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.
Materials Scientist Year in Industry Programme 2026
Starting salary £23,500 + plus benefits and welcome bonus | Office based in Aldermaston, nr Reading, Berkshire.
We are offering a rewarding and exciting one-year placement as an Undergraduate Materials Scientist at AWE - a role where you will make a genuine contribution to keeping the UK safe and secure.
About AWE
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.
Entry Requirements
We are interested in applications from candidates working towards a degree in:
* Materials Science or Chemistry with a passion for materials development and/or analytical chemistry, Natural Sciences (disciplines with a Chemistry, Physics, Materials focus)
* Before starting with the business, you will need to be able to provide evidence that you have attained a minimum of a 2:2 in your degree so far by August 2026.
* You must be able to Join AWE in August 2026. We recruit on a rolling basis which means as soon as our positions have been filled, we will close.
What to Expect on the Programme
Materials Science supports the life cycle of warhead components and technologies to ensure the reliability of the UK's strategic deterrent and national security mission. A nuclear warhead contains a vast range of materials including metals, ceramics, inorganic salts, rubbers, foams, adhesives, high explosives and radioactive substances. Many of these have unique handling issues and our dedicated facilities ensure a safe and secure environment to undertake material property research and characterisation. Materials Science is critical to understanding and predicting the behaviour of these types of materials under various conditions.
Some of the projects available include:
* Development of foam and aerogel materials for laser target application to support the modelling and characterisation of plasma-based reactions. Investigating development and manufacture of materials using less hazardous chemicals. Analysis of materials including chemical, physical and x-ray CT properties/characteristics
* Development of new inorganic materials for control triggered electrical breakdown. Investigating and developing alternative materials, production for testing and electrical breakdown testing. Analysis of materials including chemical, physical, and crystallographic
* Development and application of analytical methodologies associated with the qualitative and quantitative assessment of organic, inorganic and metallic materials. Techniques include mechanical, elemental, spectroscopic, rheology and thermal analyses
* Synthesis of inert precursors for direct in-flow, high-purity synthesis of pentaerythritol tetranitrate (PETN). Application of synthetic chemistry techniques to prepare and purify target precursor compounds. Evaluation of batch and flow chemistry process techniques, exploring a range of process conditions. Chemical characterisation of inert precursors and PETN products
* Performing experimentation and applying chemistry and/or materials science knowledge to further understanding of material behaviour in complex multi-material systems
* Support Engineering through analysis of test pieces using various microscopic and analytical techniques, engaging with a variety of stakeholders including international partners
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
* A salary-sacrifice benefit scheme
* A 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
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 January we'll confirm the exact dates in an email. We run pre-assessment centre webinars to guide you on what to expect.
You must be able to Join AWE in August 2026. Applications close on Friday 24th October, but will close earlier if we receive enough applications. So apply sooner rather than later
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.
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.
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.
Contact us
If you have questions during the application process, please reach out to the Early Careers Team at
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.