If you’d like to be considered for this opportunity we encourage you to apply promptly to avoid disappointment as if applications are high the role will close before the closing date given. Science Graduate Programme 2026 Starting salary £31,000 plus benefits and welcome bonus | Office based in Aldermaston, nr Reading, Berkshire. Our two-year Evolve programme offers you an exciting opportunity to join our Science career pathway. We’re looking for amazing graduates and aspiring future leaders to join us and shape the future of science at AWE. About us: We’re 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’re 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. www.awe.co.uk Entry requirements We are only accepting applications from those with a degree in Environmental Science. Before starting with the business, you will need to provide evidence that you have attained a minimum of a 2:2 in your degree. You must be able to join AWE in September 2026. We recruit on a rolling basis which means as soon as our positions have been filled, we will close. Candidates must be willing and able to obtain and maintain the necessary security clearance for the role. Please note that you must be a British National to apply for a role with us. What to Expect on the Programme The Evolve Science programme provides graduates with access to a range of engaging opportunities to learn and contribute to cutting-edge research and development. Through a series of placements, which individuals will have a significant role in shaping and selecting, you will experience a sense of the breadth and depth of science at AWE whilst at the same time contributing meaningfully to our current projects. During the scheme, you’ll get the opportunity to undertake several rotational placements to give you a broad awareness and understanding of Science at AWE. As the scheme progresses, you’ll develop deeper technical skills, working on scientific challenges which support our mission. Y ou’ll have the opportunity to work with leading scientists and experts in their field and have access to some of AWE’s unique and specialist facilities. The programme will help you gain a blend of scientific skills and experience that will enable you to enjoy an exciting and varied career, with lots of opportunity for continued development. Alongside your placements you will undertake a core development programme supporting the development of the soft skills such as leadership, teamwork and resilience providing you with broader personal development opportunities. You will also be supported in working towards professional registration relevant to your role or discipline whilst on the Evolve programme Evolve Science graduates could engage with experiences such as: Supporting the assessment of system performance of the UK’s nuclear deterrent. Engaging in cutting edge research in a range of areas including nuclear forensics, quantum computing and analytical chemistry. Working with our supercomputing capability in developing sophisticated models. Interfacing with scientists from US laboratories over shared projects and focuses. Working hands on in a laboratory developing and testing new materials, processes and equipment. Using their technical insights to add value to projects within our Nuclear Threat Reduction programme in support of national security. Working alongside world-leading experts to overcome scientific challenges. The application process We want you to shine in your application process which is designed to be fair and transparent. So we've kept it simple with a three step process. Online application: Apply for one pathway; take your time to explore the options and choose the one that best matches your interests and goals. Online test: If successful, you will be invited to complete our online assessment stage. These include online testing against numerical, verbal, logical and cognitive reasoning tests. Don't be intimidated: practice assessments will be available so you will be fully equipped with the knowledge of what to expect. Virtual assessment: Those successful at testing will be invited to our virtual assessment centres. These run throughout November into December 2025 - we'll confirm the exact dates in an email. We run pre-assessment centre webinars to guide you on what to expect. Reasonable adjustments: Our aim is to make you feel confident and informed throughout your journey with us: we're not trying to catch you out. Our ambition is to create a workplace where differences are recognised and celebrated. Our mission relies on the diversity and our people being able to bring their energy to work and perform their best. We encourage diverse applicants and we're here to support you all the way. We encourage you to let us know if you need any adjustments on your application. Any inclusion information you provide us will be used to encourage and support you through the application process and will be held only for this purpose in accordance with GDPR. Learn about how we handle your data. Why us? Build your career as future leader Our focus lies on a number of key themes such as: ‘self and team awareness’ – providing an opportunity to better understand your own strengths and how these could contribute effectively to collaborative situations. Create your network AWE’s early careers community is full of energy, connection, and opportunity. You'll find plenty of ways to get involved through events organised by our ERG s, spontaneous activities and the Recreation Society. It’s a space where you can build relationships, share experiences, and enjoy life beyond your role. Continual support to grow You will be supported by a dedicated line manager and Evolve pathway lead who will help your transition into the business, provide pastoral support and work with you on your development journey. You will be aligned to a ‘buddy ’, who will normally be a fellow graduate from an earlier cohort. Benefits: £31,000 starting 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 A salary-sacrifice benefit scheme A welcome payment An option of an interest free loan of £1,000 as well as regular Graduate pay reviews A structured and supported career progression 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 Who we're looking for: We’re looking for people who are naturally curious, enjoy solving complex problems, and aren’t afraid to ask questions when things don’t quite make sense. You’ll bring a dependable, team-focused mindset and a willingness to learn because in a unique, classified environment like ours, trust and integrity are key. You'll thrive at AWE if you're resilient, eager to grow and excited to apply your skills to real-world challenges. You'll embrace our behaviours: connecting with respect, keeping our promises, staying safe and secure, and embracing simplicity. Next steps: Everyone who works at AWE brings unique skills and perspectives to the table. We recognise that great people don’t always ‘tick every box’. That’s why we focus on your potential, your fit with our values, your transferable skills as well as your experience. Even if you don’t meet every point above, but you feel that this role and AWE are a great fit for you, please go ahead and apply, we’d love to receive your application. Important things you need to know: We encourage you to apply promptly to avoid disappointment if applications are high and the role therefore closes. You will need to obtain and maintain the necessary security clearance for the role. This will be funded by AWE. The nature of our work does mean you need to be a British Citizen who has been resident in the UK for the past 5 years in order to apply for SC clearance and 10 years for DV. We want you to feel comfortable and able to shine during our recruitment process. Please let us know on your application form if you need any adjustments/accommodations during the process. Our interviews typically take place over Teams and for most roles are a 1 stage process. Our ambition is to create workplaces where we recognise and celebrate differences, encourage diverse contributions and our employees feel able to be themselves at work. We strive to create a genuine culture of openness and inclusion and encourage diverse applicants. Any inclusion information you provide will be stored in accordance with GDPR and kept separate from your application form and CV, and the information will not be shared with anyone involved in interviewing or making hiring decisions. Please note that you must be a British Citizen to apply for a role with us.