Nuclear Safety Assessment Specialist – 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 vital areas including counter-terrorism, global nuclear test monitoring and the development of world-class nuclear science expertise.

At AWE, you will find purpose, growth and the opportunity to learn from specialists while contributing to work that protects lives and strengthens national security. 

Role purpose 

As an undergraduate Nuclear Safety Assessment Specialist, you will work as part of a team that assesses the risks and consequences of design, engineering and operational failures. You will help model accident scenarios, identify controls and support the evidence needed to demonstrate that hazards are appropriately managed.

The role may provide experience across the project lifecycle, including new facility design, major modifications, production, research and development, and decommissioning. You will also develop an understanding of how AWE works with its regulators. 

Key activities

• Support the analysis and assessment of nuclear, radiological, chemical, explosives and other major hazards associated with facilities, plant, equipment or products. 
• Contribute to the development and review of safety assessments, justifications and safety cases in line with relevant legislation, industry standards and AWE requirements. 
• Develop an understanding of current health and safety legislation, the Office for Nuclear Regulation licensing regime and the ALARP principle (As Low As Reasonably Practical) 
• Support the production of technical reports that explain and justify how risks are controlled. 
• Work with operators, facility management, engineers, scientists and regulators. 
• Apply technical problem-solving and evidence-based thinking to real project challenges. 

Entry requirements

We are interested in candidates working towards any STEM-related degree. Please note that this is not a lab-based role. 

• You must be on track to achieve a minimum 2:2 in your degree by August 2027. 
• You must be graduating in either 2029 or 2030 and completing a placement year as part of your degree. 
• You must be available to start the placement in August 2027. 

Most importantly, we are looking for enthusiastic individuals who are keen to learn, ask questions and contribute to complex technical work. 

Behaviours and qualities 

You will possess the following traits 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. 
• 270 hours of annual leave, including bank holidays. 
• Excellent work-life balance. 
• A full-time, 9-day working fortnight, meaning you get every other Friday off work. 
• Salary-sacrifice benefits and employee discounts across retail, hospitality and leisure. 
• Employee Assistance Programme and Occupational Health support. 
• The potential to return to AWE in a graduate role after university, subject to performance and available roles. 

Alongside these benefits, you will learn from subject matter experts from day one, support live projects and build specialist experience. 

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 diversity 

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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