Nuclear Materials - 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'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 over 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 vital areas, from counter-terrorism and 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 a job. You'll find purpose, growth and a community like no other. This is your chance to learn from the best, develop your skills and be part of something truly unique. 

Entry requirements

Candidates studying; 

• Nuclear Science,  
• Nuclear Engineering,  
• Chemical Engineering,  
• Materials Science,  
• Systems Engineering or Chemistry may be particularly suited and interested.  

However, all Engineering and Science degree disciplines will be considered. 

This is not a laboratory-based role. 

• 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 2027. 
• You must be able to join AWE in August 2027. We recruit on a rolling basis and will close the vacancy once positions have been filled. 
• This role is site based. 

What to expect on the programme

Operations supports AWE's mission by taking demand from customer programmes and delivering the products and services needed by the Defence Nuclear Organisation within the Ministry of Defence to maintain national security. You will step into one of the UK's most critical and technically advanced organisations while learning how health, safety and regulation sit at the heart of everything we do. 

The role sits within Nuclear Material Operations and is not laboratory based. You will experience the precision of nuclear materials management and the importance of regulations and policies.

The group provides company policy and training to support the accountancy and control of Strategic Materials, including Accountable Nuclear Materials and Other Special Materials. It delivers annual company accounts to the Defence Nuclear Organisation and undertakes independent auditing and verification of Strategic Materials at AWE Aldermaston and Burghfield.

Suitably Qualified and Experienced nuclear material inventory control staff oversee material movements and processing. The group maintains and develops the Fissile Material Control System used in production facilities to support criticality safety, movement control and accountancy. 

• Work in an operational facility with Nuclear Materials and undertake respirator operations. 
• Understand how a nuclear facility operates, including planning, production processes, safety cases, criticality safety, training, and the generation of and compliance with regulation, policy and local work instructions. 
• Visit facilities and participate in physical verification and audits of Nuclear Materials and processes. 
• Gain an appreciation of the challenges involved in transitioning to new facilities and providing subject matter expertise to projects. 
• Learn about legislative nuclear material and accountancy requirements, account generation, and how these support Licence Conditions, Defence Nuclear Security, the National Audit Office, Environmental Permits and the Strategic Materials Strategy. 
• Interact with stakeholders, including the Defence Nuclear Organisation customer. 

Candidates must be medically fit and able to wear a respirator as personal protective equipment when working in materials operations, when required. You will be fully trained and complete a thorough induction before working in Operations. 

Salary and benefits

• £24,500 salary. 
• 270 hours of annual leave, including bank holidays. 
• Excellent work-life balance and a vibrant, welcoming social scene. 
• A 9-day working fortnight, giving you every other Friday off. 
• A salary-sacrifice benefit scheme. 
• Potential to secure a graduate role after university, subject to availability. 
• Savings on everyday spending across retail, hospitality and leisure. 
• Access to the Employee Assistance Programme. 
• Access to Occupational Health Services. 

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 

We want candidates to feel confident and informed throughout the application process. We encourage diverse applicants and welcome requests for reasonable adjustments. Any inclusion information provided will be used only to support the application and held for this purpose in accordance with GDPR.

Questions can be directed to the Early Careers Team at EarlyCareers@awe.co.uk

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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