Applied Scientist & Theoretical Scientist - Year in Industry Programme 2026

Starting salary £23,500 + plus benefits and welcome bonus | Office based in Aldermaston, nr Reading, Berkshire.

We are offering a rewarding and exciting one-year placement as an Undergraduate Scientist at AWE - a role where you will make a genuine contribution to keeping the UK safe and secure.

Entry Requirements

We are interested in applications from candidates working towards a degree in:

• Physics (Theoretical & Applied, Mathematics, Data Science, Structural Engineers, Computer Science

• Before starting with the business, you will need to be able to provide evidence that you have attained a minimum of a 2:2 in your degree so far by August 2026.

• You must be able to Join AWE in August 2026. We recruit on a rolling basis which means as soon as our positions have been filled, we will close.

What to Expect on the Programme

As an Undergraduate student within our physics function, you will be working within a small team to apply your skills and knowledge to support the full lifecycle of warhead components and technologies. We have a diverse range of teams who work to support the delivery of our mission that focus on; Radiation detection measurements and analysis, photon, electron and neutron modelling codes e.g. MCNP, Simulating and measuring material properties in exotic states of matter such as those found in the centre of stars and planets, developing new and novel computational algorithms to solve physics problems and complex mathematical assessment to name just a few!

During the programme, you’ll focus mainly on one or two projects or areas, gaining a deep insight into the work that is done. You’ll be supported by a line manager and a mentor, who will help you to navigate your time with us and support you in developing the skills to build your career within the defence industry.

Your on-programme learning will combine a corporate induction to help you find your feet, on-job training and some classroom-based or online learning depending on your role.

Alongside this, your off-programme learning will include being part in an undergraduate group project team focusing on a business deliverable. We will give you every opportunity to network with other undergraduates, as well as the graduate community, so you can start building your business contacts at AWE.

Benefits:

• £23,500 salary

• Holiday entitlement of 270 hours of leave annually including bank holidays

• Excellent work/life balance and a vibrant and welcoming grad social scene

• 9-day working fortnight - so every other Friday off

• A salary-sacrifice benefit scheme

• A welcome payment

• Potential to secure a Graduate role for when you finish university, subject to availability

• Access to savings on a wide range of everyday spending across retail, hospitality and leisure

• Access to our Employee Assistance Programme

• Access to our Occupational Health Services

Application Process:

Our process is designed to be simple, fair and transparent:

1. Online Application – Opens 15th September. Explore the option and apply for one pathway that best suits your interests and goals.

2. Online Tests – If shortlisted, you’ll complete numerical, verbal, logical and cognitive assessments. Practice materials will be available to ensure you know what to expect.

3. Virtual Assessment Centre – Successful candidates will be invited to virtual AC’s running Nov–Dec 2025, with pre-assessment webinars to guide you.

You must be a British National, able to start in August 2026, and eligible for security clearance. Applications close on Friday 24th October, but will close earlier if we receive enough applications, so apply early.

Support & Inclusion:

We welcome diverse applicants and strive to create a workplace where differences are recognised and celebrated. We encourage requests for reasonable adjustments if required, to ensure you feel able to perform your best. Any information you share will be used only to support you through the process in line with GDPR.

Why AWE?

• Build leadership skills, self-awareness, and teamwork.

• Join a vibrant early careers community with events, ERGs and networking opportunities.

• Benefit from continual support: a line manager, pathway lead, and ‘buddy’ to guide your journey.

Who We’re Looking For:

Curious, problem-solvers with integrity, resilience, and a collaborative mindset. You’ll thrive if you’re eager to grow and ready to apply your skills to real-world challenges.