Computer 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

AWE has a critical mission: supporting the UK's nuclear deterrent and using specialist expertise to provide counter-terrorism and nuclear threat reduction solutions for the wider UK government. Scientific Computing and Data Science provides the computing, software engineering, data science and digital research capabilities that underpin scientific discovery and technical delivery across AWE.

This placement gives you the chance to turn what you have learned at university into practical experience. You will contribute to real technical work in a unique multidisciplinary environment, alongside experienced computer scientists, software engineers, data scientists and high-performance computing specialists. 

What you'll work on 

You will mainly focus on one or two projects or technical areas, giving you the opportunity to build meaningful knowledge rather than only observing from the sidelines. Depending on the team's priorities and your skills, your work may support: 

• Advanced scientific modelling. 
• High-performance computing, also known as HPC. 
• Data analysis and data science. 
• Software development and software engineering. 
• Digital research and computing capabilities that support science and technical delivery. 

You will apply and develop the skills gained during your degree while learning how technical specialists from different disciplines work together to solve complex problems. 

What you'll gain 

• Hands-on experience of real technical problems and projects. 
• The opportunity to learn directly from subject matter experts. 
• Skills that are transferable across technology, science, engineering and many other industries. 
• A deeper understanding of your chosen subject area. 
• Support from a line manager and mentor throughout the placement. 
• A corporate induction to help you settle in. 
• On-the-job training, plus classroom-based or online learning where relevant to your role. 
• Experience of an undergraduate group project focused on delivering a real business outcome. 
• Opportunities to connect with other placement students and AWE graduates and start building your professional network. 
• The possibility of applying to return through the AWE Graduate Programme, subject to opportunities and selection. 

Entry requirements

We are keen to hear from students studying: 

• Computer Science 
• Software Engineering 
• Data Science 
• Artificial Intelligence 
• Physics 
• Chemistry 
• Mathematics 
• Other numerate STEM disciplines
• You must be on track to achieve a minimum 2:2 degree classification, or be able to demonstrate equivalent academic performance to date, before starting the placement. 
• You must be available to join AWE in August 2027. The exact induction date will be confirmed before publication or appointment. 
• You must be a British National, hold a UK passport and have lived in the UK for the 10 years required to apply for Developed Vetting clearance for this role. 
• You must be willing and able to obtain and maintain the necessary security clearance. 

The qualities you'll bring 

• 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 annual salary. 
• A market-leading contributory pension scheme. AWE will contribute between 9% and 13% of pensionable pay depending on your own contribution. 
• A 9-day working fortnight. You will work a 41-hour week followed by a 33-hour week, giving you every second Friday off.
• 270 hours of annual leave each year, including an allowance for bank holidays. 
• Access to an employee discounts portal, offering everyday savings across retail, hospitality and leisure. 
• The opportunity to learn from subject matter experts from day one while supporting real projects and technical delivery. 

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. 

Diversity and inclusion 

AWE aims to create an inclusive workplace where differences are recognised and valued. If you need reasonable adjustments during the application process, you should tell the recruitment team so appropriate support can be considered. Any inclusion information will be handled for this purpose in accordance with data protection requirements. 

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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