AWE |

Start Your Future at AWE

Work on things that really matter

At AWE, we're helping to keep the UK safe and secure through some of the country's most complex scientific, engineering and technological challenges.

Our work supports the UK's nuclear deterrent, national security, counter-terrorism activities and nuclear threat reduction. We're designing and delivering Astraea, the next generation warhead programme, while advancing innovation across science, engineering, technology and manufacturing.

It's exciting work. It's meaningful work. And it's work you can be part of.

More Than a Job. A Community.

Starting your career is about more than finding a role. It's about finding your people.

Each year, graduates, apprentices, placement students and scholars join AWE from across the UK. From day one, you'll become part of a supportive Early Careers community where you'll learn together, build your network and develop lasting friendships.

Whether you're relocating for the first time, starting your first professional role, or stepping into a completely new environment, you'll be surrounded by people who understand exactly what that journey feels like.

Make an Impact from Day One

You'll contribute to real projects, work alongside industry experts and see how your work supports a mission that has protected the UK for over 75 years.

Grow Your Skills

Whether you're studying, completing a placement or starting a graduate programme, we'll invest in your development through structured learning, mentoring and on-the-job experience.

Build Your Network

Work with professionals across science, engineering, cyber, project management, HR and business functions while connecting with fellow Early Careers employees.

Enjoy a Better Work-Life Balance

Our 9-day working fortnight means every other Friday is a non-working day, giving you more time for the things that matter outside of work.

Benefits That Support Your Life

As part of our People Promise, we offer benefits designed to support your wellbeing, development and future.

• Every other Friday off through our 9-day fortnight
• 270 hours annual leave including bank holidays
• Structured development programmes and mentoring
• Funding for professional memberships and qualifications
• Wellbeing and employee support services
• Pension and financial wellbeing support
• Discounts on everyday spending
• Paid volunteering and special leave opportunities
• Flexible and agile working opportunities where roles allow

Our Year in Industry opportunities give you the chance to gain hands-on experience while studying for your degree.

You'll spend a year working on real projects, developing practical skills and building confidence within a world-class STEM environment.

Placement opportunities are typically available across:

• Engineering
• Data Science
• Cyber Security
• Environmental Science
• Physics
• Materials Science
• Project Management
• Logistics
• Nuclear Safety
• Analytical Radiochemistry

Many students leave with valuable experience, stronger professional networks and the opportunity to apply for graduate positions.

Launch Your Career with Evolve

Evolve is AWE's flagship two-year graduate development programme.

From day one, you'll take on meaningful work while developing the technical, professional and leadership skills needed to build a successful career. 

We have a range of opportunities across all our main business functions from Engineering to Nuclear safety to Finance to Operations. There a huge variety of options and one to suit everybody. 

During the programme you'll:

• Complete structured development activities
• Undertake rotational placements
• Learn from industry experts
• Build technical and professional skills
• Expand your network across the business
• Explore different career pathways

You'll be supported by:

• A dedicated line manager
• An Evolve pathway lead
• A buddy who is a year ahead of you on their graduate journey
• Experienced colleagues and mentors
• The wider early careers community

Our graduates often tell us that the network they build during Evolve becomes one of the most valuable parts of their experience.

Study, Develop and Gain Real-World Experience

Our Defence Undergraduate Scholarship Scheme gives students the opportunity to stay connected with AWE throughout their degree.

As part of the programme, you'll gain practical industry experience through summer placements, develop your professional network and build skills that will support your future career.

It's a fantastic opportunity to learn from experienced engineers and scientists while gaining insight into the exciting work taking place across AWE.

Because of the nature of our work, all successful candidates must be willing and able to obtain and maintain the appropriate security clearance.

You'll need to be a British Citizen to apply, and we'll ask about any time you've spent living outside the UK during the last 10 years.

If you're successful, we'll guide you through every step of the security clearance process and provide support throughout your onboarding journey.

Ready to apply? Here's what you can expect.

Step 1: Submit Your Application

Once you've submitted your application, we'll review it to make sure you meet the requirements of the role.

Step 2: Online Assessments

If you're successful, you'll be invited to complete our online assessments.

Don't worry, you'll have access to practice assessments beforehand so you can familiarise yourself with the format and feel confident before completing the live versions.

Step 3: Assessment Centre

If you progress to the next stage, you'll be invited to attend an assessment centre.

Depending on the role, this may be held virtually or in person.

To help you prepare, we'll run pre-assessment centre webinars where you'll have the chance to learn more about the process, receive guidance and ask questions.

Typically, we run these between November and April, depending which role and programme you apply to. If you apply, we will share more about these dates.

Step 4: Offer & Onboarding

Successful candidates will receive an offer and begin the onboarding process, including security clearance checks and preparation for joining AWE.

Don't Wait to Apply

Our Graduate and Year in Industry opportunities are recruited on a rolling basis. This means roles may close once all available positions have been filled.

If you're interested, we'd encourage you to apply as early as possible to avoid missing out.

We have roles based across Reading, Aldermaston and Burghfield. Make sure you have read where the role you are interested in is based!

Due to the nature of our work, all successful candidates must be willing and able to obtain and maintain the appropriate security clearance.

To apply for an Early Careers opportunity at AWE, you'll need to:

• Be a British Citizen
• Tell us about any time you've lived outside the UK during the last 10 years

If you're successful, we'll guide you through every step of the security clearance process and provide support throughout your onboarding journey.