Engineering (RACE) Graduate Scheme 2023

RACE (Remote Applications in Challenging Environments) is a business unit, based at Culham, within the UK Atomic Energy Authority specialising in robotics for hazardous environments. As part of the global programme for fusion, RACE is developing remote handling systems for the next generations of power stations. RACE is also at the centre of the UK effort to apply novel technologies to all challenging and harsh environments for the protection of people and the advancement of the industry. RACE designs, procures commissions, operates and maintains the wide range of equipment used for maintenance and implementation of enhancements of the JET Tokamak and is active in the design and development of remote maintenance systems used in ITER and DEMO fusion reactors.

Who are we looking for?

We have excellent opportunities for motivated and enthusiastic graduates to join our two-year graduate scheme, this vacancy is for those interested in working in engineering. As part of our exciting scheme, you will spend 80% of your time developing both your general work-related skills and professional qualifications, with 20% of your working time dedicated to graduate training and development. UKAEA has a nurturing community that learns from each other.

Within the 20% training and development, there is a core suite of activities designed to develop your professional and business skills. Elements of this programme are flexible and can be tailored to your personal development needs and to those of your specific job role.

What opportunities does the graduate scheme cover?

Roles and examples of the type of work/projects you would be involved in include:

• Graduate Electrical Engineers perform a variety of engineering tasks such as design, maintenance, fault-finding modifications, and reverse engineering of equipment crucial to developing nuclear fusion devices. This may include operating, maintaining & demonstrating equipment. As an electrical engineer, you will assist in the construction, testing and commissioning of systems including ensuring compliance of systems with both sites and legislated safety requirements.
• Graduate Mechanical Engineers support RACE and UKAEA’s organisational objectives in developing fusion-relevant robotic technologies throughout the engineering lifecycle. Supported by experienced engineering and project management staff, you will develop skills and knowledge on the job to generate ideas and select concepts to develop into detailed designs, identify and manage non-conformances and analyse faults on existing Remote Handling Equipment to determine the root cause. Also, you will learn how to produce papers and written reports for review by internal and external stakeholders.
• Graduate Mechatronics Engineers perform a variety of tasks across the three disciplines covering Technical, Project Management and People Management skills. You will work on the design, specification, implementation and development of control systems for the hardware, transporter and handling systems, and participate in the commissioning of these systems. Working as a part of a team you will use your expertise in mathematical modelling, programming and real-time software control to support projects essential to fulfilling UKAEA’s mission as the leader in the nuclear fusion industry.
• Graduate Safety Engineers’ tasks include systems engineering, design review, statistical analysis/modelling and safety architecture design across one or more of the following domains: electrical, mechanical, automation, robotics and software. Your role will be cross-functional in nature and will include elements of engagement with a wide range of projects from different engineering disciplines. Your work will be peer-reviewed by supervisors or higher-level engineers and allow you to develop a unique set of skills and experience in a highly regulated environment.

Our scheme is accredited by the Institution of Mechanical Engineers (IMechE), the Institution of Engineering & Technology (IET) and the Institute of Physics (IoP) as a professional development scheme.

Qualifications

To be considered you will need to have successfully completed your degree within the past 2 years and will possess a relevant degree from within the specialisms listed.

• Mechanical Engineering
• Electrical Engineering
• Integrated Mechanical/Electrical Engineering
• Safety Engineering
• Software Engineering
• Robotics Engineering

If you have a degree in an area not specified but feel that you could apply your skills to a career in this discipline, we would still encourage you to apply.  We would ask you to demonstrate how your skills would be relevant to the outlined opportunities. 

You will need to be self-motivated, demonstrate the ability to work well with others, and have an interest in the development of cleaner energy. Additionally, you will be passionate about self-development and you should have a proactive approach to your work with an enthusiasm for achieving your full potential.  

What is the recruitment process? 

All applications will be initially reviewed by our Early Careers Team and then passed on to our Technical Managers. If shortlisted, you will be contacted by a member of the recruiting team to arrange a short telephone interview. Successful applications will be invited to a more in depth virtual interview where you will have the opportunity to demonstrate your abilities and skills in a range of different situations which include a short presentation. You may be required to attend a final in person meet and greet session to support decision making around the role. 

What we offer 

• A salary of £29,000 plus excellent benefits 
• A dedicated mentor who will help to develop your career and experience 
• Encouragement and support to achieve your professional accreditation 
• A culture committed to being fully inclusive, supported by a Being Inclusive Strategy and Inclusion Ambassadors 
• An Employee Assistance Programme and trained Mental Health First Aiders, with a full calendar of health and wellbeing initiatives 
• Dedicated Early Careers events and team building opportunities  
• Being part of the Graduate and Early Careers community at UKAEA 
• Flexible working options including family friendly policies  
• 30.5 days annual leave increased with length of service (including privilege days and 3 days between Christmas and New Year) plus bank holidays
• Outstanding defined benefit pension scheme
• Annual corporate bonus scheme

We welcome applications from under-represented groups, particularly from individuals from black and other ethnic minority backgrounds, including nationality and citizenship, people with disabilities, (visible and hidden) and women. The Executive team with support from our EDI ‘Equality, Diversity and Inclusion’ (EDI) partner and Inclusion Ambassadors, is actively promoting EDI and taking steps to increase the diversity of our people through reinforcing best practice in recruitment and selection, and revaluating approaches where it is clear we can remove barriers to success. We are easily accessible by car and are a 10-minute walk from Culham Railway Station in Oxfordshire.