About this Year in Industry- Engineering role at AWE (Atomic Weapons Establishment)
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.
Year in Industry Placement - Engineering
Salary
£24,500 per annum plus benefits
Location
Aldermaston or Burghfield, Berkshire
Contract
12-month placement
Start date
August 2027
Working pattern
Full time, 9-day working fortnight
Work location
Onsite
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 areas including counter-terrorism, global nuclear test monitoring and the development of world-class nuclear science and engineering expertise.
Role purpose
As an Undergraduate Engineer, you will join an engineering team and contribute to real technical work from the start of your placement. Depending on your degree, interests and business needs, your experience could span design, systems, process, manufacturing, software, data, infrastructure, modelling, testing or commissioning.
You will apply knowledge from your degree in a unique, highly regulated environment while learning how engineers collaborate across disciplines to deliver safe, secure and effective outcomes.
An inclusive engineering environment
We know people can underestimate their readiness when they do not meet every point in a role profile. If the opportunity interests you and you meet the essential eligibility requirements, we encourage you to apply.
Key activities and responsibilities
Support engineering design, analysis, modelling, testing or manufacturing activities relevant to your placement team.
Contribute to the development and review of technical information, calculations, requirements, plans or engineering documentation.
Apply structured problem-solving to real technical challenges and share evidence-based recommendations.
Work collaboratively with engineers, scientists, project professionals, manufacturing teams and other stakeholders.
Support systems, process or manufacturing improvements while considering safety, quality, security and regulatory requirements.
Use relevant digital tools and potentially gain exposure to analytical modelling, virtual reality, simulation or additive manufacturing.
Agree challenging but achievable objectives at the start of the placement and review progress throughout the year.
Contribute to a respectful, inclusive team environment and be willing to seek guidance, share ideas and learn from feedback.
Learning and development
Learn from experts: Work alongside experienced engineers and technical specialists who will support your development.
Meaningful work: Contribute to live projects rather than observing from the sidelines.
Technical capability: Build experience in engineering design, systems thinking, manufacturing, processes, project delivery and technical communication.
Confidence and leadership: Develop self-awareness, team awareness and the confidence to contribute your perspective.
Continual support: Receive support from a dedicated line manager, Evolve pathway lead and buddy.
Community and belonging: Join a multidisciplinary Early Careers community and access staff-led inclusion networks and development events.
Entry requirements
We welcome applications from students working towards a degree in:
Mechanical Engineering
Electrical or Electronic Engineering
Chemical Engineering
Computer Science or Software Engineering
Data Science
Product Design Engineering
Manufacturing Engineering
Systems Engineering
General Engineering
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 join AWE in August 2027 and attend site each working day.
You must be a British National and willing and able to obtain and maintain the necessary security clearance.
Behaviours and qualities
Curious: You enjoy learning and are comfortable asking questions when something is unclear.
Collaborative: You listen, build relationships and value the expertise and perspectives of others.
Analytical and creative: You can examine evidence while remaining open to new approaches and ideas.
Adaptable: You can respond positively to change and learn from challenges.
Dependable: You take responsibility, keep your promises and understand the importance of trust.
Safety and security focused: You work carefully and follow agreed requirements.
Inclusive: You help create an environment where people can contribute and be themselves.
Salary and benefits
£24,500 salary.
270 hours of annual leave, including bank holidays.
A full-time, 9-day working fortnight, giving you every other Friday off.
A salary-sacrifice benefit scheme.
Savings across retail, hospitality and leisure.
Employee Assistance Programme and Occupational Health Services.
A vibrant Early Careers community and access to employee inclusion networks.
Potential to secure a Graduate role after university, subject to performance, business need and available opportunities.
Working location
The placement will be based onsite at Aldermaston or Burghfield in Berkshire. Both sites are served by public transport from Reading and Basingstoke. Due to the nature and security of the work, home working is not available for this placement.
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.
Apply early
Applications close at the end of October 2026. We recruit on a rolling basis and will close once enough applications have been received.
Inclusion and reasonable adjustments
We want candidates to feel confident and informed throughout the application process. We welcome requests for reasonable adjustments. Any inclusion information will be used only to support the application and held in accordance with GDPR.
Questions can be directed to [email protected].
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.
