science background to solve challenging problems in sonar and underwater technologies during a structured 2-year Graduate Scheme, designed to develop hands-on expertise and professional accreditation.

You will work across multiple disciplines under a Team Leader, with mentors and a buddy system to support your development while contributing to projects throughout

Qualifications

• Degree in Engineering, Science or related discipline (or on track to achieve one).
• Interest in sonar, underwater platform signatures, signal processing or data science.

Responsibilities

• Support research and development activities across sonar and underwater platform signature technologies.
• Contribute to development of innovative solutions for complex engineering and scientific problems.
• Provide technical input into bids and projects, including preparing technical reports and documentation.
• Work with analogue and digital electronics, signal processing, image analysis, data science and machine learning.

Job description

Graduate Scientist / Engineer

What do we want to achieve?

Do you have an engineering or science background and an interest in sonar, underwater technology, signal processing or data science?

As a Graduate Scientist / Engineer, you will join TKMS ATLAS UK’s technical team, using and developing your scientific and engineering knowledge to solve complex problems and contribute to innovative technologies for the underwater environment. You will be offered a permanent role from day one and join our structured 2-year Graduate Scheme, designed to develop your technical skills and give you hands‑on experience applying your knowledge to real-world projects.

The team works across the Sonar and Underwater Platform Signatures domains, carrying out research and development to create new technology and knowledge that supports the UK’s maritime and defence capabilities. You will have the opportunity to work across a broad range of technical disciplines, developing your expertise while contributing to projects throughout their lifecycle.

You will report to a Team Leader and work closely with experienced scientists, engineers and project teams across the business. You will also be supported by experienced mentors and a dedicated graduate buddy throughout your development.

What will you be doing?

This is a varied role where you will have the opportunity to apply your academic knowledge to challenging engineering and scientific problems while developing new technical skills.

Key responsibilities may include:

• Supporting research and development activities across sonar and underwater platform signature technologies.
• Using technical knowledge to develop innovative and creative solutions to complex engineering and scientific problems.
• Providing technical input into bids and projects, including preparing technical reports and documentation.
• Providing technical advice and guidance to colleagues on relevant areas of expertise.
• Supporting technical discussions with customers and helping to develop and agree technical requirements.
• Contributing to the development of sonar sensors and associated hardware and software systems.
• Working with areas such as analogue and digital electronics, signal processing, image analysis, data science and machine learning.
• Supporting the development of detection and classification algorithms and the analysis of acoustic and non-acoustic data.
• Working with simulation and modelling of sonar physics, including the generation and propagation of acoustic and non-acoustic signatures in the underwater environment.
• Supporting test and measurement activities for acoustic and non-acoustic systems, including systems used on in-service submarine sonars.

You will work in a dynamic and collaborative environment, with opportunities to work across different technical disciplines and departments. As your knowledge and experience develop, you will be given increasing responsibility and the opportunity to take ownership of your work.

What does our target candidate look like?

We are looking for graduates who are curious, analytical and excited by the opportunity to work on innovative technology within the marine and defence sector.

You will ideally have:

• A degree in Engineering, Science or a related discipline, or be on course to achieve one.
• An interest in science, engineering, technology and/or the marine industry.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills, with the ability to approach challenges creatively.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to explain technical information clearly.
• The ability to build positive working relationships and communicate effectively with colleagues, customers and external stakeholders.
• Strong organisation and time management skills, with the ability to prioritise your workload and meet deadlines.
• The ability to work independently and use your own initiative, while also contributing effectively as part of a team.

You will be proactive, adaptable and motivated to learn, with the drive to develop your technical expertise and take on new challenges.

Why TKMS ATLAS UK?

With a reputation for providing innovative underwater systems for the Royal Navy (RN) and export customers, TKMS ATLAS UK operates from our Headquarters on the Jurassic Coast in Dorset. Through science, engineering and R&D we convert data into information, knowledge and capabilities that challenge the status quo, and offer winning advantage at the frontline.

Our people are at the heart of our success. An open and stimulating workspace empowers and encourages our people to be creative and act with integrity. Despite our continued growth, TKMS ATLAS UK prides itself on retaining a friendly and welcoming culture.

The TKMS ATLAS UK Graduate Scheme is designed to support and develop talented graduates from the day they join ATLAS through to achieving their professional accreditation and career goals. Through a structured programme of learning and development, graduates benefit from comprehensive induction, training, external development opportunities and regular progress reviews.

Each graduate is paired with a buddy who provides guidance and support throughout their journey. You will also have access to experienced mentors, exposure to cross‑functional teams, a dedicated graduate project and the opportunity to present to our parent company in Germany. This provides the opportunity to build both your technical expertise and professional confidence.

The continuous investment in our unique in‑house test and integration facilities has supported TKMS ATLAS UK’s growth in supplying UK and global markets with submarine and ship systems. This includes sonar, autonomous systems, marine electric actuation and mine counter‑measures. Our Portland Harbour waterside facilities provide an excellent environment to test systems at sea.

As a leading innovative maritime systems company, TKMS ATLAS UK operates throughout all phases of the acquisition and engineering lifecycles, from concept to In-service Support.

You’ll also get a package that includes:

• Competitive salary
• Career Development and Training
• Pension with up to 1.5X employer contributions
• 25 days holiday, increasing to 28 days after 5 years’ employment and 30 days after 10 years
• Dental Cover and Employee Assistance Programme
• Flexible working patterns
• Permanent employment from day one
• A structured 2-year Graduate Scheme
• Dedicated graduate mentor and buddy
• Opportunities for professional development and accreditation
• Exposure to cross‑functional projects and international opportunities

At TKMS ATLAS UK, we support our staff to create work‑life balance and encourage applications from individuals who are looking for part‑time or condensed hours as well as full‑time opportunities.

Location: Dorset Innovation Park, Winfrith Newburgh, Dorchester, DT2 8ZB
Employment Status: Permanent
Reporting to: Team Leader
Graduate Intake: October 2027

The successful candidate must be able to achieve full SC (Security Clearance).

Due to the nature of our work and the projects you will be working on, all candidates must be eligible to gain security clearance.

TKMS ATLAS UK is an Equal Opportunities employer and welcomes applications for all posts from suitably qualified people regardless of age, disability, ethnicity, gender, marital status, sexual orientation, religion or belief.

Only successful applicants will be contacted.