Graduate Waste Consultant (Nuclear) – Manchester, Warrington or Westlakes, Cumbria NEW

Job description

The AECOM Nuclear Waste Team provides specialist consultancy services to the nuclear industry in the UK and internationally. Our work covers the full lifecycle of nuclear facilities — from new build design to decommissioning and environmental site restoration.

We support a wide range of projects, including:

• Operational support for UK nuclear sites such as Sellafield and Dounreay.
• Early-stage development of the Deep Geological Repository.
• Review and development of waste storage and disposal facilities.
• Support for multidisciplinary design teams on defence projects.

Example project:
AECOM undertook a review of UK nuclear sites to evaluate their Low Level Waste (LLW) management practices and challenges related to scaling up for decommissioning. Many nuclear sites have built their waste management systems over decades to support operations. As they transition to decommissioning, changes in waste quantity, type, and characterisation can strain existing infrastructure. AECOM’s study identified opportunities for strategic improvements to help sites optimise waste management through this transition.

Here’s what you’ll do:

As a Graduate Waste Consultant, you will join a team of experienced professionals and be paired with a mentor who will guide you through your early career. You’ll work on live projects while developing technical and professional skills. Typical responsibilities include:

• Preparing waste inventories and supporting documentation for waste estimates.
• Conducting literature reviews on emerging radioactive waste technologies.
• Performing Best Available Techniques (BAT) and Best Practical Means (BPM) assessments.
• Undertaking environmental aspect determinations.
• Identifying and reviewing decommissioning and waste management options to optimise processes.
• Preparing reports and documentation to support project findings.
• Developing an understanding of the nuclear regulatory framework.
• Gaining knowledge of Nuclear Safety Cases, site permits, and licensing requirements.
• Liaising with project teams, design engineers, and environmental specialists.

Enjoy the Perks

At AECOM, you’ll have access to a range of benefits designed to support your well-being and professional growth, including:

• Career development opportunities through AECOM University and mentorship.
• Access to technical networks and professional development programs.
• A flexible hybrid working model for better work-life balance.
• Volunteering days and opportunities to make a social impact.