insights How to start a career in nuclear engineering without an engineering degree.
Hi, I'm Lesley, an Assistant Nuclear Safety & Reliability Engineer in the Nuclear Safety and Licensing team at Power New Build, Nuclear & Power. I joined AtkinsRéalis in 2022 on the graduate scheme right after I completed my physics degree.
I've always wanted a career in STEM to help change the world for the better.
However, I was uncertain about what career path I wanted. AtkinsRéalis was the perfect fit for me. As a global consultancy, it offered a huge variety of opportunities, and I could bring many transferrable skills from my degree. Plus, it was important for me to work at an organization where my work would be purpose-driven and aligned with my values.
Empowered as a future technical leader in nuclear safety
Since joining the company, I have worked for major clients from around the world. As a result, I've gained invaluable knowledge and experience on various nuclear technologies, a diversity of plants, and different client organizations.
I've worked on some really interesting and impactful projects!
My dream experience working on nuclear power plants
One of my key roles was creating an Evaluation Manual for bids on a new Nuclear Power Plant in the Middle East, helping to set the safety bar right from the start. I've also been deeply involved with European pressurized reactors. I performed over 400 nuclear safety categorizations for manufacturing non-conformance reports and assessed design changes.
Hands-on innovation in nuclear engineering
On the more innovative side, I supported the development of a methodology for Internal Combined Hazards assessments and will be applying it to a small modular reactor design. I've also worked on safety cases to extend the life of Britain's advanced gas reactors. What I'm most proud of, though, is achieving the status of Authorized Nuclear Safety Categorizer—it's a recognition of my dedication to ensuring the highest safety standards in the nuclear field.
Recognized and rewarded beyond my technical role
I started as the Nuclear & Power graduate, apprentice, and placement community chair for Bristol, eventually taking on the role for the entire UK. In this position, I've overseen UK-wide initiatives and worked with senior leadership to improve the early careers experience. A standout moment was being a finalist in SPARK! Contest, which connects young talent in the Franco-British energy community. I was also a finalist for the Nuclear & Power Early Career Professional of the Year award. I've enjoyed volunteering, too, from the Net Zero Superhero competition with school kids to supporting Women In Nuclear events, and I'm now organizing the 2025 Women In Nuclear Global Conference!
Engineering careers with work-life balance at AtkinsRéalis
I've maintained a healthy work/life balance while achieving amazing things at work, thanks to AtkinsRéalis' support and flexible working options. As someone who loves travel, I've used the 'Flexible holiday' scheme to buy extra days off and explore new countries—next up, the East Coast of Australia with my high school friends in 2025! At work, I've grown close with my team and the Early Careers community. We celebrate personal wins, have cake days, and enjoy a friendly, inclusive environment, making it easier to balance work and life.
You can start a nuclear career without an engineering degree!
Career changes happen all the time. No matter where you are in life, the industry needs you. You'll fit right in if you're passionate about what we do. Although I have a physics degree, most of my knowledge came from on-the-job learning and training at AtkinsRéalis. You likely already have transferable skills, such as communication, problem-solving, and teamwork—valuable assets that will help you adapt to different roles.
Sometimes, the best paths are the ones you didn't initially consider!
So, talk to career counselors or professionals in various industries. Make connections on LinkedIn and ask questions, as they can provide valuable insights and help you understand different career paths. Don't forget to be open to exploring other opportunities and learning new things.
Keen to explore exciting opportunities in nuclear engineering, even without an engineering degree? Learn more and browse our fantastic graduate roles.
Interested? Find out more about life at AtkinsRéalis
Sign up to receive the latest content tailored to your interests
Our articles
Preview
GeneralContent type
ProjectsPublish date
10/17/2024
Summary
Hello! My name is Matilda Davis, and I'm based in the AtkinsRéalis Bristol office. I joined AtkinsRéalis last September, straight after my A-Level studies, and I'm now in my first year of the Pro
Preview
EuropeContent type
BlogsPublish date
10/14/2024
Summary
Welcome back to our Digital Her blog series! As Digital Her sponsors, we're committed to empowering young women like you to pursue careers in digital and tech. We aim to break down barriers an
Preview
GeneralContent type
BlogsPublish date
10/14/2024
Summary
When you think of the construction industry, what word springs to mind? Innovation? Resilient perhaps? Despite facing economic challenges, the market perseveres, offering a promising landscape for as
Preview
GeneralContent type
BlogsPublish date
10/02/2024
Summary
Unprecedented global events have caused delays and constraints on the construction of infrastructure projects worldwide. However, by being agile, managing expectations, and identifying viable soluti
Preview
GeneralContent type
BlogsPublish date
10/01/2024
Summary
So, you’re looking into AtkinsRéalis early careers opportunities, are you? You might have come across a graduate scheme, placement, or apprenticeship and you’re keen to apply, but what happens if yo
Preview
EuropeContent type
ProjectsPublish date
09/30/2024
Summary
Hinkley Point C (HPC) is the first nuclear power station to be built in the UK since the 1990s. Technically complex and the country’s largest infrastructure project – our talented people from
Preview
GeneralContent type
BlogsPublish date
09/26/2024
Summary
Apprenticeships are a popular route into a plethora of disciplines, including engineering. In the 2022/23 academic year, 752,150 people were participating in an apprenticeship in England alone, com
Preview
EuropeContent type
BlogsPublish date
09/18/2024
Summary
Meet Electromechanical Degree Apprentice James, who is based in our Bristol office. In his everyday role, he gets to explore the high-tech meeting of electrical and mechanical engineering, learn
Preview
GeneralContent type
BlogsPublish date
08/23/2024
Summary
In the Engineering a Net Zero Energy System report, the Institution of Mechanical Engineering declared that ‘Net Zero is arguably the largest engineering project undertaken by humankind.’ A career i
Preview
GeneralContent type
BlogsPublish date
08/23/2024
Summary
Placements are a pretty popular option for students who are thinking about their future career path. They may be an essential part of your degree or entirely optional and they usually happen between
Related jobs
Salary
£23,400 and £27,352 depending on role and location
Location
Nationwide
Job Type
Full Time
Brand
Atkins
Career Area
Systems Engineering Placement Scheme 2025
Market
Clean power
Security, aerospace & defence
Nuclear
Category
Placements
Location
Manchester
Sheffield
Bristol
Description
Eager to acquire practical experience in the exciting field of Systems Engineering? Apply now!!
Reference
PL-192
Expiry Date
01/01/0001
Author
Gautam GajulaAuthor
Gautam GajulaSalary
£23,400 - £27,352 depending on role and location
Location
Nationwide
Job Type
Full Time
Brand
Atkins
Career Area
Environmental Placement Scheme 2025
Market
Cities & development
Clean power
Environment & geoscience
Water
Nuclear
Category
Placements
Location
Peterborough
Oxford
Birmingham
Derby
Manchester
London
Epsom
Bristol
Glasgow
Swansea
Description
Join AtkinsRéalis and shape a sustainable future with real-world projects and a supportive team.
Reference
PL-180
Expiry Date
01/01/0001
Salary
£23,400 - £27,352 depending on role and location
Location
Nationwide
Job Type
Full Time
Brand
Atkins
Career Area
Project Management Placement Scheme 2025
Market
Clean power
Project, programme & cost management
Transportation
Nuclear
Category
Placements
Location
Whitehaven
Manchester
London
Epsom
Bristol
Description
Shape your future in project management! Apply now for our 2025 Placement Scheme.
Reference
PL-188
Expiry Date
01/01/0001
Salary
£23,400 and £27,352 depending on role and location.
Location
Nationwide
Job Type
Full Time
Brand
Atkins
Career Area
Mechanical Engineering Placement Scheme 2025
Market
Cities & development
Clean power
Environment & geoscience
Security, aerospace & defence
Transportation
Water
Nuclear
Category
Placements
Location
Birmingham
Derby
Whitehaven
Stockton-on-Tees
Manchester
Sheffield
London
Epsom
Bristol
Belfast
Glasgow
Description
Eager to acquire practical experience in the exciting field of quantity surveying? Apply now!
Reference
PL-186
Expiry Date
01/01/0001
Salary
£30,500 - £33,500 depending on role and location
Location
Nationwide
Job Type
Full Time
Brand
Atkins
Career Area
Human Factors Graduate Scheme 2024
Market
Clean power
Nuclear
Category
Graduate
Location
Derby
Manchester
London
Bristol
Glasgow
Description
Our Human Factors graduate programme has been designed to give you an insight into a wide variety of areas of work and the chance to explore where your own skills and interests lie.
Reference
GR-197
Expiry Date
01/01/0001
Salary
£30,500 - £33,500 depending on role and location
Location
Nationwide
Job Type
Full Time
Brand
Atkins
Career Area
Software Graduate Scheme 2024
Market
Clean power
Security, aerospace & defence
Transportation
Nuclear
Category
Graduate
Location
Birmingham
Derby
Sheffield
Epsom
Edinburgh
Cardiff
Description
As a Software graduate, you'll enjoy variety, working on large and small projects and experiencing different aspects including consulting, design or overseeing construction.
Reference
GR-209
Expiry Date
01/01/0001
Salary
£23,400 and £27,352 depending on role and location
Location
Nationwide
Job Type
Full Time
Brand
Atkins
Career Area
Civil and Structural Engineering Placement Scheme 2025
Market
Cities & development
Clean power
Environment & geoscience
Transportation
Water
Nuclear
Category
Placements
Location
Cambridge
Peterborough
Oxford
Birmingham
Derby
Whitehaven
York
Stockton-on-Tees
Leeds
Manchester
Newcastle-upon-Tyne
Chelmsford
Croydon
London
Epsom
Swindon
Trowbridge
Bristol
Exeter
Belfast
Edinburgh
Glasgow
Cardiff
Swansea
Aylesbury
Description
As a Civil or Structural Engineering Placement, you'll enjoy variety, working on large and small projects with the opportunity to explore different career pathways including consulting and design.
Reference
PL-177
Expiry Date
01/01/0001
Salary
£23,400 - £27,352 depending on role and location
Location
Nationwide
Job Type
Full Time
Brand
Atkins
Career Area
Information Management Placement Scheme 2025
Market
Clean power
Nuclear
Category
Placements
Location
Whitehaven
Manchester
Description
Join us as a Placement Information Management student and enjoy exposure to a wide variety of industries, clients and projects.
Reference
PL-183
Expiry Date
01/01/0001
Salary
£23,400 - £27,352 depending on role and location
Location
Nationwide
Job Type
Full Time
Brand
Atkins
Career Area
Nuclear Safety Placement Scheme 2025
Market
Clean power
Nuclear
Category
Placements
Location
Manchester
Epsom
Bristol
Description
Kickstart your career in nuclear safety! Join us as a Nuclear Safety Placement student and protect vital systems while advancing technology. Your impactful future starts here!
Reference
PL-187
Expiry Date
01/01/0001
Salary
£23,400 - £27,352 depending on role and location
Location
Nationwide
Job Type
Full Time
Brand
Atkins
Career Area
Human Factors Placement Scheme 2025
Market
Clean power
Nuclear
Category
Placements
Location
Manchester
London
Bristol
Glasgow
Description
Being part of a large global Human Factors and Ergonomics team, you will be supported and mentored as you gain experience in deploying a range of HF methodologies
Reference
PL-182
Expiry Date
01/01/0001
Equality, diversity & inclusion
We're devoted to growing the diversity of our people, promoting and inclusive culture, providing everyone with an equal voice because simply put, it's the right thing to do.
Find out more