Applied Theoretical Scientist – Year in Industry

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. 

About AWE

We are a team of remarkable people, united by one extraordinary mission: keeping the UK safe and secure. Our work supports the UK's independent nuclear deterrent and extends into areas including counter-terrorism, global nuclear test monitoring and the development of world-class nuclear science and engineering expertise.

Role purpose

As an undergraduate within our Physics function, you will work in a small team and apply your skills and knowledge to support the full lifecycle of warhead components and technologies.

Teams support the mission through radiation detection measurement and analysis; photon, electron and neutron modelling codes such as MCNP; simulation and measurement of material properties in exotic states of matter found in the centre of stars and planets; development of novel computational algorithms to solve physics problems; and complex mathematical assessment. 

Programme experience

You will focus mainly on one or two projects or areas, gaining deep insight into the work. A line manager and mentor will support you to navigate your time at AWE and develop career skills for the defence industry.

On-programme learning combines a corporate induction, on-the-job training and classroom-based or online learning depending on the role. Off-programme learning includes participating in an undergraduate group project focused on a business deliverable. You will have opportunities to network with other undergraduates and the graduate community and begin building business contacts at AWE. 

By the end of the programme, you will have increased your subject knowledge and understanding and gained additional skills for your future career, with the possibility of returning to join the Graduate Programme. 

Entry requirements

We are keen to hear from students studying: 

• Physics, theoretical or applied 
• Mathematics 
• Data Science 
• Structural Engineering 
• Computer Science 

Before starting with AWE, you must be able to provide evidence that you have achieved a minimum 2:2 degree classification, or equivalent academic performance to date, by August 2026. 

Behaviours and qualities

• Growth mindset: You are full of grit and determination, clear about where you are going and how you will get there. 
• Curious: You love to think outside the box, and may even want to take the box apart. 
• Innovative: You are open to learning about new technologies and ground-breaking ideas. 
• Resilience: You advocate speaking up for yourself and others openly and constructively. 
• Team worker: You are dependable and reliable, and interested in collaborating with and supporting others. 

Salary and benefits

• £24,500 salary. 
• A market-leading contributory pension scheme. AWE will pay between 9% and 13% of pensionable pay depending on your contribution. 
• 270 hours of annual leave, including an allowance for bank holidays. 
• Excellent work-life balance. 
• A 9-day working fortnight, meaning you get every other Friday off work. 
• Access to an employee discounts portal, offering everyday savings on leisure, hospitality and retail. 

Alongside these benefits, you will have the opportunity to learn from some of the top leaders in their field. 

Recruitment process and key dates

• Online application: Choose 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 during November or December 2026.
• Pre-assessment support: Receive webinar guidance so you know what to expect.
• Offer and clearance: Successful candidates will complete offer and security-clearance stages before joining in August 2027.

Security requirements

You must be a UK national holding a UK passport to be eligible to apply to AWE. You must have lived in the UK for 10 years to apply for Developed Vetting (DV) clearance for this role. 

Inclusion and reasonable adjustments

Our ambition is to create workplaces where we recognise and celebrate differences, encourage diverse contributions and enable employees to 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 used to encourage and support you through the application process and will be held only for this purpose in accordance with GDPR. 

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.

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