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.
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.
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.
We have a generous range of benefits (see the full list here) and highlights include:
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 earlycareerstalent@ukaea.uk if you have any questions or require any help or adjustments.
AI may be used for preparation purposes only. All responses submitted during interviews and assessments must be your own work.
To maintain a fair recruitment process, candidates are limited to two applications across our Early Careers programmes. If you apply for multiple roles, we may contact you to discuss which opportunities best match your skills and interests.
Applications are due to close at 23:59 on 8th November 2026. As we're expecting strong interest, we encourage you to apply early, as the vacancy may close sooner if we receive a high volume of applications. More information can be found here.
As the UK’s national fusion lab, the UK Atomic Energy Authority’s mission is to lead the commercial development of fusion power and related technology, and position the UK as a leader in sustainable fusion energy. We are meeting the scientific and engineering challenges that come with such a grand ambition.
UKAEA is made up of four main facilities: Culham Centre for Fusion Energy (CCFE), Remote Applications in Challenging Environments (RACE), Materials Research Facility (MRF), and - in partnership with STFC - the Oxfordshire Advanced Skills (OAS) apprentice training centre.
Connect with us to hear more about our world-class research and career opportunities and to discuss commercial opportunities.
