The UK Atomic Energy Authority is recruiting a Graduate Materials Joining Engineer in Oxfordshire, UK, offering a £35,227 salary, pension benefits and dedicated professional development. Apply by 8 November 2026.
Background & Job Description
The UK Atomic Energy Authority (UKAEA) is inviting applications for its Graduate Materials Joining Engineer position at Culham Campus in Abingdon, Oxfordshire, United Kingdom.
The opportunity is part of UKAEA’s Graduate Development Programme, which supports early-career professionals as they develop the technical and professional skills required to contribute to fusion energy research and engineering.
Fusion energy is being developed as a potential source of cleaner, low-carbon electricity. In this role, the successful candidate will support welding, joining and manufacturing activities for fusion projects, working with design teams, suppliers and inspection specialists.
The position is full-time and offers a hybrid working arrangement. Applications are scheduled to close on 8 November 2026, although the vacancy may close earlier if application numbers are high.
Job Overview
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Organisation | UK Atomic Energy Authority (UKAEA) |
| Job title | Graduate Materials Joining Engineer |
| Location | Culham Campus, Abingdon, Oxfordshire, UK |
| Division | Integrated Engineering |
| Department | Fabrication, Installation & Maintenance |
| Employment type | Full-time |
| Working arrangement | Hybrid |
| Annual base salary | £35,227 |
| Employer pension | Defined-benefit pension scheme equivalent to a 21.5% employer contribution |
| Annual leave | 25 days, plus Christmas closure and privilege days, in addition to UK bank holidays |
| Eligible graduation years | 2025–2027 |
| Application deadline | 8 November 2026, 23:59 |
| Official application | Visit the UKAEA careers website to locate the vacancy |
Tasks and Programme Benefits
The successful candidate will support the development and delivery of welding, joining and manufacturing solutions for fusion-related engineering projects.
Responsibilities include preparing technical documentation, specifications and reports, contributing to procurement and manufacturing activities, monitoring quality standards and helping resolve non-conformances. The role also involves working with design teams, suppliers and inspection specialists to help ensure that technical, quality and regulatory requirements are met.
Graduates will have opportunities to develop their understanding of welding and joining technologies, qualification and inspection processes, design reviews and manufacturing practices. Participation in external visits and outreach activities may also form part of the role.
Graduate Development Programme
UKAEA allocates approximately 20% of programme time to professional and personal development, with the remaining 80% focused on role-based technical experience.
Development activities cover business understanding, technical capabilities, project management and people leadership. Graduates will work with their line managers to gain exposure to different responsibilities within projects and explore potential future career pathways.
Salary and Benefits
The advertised annual base salary is £35,227. Additional benefits include:
- A defined-benefit pension scheme with an employer contribution equivalent of 21.5%.
- 25 days of annual leave.
- Three days of Christmas closure and 2.5 privilege days, in addition to UK bank holidays.
- Flexible working options and family-friendly leave provisions.
- Participation in a Skern Lodge residential development experience.
These benefits are subject to the employer’s applicable terms and policies.
Qualifications and Eligibility
Applicants must have a degree in Science or Engineering, with graduation in 2025, 2026 or 2027.
The employer is seeking candidates who demonstrate a strong willingness to learn, an appetite for new challenges and the ability to collaborate effectively.
Other important qualities include clear communication with technical and non-technical audiences, strong organisation, adaptability and the ability to plan and prioritise workloads.
The position may suit graduates interested in manufacturing engineering, welding and joining technologies, quality assurance and the engineering systems involved in fusion energy projects.
Additional Information
Applications are due to close at 23:59 on 8 November 2026. UKAEA advises candidates to apply early because the vacancy may close sooner if it receives a high volume of applications.
Candidates may submit a maximum of two applications across UKAEA’s Early Careers programmes. Applicants applying for multiple roles may be contacted to discuss which opportunities best match their skills and interests.
UKAEA also states that AI may be used for preparation purposes only. Responses submitted during interviews and assessments must be the candidate’s own work.
How to apply: Visit UKAEA’s official careers website, search for Graduate Materials Joining Engineer, and follow the vacancy’s application instructions. Candidates who need assistance or adjustments during recruitment can contact earlycareerstalent@ukaea.uk.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. What is the UKAEA Graduate Materials Joining Engineer opportunity?
It is a graduate engineering position supporting welding, joining and manufacturing activities for fusion energy projects at Culham Campus in Oxfordshire.
2. How much does the role pay?
The advertised annual base salary is £35,227.
3. Where is the job located?
The position is based at UKAEA’s Culham Campus in Abingdon, Oxfordshire, United Kingdom, with hybrid working available.
4. What degree is required?
Applicants must hold a Science or Engineering degree and have graduated, or be due to graduate, between 2025 and 2027.
5. What will the successful candidate do?
Responsibilities include supporting manufacturing and joining solutions, preparing technical reports and specifications, monitoring quality, coordinating manufacturing activities and contributing to continuous improvement.
6. What development opportunities are available?
Approximately 20% of programme time is dedicated to professional and personal development, including technical skills, project management, business understanding and people leadership.
7. What benefits does UKAEA offer?
Benefits include a defined-benefit pension scheme, annual leave, additional Christmas closure and privilege days, flexible working options and a residential development experience.
8. When is the application deadline?
Applications are scheduled to close at 23:59 on 8 November 2026. The vacancy may close earlier if there is strong demand.
9. Can I apply for more than one UKAEA graduate position?
Candidates are limited to two applications across UKAEA’s Early Careers programmes.
10. How can I apply?
Visit the official UKAEA recruitment website and search for the Graduate Materials Joining Engineer vacancy.
Opportunities Feed Assessment
This opportunity may appeal to Science and Engineering graduates interested in manufacturing, materials joining and the development of fusion energy technology. The £35,227 salary, defined-benefit pension and dedicated development time make it an attractive graduate career option for eligible applicants.
Candidates should review the official vacancy details carefully and apply before the deadline.
Disclaimer: Opportunities Feed shares employment and education opportunities for informational purposes. It is not affiliated with UKAEA and does not recruit on the organisation’s behalf. Applicants should verify the vacancy, eligibility criteria and application instructions through the official recruitment website.
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