Overview
You must be able to join AWE in August 2026. We recruit on a rolling basis, which means that as soon as our positions have been filled, we will close. Be graduating in 2028 or 2029 and taking a placement year as part of your degree from summer 2026 to summer 2027.
We are offering a rewarding and exciting one-year placement as an Undergraduate Nuclear Materials Trainee at AWE – a role where you will make a genuine contribution to keeping the UK safe and secure.
What to Expect
Programme Operations supports AWE's mission by taking the demand from our customer programmes to deliver the products and services they need to fulfil the needs of the Defence Nuclear Organisation (Ministry of Defence) in maintaining our national security. We have a diverse range of products across Operations, from a technical report to experimental tests to a fully assembled nuclear warhead. Operations is also responsible for keeping our sites open, safe and secure.
The role will be within Nuclear Material Operations and is NOT a lab‑based role. This group provides the Company Policy & Training to support the Accountancy & Control of Strategic Materials (Accountable Nuclear Materials and Other Special Materials). They deliver the Company Annual Accounts to the Defence Nuclear Organisation for these materials and undertake independent Auditing and Verification of Strategic materials in our facilities at AWE(A) & AWE(B). They provide suitably qualified and experienced personnel for Nuclear Material Inventory Control staff in facilities to oversee material moves and processing. They maintain and develop the Fissile Material Control System used in our Production Facilities to support Criticality Safety, Movement Control & Accountancy.
Responsibilities
* Working in an operational facility with Nuclear Materials and undertaking respirator operations.
* Gaining an understanding of how a nuclear facility operates, including planning, production processes, safety case, criticality safety, training and generating & complying with regulation, policy & local work instructions.
* Opportunity to visit various facilities and undertake Physical Verification and Audits of Nuclear Materials and Processes.
* Opportunity to gain an appreciation of the challenges in transitioning to new facilities and providing SME knowledge into projects.
* Gaining an appreciation of the legislative nuclear material & accountancy requirements, generation of accounts and how these support our licensed conditions, Defence Nuclear Security, National Audit Office, Environmental Permits and our Strategic Materials Strategy.
* Interactions with various stakeholders including our DNO customer.
Qualifications & Requirements
* Medically fit and able to wear a respirator when working in the materials area of operations as required during the placement. You will be fully trained and undergo a thorough induction process.
* Degree in nuclear science, nuclear engineering, chemical engineering, materials science, systems engineering, chemistry or related engineering and sciences. All engineering and sciences will be considered.
* Evidence of attaining a minimum of a 2:2 in your degree so far by August 2026.
* Resilient, curious, team‑focused mindset, willingness to learn, trust and integrity. Eager to grow and excited to apply your skills to real‑world challenges.
* PLEASE NOTE THIS IS NOT A LAB‑BASED ROLE.
Benefits
* £23,500 salary
* Holiday entitlement of 270 hours of leave annually, including bank holidays
* Excellent work/life balance and a vibrant and welcoming grad social scene
* 9‑day working fortnight – so every other Friday off
* Salary‑sacrifice benefit scheme
* Welcome payment
* Potential to secure a Graduate role for when you finish university, subject to availability
* Access to savings on a wide range of everyday spending across retail, hospitality and leisure
* Access to our Employee Assistance Programme
* Access to our Occupational Health Services
Location
Office based in Aldermaston, near Reading, Berkshire.
About AWE
We are a team of remarkable people, united by one extraordinary mission: keeping the UK safe and secure. The UK's independent nuclear deterrent has existed for 75 years to deter the most extreme threats to our national security and way of life, helping to guarantee our safety, and that of our NATO allies. Our work is critical. We are delivering Astraea, the next warhead for the UK's nuclear deterrent and pushing the boundaries of nuclear science and technology. But that's just part of the story. We support the UK government in a range of vital areas – from counter‑terrorism to global nuclear test monitoring to building a world‑class community of experts in nuclear science. This is work that protects lives and strengthens national security. At AWE, you'll find more than just a job. You'll find purpose, growth, and a community like no other. Whether you're just starting out or looking to take your career to the next level, this is your chance to learn from the best, develop your skills, and be part of something truly unique. Be extraordinary at AWE.
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