Technical Graduate - Mechanical Engineering

Job Introduction

At NNL, our vision is to provide world-leading nuclear expertise and innovation. Do you have the driven technical talent to help us get there?

Our Technical Leadership Graduate Scheme will develop the next generation of technical experts. Not only will you receive the opportunity to work on challenging and exciting projects, but you’ll continually learn from skilled and knowledgeable industry experts who are leaders in their field. We will help you become everything you can be, by challenging, stretching and pushing you to your limits while supporting you every step of the way.

Our dedicated Graduate programme supports all of our graduates in their personal development whilst working in our technical teams. The two-year programme starts with a tailored, week-long induction programme to welcome you into the business, help you understand the breadth of what NNL does and describe the programme and what’s expected of you.

Working alongside fellow graduates, you will then embark on the training programme, with sessions every three months. You’ll learn project management, communication skills and nuclear insight while we help you develop your confidence in team working and public speaking. You’ll learn everything there is to know about the UK and global nuclear industry as well as internal research and development.

The roles we have available will be based in our Remote Engineering team at our Workington facility.

Role Responsibility

Remote Engineering Design & Robotics Team is a multi-disciplined technical team located at the NNL Workington Laboratory in Cumbria. We supply bespoke remote handling equipment, tooling, and inspection systems for all aspects of remote operations plant intervention work in the nuclear industry. Graduate Mechanical Engineers will work in the supply of remotely deployed equipment for use in active plant, underwater operations, radioactive waste size reduction & processing and decommissioning. The NNL is also at the forefront of research and development into the use of robotics and autonomous systems in the nuclear industry and opportunities exist for you to be involved in this pioneering work. In addition Graduates will also be involved in the design, build and operation of inactive test rigs to prove new technology, equipment and processes prior to deployment in active nuclear plant environments.

Graduates can expect to be involved in some or all of the following activities:

• Working with multi-disciplined engineers and scientists to complete the innovative development of engineered solutions from concept through to deployment on active plants of plant intervention and plant inspection equipment. This may include the preparation of development requirements documentation, equipment specifications, project programmes and estimates, optioneering studies, technical supervision of design works, technical supervision of development rigs during construction and the day to day management of test rig activities, report writing and technical evaluations.
• The innovative use of advanced technologies in Robotics, Remotely Operated Vehicles, etc. and development of engineered solutions to a range of robotic and tele-operational challenges.
• Exposure to novel academic research in order to progress the technology into an engineered and developed solution suitable for nuclear industry applications.
• Production of 3D models and 2D detailed design drawings to the appropriate drawing standards using state of the art 3D CAD workstations.
• Detailed technical and design calculations.
• To provide mechanical engineering consultancy and support for remotely operable systems and equipment for the nuclear industry.
• Liaison with suppliers and manufacturers, initiation and progression of the procurement process through to delivery and inspection.
• Preparation of product safety related documentation, e.g. risk assessments, method statements, O&M manuals & technical files.
• Provision of technical supervision for technician and craft personnel.

The Ideal Candidate

Naturally curious, you’ll have the drive and determination to discover more – about yourself and our business. Forward-thinking, proactive and positive, you’ll bring your own energy to the team and you’ll have an enquiring mind that helps us to discover solutions to the world’s biggest energy issues.

We’ll also expect you to have graduated, or be on course to graduate with a 2:1 or higher in Mechanical Engineering.

National Nuclear Laboratory