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.

Job title and apprenticeship level: Level 6 Mechanical Design Engineering Degree Apprentice 

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 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 a range of vital areas – from counter-terrorism to 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 just a job. You’ll find purpose, growth, and a community like no other. Whether you're just starting out or looking to take your career to the next level, this is your chance to learn from the best, develop your skills, and be part of something truly unique.

Be extraordinary at AWE.

About the apprenticeship

As a Mechanical Design Engineering Degree Apprentice, you will develop the skills, knowledge and behaviours needed to become a Mechanical Design Engineer at AWE. You will build your skills through a mix of degree study, placements and practical work experience.

This role goes beyond traditional design; you will apply mechanical engineering principles to solve complex technical challenges, create safe and effective design solutions, and support the through-life management of critical systems. This is not a traditional office-based design role. You will learn how mechanical engineering supports important equipment and systems that need to be safe, reliable and carefully controlled.

You will learn from experienced engineers and technical specialists, contributing to real projects that support AWE’s unique mission. You will work alongside experienced engineers and technical specialists, learning how engineering decisions are made and how they support AWE’s role in keeping the UK safe.

During the apprenticeship, you will learn how to:

• Turn customer and business requirements into realistic engineering solutions.

• Understand how designs are developed, checked, improved and supported throughout their life.

• Work with people from different technical teams, write clear engineering documents and support projects to meet agreed timescales.

• Build your confidence and technical knowledge through mentoring, training and support from experienced colleagues.

As you develop, you may use tools and techniques such as:

• CAD software, technical drawings and industry drawing standards.

• Engineering analysis, manufacturing processes and evidence that shows a design is safe and suitable.

Opportunities when you complete your apprenticeship

After you successfully complete your apprenticeship, you will continue to develop as a professional engineer. Your first role may be as a Mechanical Design Engineer, with longer-term career routes that could include:

• Product Design Team: helping to design, develop and support engineering solutions from early ideas through to tested and approved designs. 
• Hydrodynamic Trials Team: supporting specialist trials that help engineers understand how designs perform and confirm they meet safety and performance expectations. 

Apprenticeship Standard: ST0027

About you

We’re looking for curious, motivated people who enjoy understanding how things work and want to learn how to solve real engineering problems.

You do not need to have worked in engineering before, but this apprenticeship could suit you if you can show:

Technical

• An interest in how mechanical things work

• The ability to look at information carefully and spot patterns or issues

• Confidence using maths as part of problem solving

• A logical approach to solving problems step by step

• An interest in engineering, design or practical technical subjects

Personal Behaviours

• The confidence to ask questions when something is unclear

• Care and attention to detail in your work

• Honesty, reliability and doing the right thing

• Being able to work well with others and listen to different views

• The ability to keep going when something is challenging

• A willingness to learn, take feedback and try new approaches

• Clear communication, including explaining your ideas and asking for help when needed

Values and Mindset

• Taking safety seriously in everything you do

• Taking responsibility for your work and learning from experience

• Understanding that some work needs to follow clear rules and standards

• Being comfortable following instructions, processes and checks carefully

• Curiosity and a desire to keep improving

These qualities are important because this work involves safety, teamwork, learning and careful decision making.

This role may appeal to you if you enjoy

• Understanding how machines, parts or mechanical systems work

• Designing, improving or fixing mechanical systems

• Finding out why something has not worked as expected

• Solving practical problems using logic and creativity

• Reading, creating or checking technical drawings

• Looking at information or test results to understand what they show

• Being part of projects where your work contributes to something important

• Seeing how engineering decisions can make a real difference

Entry Requirements

• 3 A levels at Grade C or above, must include Maths and Physics or BTEC Level 3 Diploma in engineering. 

• 5 GCSEs at Grade C or above, including Mathematics, English and a Science, Technology or Engineering related subject.

• Due to the security requirements associated with this apprenticeship, applicants must be British Nationals and be aged 18 or over by 31 August 2027.

The Benefits

• A starting salary of £24,500 yearly, increasing to £26,000 in Year 2, with further annual salary increases throughout your apprenticeship, subject to satisfactory performance and achievement of apprenticeship milestones.

• Market leading contributory pension scheme

• Generous paid holiday entitlement of 270 hours per year, inclusive of Bank Holidays, plus every other Friday off as part of AWE’s flexible working pattern. 

• Access to employee discounts portal — everyday savings on retail, hospitality and leisure

• Employee Assistance Programme and Occupational Health Services

Alongside these benefits, you will learn from experienced specialists in their fields while contributing to work that supports national nuclear security, threat reduction and counter-terrorism.

Location

Reading area: AWE Aldermaston and/or AWE Burghfield sites, depending on apprenticeship pathway, placements and business needs. Due to the nature of our work and security requirements, you should expect to work on-site during your apprenticeship and in your role after you complete it. Being on-site means you can learn directly from experienced technical specialists, access hands-on support and build valuable connections across the business.

Start Date: 1st September 2027

Annual leave will not be granted from 1st September until 1st October due to mandatory inductions you are required to complete as part of your apprenticeship. Any leave approved after this point will depend on the training provider requirements for your apprenticeship and must be agreed in advance.

Apprenticeship Duration:

4 years plus End Point Assessment

Recruitment Process

This vacancy will close on 1st November 2026, but we review applications as they come in—so we strongly encourage you to apply early.

We want you to shine in your application process which is designed to be fair and transparent. So we've kept it simple with a three step process.

• Online application: Apply for one apprenticeship; take your time to explore the options and choose the one that best matches your interests and goals.

• Online test: If successful, you will be invited to complete our online assessment stage. These include online testing against numerical, verbal, logical and cognitive reasoning tests. Do not be intimidated: practice assessments will be available so you will be fully equipped with the knowledge of what to expect.

• In person assessment: Those successful at testing will be invited to an assessment centre. The Assessment Centre is scheduled for 23rd February 2027. Please note that this date may be subject to change, but rest assured, we’ll keep all applicants informed throughout the process.

These roles are governed by Health and Safety at Work Regulations and require all candidates to have an Occupational Health pre-employment medical held at AWE which follows the initial selection process. All candidates must be willing and able to obtain and maintain the necessary security clearance for the role and be willing and able to work in designated areas.

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.

If you choose to share information on your application form about support needs, learning differences, disabilities, health conditions or adjustments, we may contact you to understand how we can support you through the recruitment process. This information will only be used for this purpose and will be handled in line with GDPR.

Contact us

If you have questions during the application process, please reach out to the Early Careers Team at [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.