The UKAEA recruitment process

We understand that it can be a daunting process if you are applying for a job and you don’t know what to expect. We have put together this guide to help you understand the hiring process when you apply for one of our jobs.

Two employees using robot arms at UKAEA’s Materials Research Facility

Your application

The first step is to read the job advert and submit your application. You will be asked a small number of screening questions and for your CV (you can also attach an optional covering letter). You will need to submit these online via our applicant tracking system Smart Recruiters. We usually review applications after the closing date, however in some cases you may be contacted beforehand.

If you’re unsure how to apply for one of our vacancies, read our guide on how to apply.

The next steps

If shortlisted, someone from the UKAEA Talent Acquisition team will contact you either by email or phone to set up the next steps in the hiring process.

  1. MS teams pre-qualifying interview

The first step is typically a 10-20 min virtual interview with a member of our talent team. This will involve talking through your experience and motivations for wanting to join us and may include technical questions.

  1. Face-to-face or virtual panel interview

If successful, the next step in the interview process will be a second stage, panel interview. This normally lasts around 60 minutes, and you will be asked more detailed interview questions, which will contain a mixture of behavioural and technical competency questions. For this stage you might be asked to prepare a short presentation.

Pre-employment checks

If successful in being offered a job at UKAEA, we have a few required checks that we must undertake before finalising your employment offer.

Applicants who are British citizens, or have pre-settled/settled status, have the right to work for us without obtaining a work permit.

UKAEA hold a sponsor licence which means we can sponsor under the skilled worker route, subject to meeting the requirements of sponsorship in this route.

You must provide clear documentation to confirm that you have formal permission to work.

In order to obtain sponsorship, there are a number of requirements that you will be expected to meet, further details can be found here: https://www.gov.uk/skilled-worker-visa/your-partner-and-children

Please also note, UKAEA do not reimburse VISA costs for dependents or family members.

You will be required to undergo security background checks before joining our team, including a criminal record check.

During the process, we will request details of your references. One of these must be your current or most recent employer or educational establishment. 

We won’t contact your references until a formal offer of employment has been made and accepted.

If you have any further questions, please contact talent@ukaea.uk for more information.

Take a look at our typical roles to understand what your day to day work will involve if you’re successful!

Haven’t yet applied?

Want to play a vital role in helping to shape the future of the world’s sustainable energy? Want to join a company that cares about your personal and professional development?

Take a look at our current vacancies and read more about our career development schemes.

A group of UKAEA employees sharing a coffee

Sign up for job alerts and never miss an opportunity.

Back to top