Apply early: recruitment is rolling and applications will close once all positions have been filled.
Why this role matters
The application process
Salma walks through AWE's application process.
To watch the full Gradcracker/AWE webinar, click here.
Use engineering, software and data to help solve complex technical challenges that support the UK’s safety and security. You will contribute to real programmes, specialist products and major infrastructure while building the experience needed for a long-term engineering career.
Engineering with purpose
You will work onsite in unique facilities alongside experienced specialists, gaining exposure to different stages of the engineering lifecycle and seeing how your contribution supports nationally significant work.
At a glance
Salary: £31,000 starting salary plus benefits.
Location: Aldermaston, Berkshire – on-site.
Programme: Two-year Evolve Graduate Programme.
Security: You must be a British National and willing and able to obtain and maintain the necessary security clearance.
What opportunities will you have?
Real engineering projects: Contribute to current or future nuclear-warhead programmes, nuclear threat reduction, manufacturing solutions or major infrastructure.
Engineering lifecycle: Gain experience across concept generation, design, manufacture, processing, assembly, maintenance, testing, trials and commissioning.
Precision systems: Build knowledge of precision components, systems, safety and reliability.
Flexible placements: Complete placements shaped around business needs and your development, giving you varied engineering experience.
Multidisciplinary delivery: Work with engineers, scientists, manufacturing specialists, project professionals and operational teams.
Professional development: Build leadership, business and professional skills while beginning progress towards Chartered Engineer registration.
What you will learn
How complex engineering products and systems move through the full lifecycle.
How design, manufacturing, testing, trials, commissioning and maintenance connect.
How safety, reliability, quality and security shape engineering decisions.
How digital, software, data, systems and manufacturing disciplines contribute to technical delivery.
How to communicate technical ideas and collaborate across multidisciplinary teams.
How professional registration and continuous development support a long-term engineering career.
Entry requirements
You must hold, or be on track to achieve, a minimum 2:2 in Electrical Engineering, Electronic Engineering, Electrical and Electronic Engineering, Software Engineering, Data Science, Computer Science, Manufacturing Engineering or Systems Engineering.
If you are studying an engineering degree outside this list, check out our opportunities in Operations, Facilities Management or Liabilities graduate pathways as we have lots of roles available.
The behaviours and qualities we're looking for
Curious: You ask thoughtful questions and want to understand how complex systems work.
Problem solver: You enjoy breaking down technical challenges and developing practical solutions.
Collaborative: You listen, share ideas and value different perspectives.
Growth-oriented: You welcome feedback and want to build confidence and capability.
Dependable: You take ownership, act with integrity and follow through on commitments.
Safety focused: You understand that careful, accurate work supports quality, safety and security.
What you will get
£31,000 starting salary.
A market-leading contributory pension scheme.
270 hours of annual leave, including bank holidays.
A 9-day working fortnight, giving you every other Friday off.
A salary-sacrifice benefit scheme, Life Assurance and employee discounts.
A welcome payment and the option of an interest-free £1,000 loan.
Employee Assistance Programme and Occupational Health Services.
Regular Graduate pay reviews and structured career progression.
Recruitment process and key dates
Online application: Apply for the pathway that best matches your interests and goals.
Online assessment: If eligible, complete numerical, verbal, logical and cognitive reasoning assessments. Practice materials will be available.
Virtual assessment centre: Successful candidates will be invited to a virtual assessment centre, expected to run during December 2026 and January 2027.
Pre-assessment support: Attend guidance webinars so you know what to expect and can prepare.
Offer and clearance: Successful candidates will move into the offer and security-clearance stages before joining in September 2027.
Reasonable adjustments
We want you to feel confident and supported throughout the application process. Tell us if a reasonable adjustment would help. Any inclusion information will be used only to support your application and handled in accordance with GDPR.
(This means that we will supply feedback if requested after an interview.)
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Job ID Number: R32505
Can I use AI to apply?
We are open to you using AI to support your research or to help prepare you for interviews. However, we strongly recommend you do not use it to give you answers to questions as we will not get to know the real you.
