Radioactive Waste Management Graduate Programme

Babcock Mission Critical Services España SA.; Kirkcaldy; On-site; GBP 80,000 - 100,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading radiation safety organization in Kirkcaldy is seeking a Radioactive Waste Graduate. You will support the dismantling of nuclear submarines, gaining valuable skills in waste management and environmental safety over a two-year program. Key requirements include a science degree and the ability to achieve security clearances. Starting salary of £35,000 with attractive benefits, including 25+ days holiday and flexible working options.

Benefits

25 days holiday plus bank holidays

Generous pension scheme

Wellbeing support services

Qualifications

• Must achieve Baseline Personnel Security Standard (BPSS) and Security Check (SC) clearance.
• Experience or understanding of radiological protection is desirable.

Responsibilities

• Support the safe handling and processing of radioactive waste.
• Participate in site inspections and data interpretation.
• Collaborate with stakeholders for effective waste management solutions.

Skills

Analytical skills

Problem-solving

Communication

Education

Science degree (chemistry, physics, environmental sciences)

Job description

Overview

Role: Radioactive Waste Graduate. You’ll support the safe and responsible dismantling of nuclear-powered submarines. You’ll learn how nuclear reactor systems are dismantled and how materials are processed for reuse, recycling, or disposal.

What will you do on the programme?

Your work will span the entire radioactive waste lifecycle, including planning and preparation, supporting studies to understand waste characteristics, helping develop treatment and packaging solutions, or assisting with storage and transport activities. Every task contributes to ensuring waste is managed safely and in line with strict regulations and technical standards.

The work is varied. You might take part in site inspections, interpret data, assess waste, join workshops to explore different solutions, or help write and review technical reports. You’ll collaborate with a range of stakeholders and build experience in radioactive waste management, radiological protection, and environmental safety.

This role offers meaningful responsibility and specialist training, helping you develop expertise in a field that’s essential for both national security and environmental protection.

How is the programme structured?

The Radioactive Waste Graduate Programme runs for two years and is designed to give you breadth and depth of experience. You’ll be based in the Radioactive Waste and Health Physics Department, where you’ll build knowledge across waste management, radiological protection and environmental safety.

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.

In addition, you’ll receive tailored technical training through in-house sessions covering key areas such as waste management, environmental protection, health physics, and radiological safety. The focus and scope of this training are customised to support your individual development needs, helping you work towards the membership requirements of a relevant professional institute.

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, with agile working options subject to discussion with your manager
• 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?

• A science degree such as chemistry, physics, environmental sciences or a similar subject.
• Many of our graduate 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 Baseline Personnel Security Standard (BPSS), Security Check (SC) and Naval Nuclear Propulsion Information (NNPI) clearance. Further details are available at United Kingdom Security Vetting: clearance levels - GOV.UK.

Where will you be based?

Places on our Radioactive Waste Management programme for Autumn 2026 are available in our Marine sector in Rosyth.

At the heart of our Marine business is our 320-acre Rosyth facility, which is home to one of the largest and most modern waterside advanced manufacturing and repair facilities in the UK. At Rosyth, we specialise in the design, build and through-life support of complex naval and commercial marine assets.

Your home base will be our Rosyth facility, however, some of your placements may be at other locations. Agile working is supported, but you’ll be expected to work on-site multiple times a week.

Ready to apply?

Applications are reviewed on a rolling basis, and the programme may close early if we receive a high volume of interest. To give yourself the best chance of being considered, we strongly recommend submitting your application and completing any required online assessments as soon as possible.