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 - Nuclear Safety Assessment Specialist

Salary

£24,500 per annum plus benefits

Location

Aldermaston, near Reading, Berkshire; onsite. NOT A LAB BASED ROLE

Contract

12 months

Start date

2 August 2027

Working pattern

Full time, 9-day working fortnight

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 vital areas including counter-terrorism, global nuclear test monitoring and the development of world-class nuclear science expertise.

At AWE, you will find purpose, growth and the opportunity to learn from specialists while contributing to work that protects lives and strengthens national security.

Role purpose

As an undergraduate Nuclear Safety Assessment Specialist, you will work as part of a team that assesses the risks and consequences of design, engineering and operational failures. You will help model accident scenarios, identify controls and support the evidence needed to demonstrate that hazards are appropriately managed.

The role may provide experience across the project lifecycle, including new facility design, major modifications, production, research and development, and decommissioning. You will also develop an understanding of how AWE works with its regulators.

Key activities

Support the analysis and assessment of nuclear, radiological, chemical, explosives and other major hazards associated with facilities, plant, equipment or products.

Contribute to the development and review of safety assessments, justifications and safety cases in line with relevant legislation, industry standards and AWE requirements.

Develop an understanding of current health and safety legislation, the Office for Nuclear Regulation licensing regime and the ALARP principle (As Low As Reasonably Practical)

Support the production of technical reports that explain and justify how risks are controlled.

Work with operators, facility management, engineers, scientists and regulators.

Apply technical problem-solving and evidence-based thinking to real project challenges.

Entry requirements

We are interested in candidates working towards any STEM-related degree. Please note that this is not a lab-based role.

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 start the placement in August 2027.

Most importantly, we are looking for enthusiastic individuals who are keen to learn, ask questions and contribute to complex technical work.

Behaviours and qualities

Growth mindset: You are determined, open to feedback and motivated to develop.

Curious: You enjoy understanding why things happen and asking thoughtful questions.

Analytical: You can assess information, recognise detail and explain your reasoning.

Resilience: You can adapt, learn from challenges and speak up constructively.

Team worker: You are dependable, collaborative and willing to support others.

Salary and benefits

£24,500 salary.

270 hours of annual leave, including bank holidays.

Excellent work-life balance.

A full-time, 9-day working fortnight, meaning you get every other Friday off work.

Salary-sacrifice benefits and employee discounts across retail, hospitality and leisure.

Employee Assistance Programme and Occupational Health support.

The potential to return to AWE in a graduate role after university, subject to performance and available roles.

Alongside these benefits, you will learn from subject matter experts from day one, support live projects and build specialist experience.

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 diversity

Our ambition is to create workplaces where differences are recognised and celebrated, diverse contributions are encouraged and employees feel able to be themselves at work. We encourage diverse applicants and welcome requests for reasonable adjustments.

Any inclusion information you provide will be used only to support you through the application process and will be held for this purpose in accordance with GDPR.

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.

About the company

AWE designs and manufactures warheads and provides nuclear services to support UK defence, national security, and counter-terrorism solutions. Its products rely on advanced nuclear science and engineering, delivered through high‑tech research, design, and production facilities to create warhead components and related security services. It differs from rivals by acting as a government-backed national hub with end-to-end capabilities and close collaboration with the UK government, using world-class facilities for research, development, manufacturing, and security. The goal is to help the UK government safeguard national security by maintaining secure, controlled nuclear capabilities and related security technologies.

Company Size

1,001-5,000

Company Stage

N/A

Total Funding

N/A

Headquarters

Reading, United Kingdom

Founded

1950

Get referred to AWE

See people who can refer or advise you

Simplify's Take

What believers are saying

Mitie’s June 2026 water contract modernizes critical infrastructure across Aldermaston, Burghfield, Blacknest.
AWE’s 2025/26 report cites 120 research contracts and 150 apprentices, strengthening capacity.
Partnerships with Manchester, Strathclyde, and RAICo widen talent, robotics, and materials access.

What critics are saying

Prospect backed March 2026 strikes after AWE flagged up to 800 redundancies.
ONR cited AWE’s 2025 explosive-component handling failure; another lapse stops warhead work.
If staffing chaos persists, Britain’s replacement warhead schedule slips into 2027.

What makes AWE unique

AWE remains Britain’s sovereign warhead designer, builder, and maintainer for the deterrent.
Its 2026 Technology Strategy and five Centres of Excellence deepen specialist moat.
AWE’s Aldermaston-scale robotics, RAICo, and university alliances accelerate nuclear automation.

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Benefits

Unlimited Paid Time Off
Hybrid Work Options
Paid Vacation
9-day working fortnight
Flexible Work Hours
Health Insurance
Wellness Program
Mental Health Support
Employee Assistance Programme
Access to our Occupational Health Services
Access to savings on a wide range of everyday spending across retail, hospitality and leisure
Ethics and Inclusion related benefits?

Company News

Campaign for Nuclear Disarmament

Jul 14th, 2026

Stop Britain's war drive into education.

Stop Britain's war drive into education. The government has announced the formation of a new employment pipeline aimed at funnelling thousands of students into careers in Britain's arms industry. Defence Secretary Luke Pollard launched the Defence Universities Alliance at the University of Manchester on Monday. Thirty-five universities have been selected, with the government pouring £182 million into locking universities into research and development for the arms industry, as part of its 'war-readiness' operation. Areas of focus include cyber security, robotics, AI, aerospace engineering and advanced manufacturing. Among the universities taking part in the scheme is University of Sheffield, whose Advanced Manufacturing Research Centre (AMRC) is already working with the Atomic Weapons Establishment (AWE) to develop the Astrea, Britain's new generation nuclear warhead. Luke Pollard said this new defence skills package would help "to create opportunities for students, apprentices and young people." However, as new research from the Transition Security Project shows, the government's military spending for the Defence Investment Plan will cut more jobs in other areas of the economy than the ones it creates within the arms industry. CND General Secretary Sophie Bolt said: "This is a total abuse of our education system. The arms industry is being subsidised whilst exploiting the expertise and resources of our university system, to create profits for its 'cutting edge' lethal weaponry. This has profound implications for education in the country, and for the rights and welfare of students - who are already saddled with a life-time of debt - and staff - who are on zero hours contracts and in constant threat of redundancies. Instead, the government should be redirecting its spending on war and nukes into solving the funding crisis in higher education. This would create far more jobs and help create a future for young people to look forward to."

Mitie

Jun 30th, 2026

Mitie taps into AWE water network management contract.

Mitie taps into AWE water network management contract. * Mitie has secured a contract with AWE Nuclear Security Technologies (AWE) using the new water management capabilities following the acquisition of Marlowe, to manage critical water infrastructure * Mitie will oversee the operation, maintenance and long-term development of complex water, wastewater, fire systems and trade waste networks supporting UK defence infrastructure * A new data-led operating model and long-term upgrade programme will support AWE's sustainability ambitions

AWE

Jun 17th, 2026

Apprentice Excellence Awards Evening shines a spotlight on outstanding talent.

Apprentice Excellence Awards Evening shines a spotlight on outstanding talent. The Apprentice Excellence Awards captured a landmark moment for AWE's Emerging Talent community, as the team recently hosted its first Apprentice Excellence Awards Evening. Bringing together apprentices, mentors, training staff and senior leaders, the event celebrated achievements across every stage of the apprenticeship journey, recognising the dedication and impact of AWE's future talent. Celebrating excellence across the programme The response from across the organisation was outstanding, with more than 160 nominations submitted by line managers, mentors and training teams. These nominations represent a thriving community of over 400 apprentices currently on programme, highlighting the strength and depth of talent developing across AWE. Awards were presented across four key trade categories: Intermediate, Advanced, Higher and Degree level apprenticeships. In addition, specialist awards recognised individuals demonstrating exceptional personal and professional qualities, including Safety Champion, Resilience, Academic Achiever and Mentor of the Year. Inspiring the next generation A highlight of the evening came from guest speaker Kamal Ellis-Hyman, founder of Aim a Little Higher. His high-energy and motivational talk encouraged apprentices to believe in their potential and strive to become the best version of themselves, creating an uplifting and inspiring atmosphere for all in attendance. A poignant moment of recognition One of the most powerful moments of the evening was the presentation of a Special Recognition Award to Andy Salter, Skills Academy Training Manager. With more than 40 years dedicated to apprentice training and recently being awarded a British Empire Medal (BEM) for his service, Andy was recognised for his profound and lasting impact on the academy and generations of learners. A celebration of community and achievement The evening was hosted by Kerry Thompson, Head of Emerging Talent, with members of the executive team presenting awards to winners across all categories "A huge congratulations to all our winners, finalists, and everyone who received a nomination. Your hard work, dedication, and commitment to excellence are what make our apprentices such an inspiring community. Whether you took home an award or were recognised through a nomination, you should feel incredibly proud of your achievements." Kerry Thompson, Head of Emerging Talent Establishing a new annual highlight The inaugural Apprentice Excellence Awards Evening has set a strong precedent for the future. More than just a celebration of achievement, the event highlighted the values that underpin AWE's apprenticeship programmes. With such impressive engagement and inspiring stories, the awards evening is now firmly established as a new annual highlight in the Early Careers calendar.

AWE

Mar 16th, 2026

Hear from AWE at DPRTE 2026.

Hear from AWE at DPRTE 2026. AWE is pleased to be returning to DPRTE, the UK's leading defence procurement and supply chain event, at the Farnborough International Exhibition & Conference Centre. This year Dr Robert Lock and Dr Martin Gilmore will give delegates an overview of AWE's new Technology Strategy, covering why AWE have generated the strategy, what it covers and how AWE plc. intend to deliver it. Hear from AWE in the Innovation & Future Defence Technologies Knowledge Transfer Zone A key highlight of Day 2 will be its featured talk in the Innovation & Future Defence Technologies Knowledge Transfer Zone. 26 March 2026 10:35-11:00 AWE's Technology Strategy * Dr Robert Lock, AWE Chief Scientist * Dr Martin Gilmore, AWE Chief Technologist AWE plc. is looking forward to seeing you at its talk in the Innovation & Future Defence Technologies Knowledge Transfer Zone.

BEC Business Cluster

Mar 13th, 2026

Culham apprentice named Advanced Apprentice of the Year.

Culham apprentice named Advanced Apprentice of the Year. Thomas Dominguez Walker, Assistant Cybernetics Engineer at UKAEA, based at the Culham Campus, has been named Advanced Apprentice of the Year at the Nuclear Skills Awards 2026. 13 March 2026: Thomas Dominguez Walker, an apprentice for the UK Atomic Energy Authority (UKAEA) based at the Culham Campus, has been named Advanced Apprentice of the Year at the 18th Nuclear Skills Awards 2026. Thomas was recognised for his attitude, technical ability, and hard work during his Level 3 apprenticeship, which saw him assigned to projects for the Robotics and AI Collaboration (RAICo), which is accelerating the deployment of robotics and AI in nuclear decommissioning and fusion engineering. The UK Nuclear Skills Awards, organised by the National Skills Academy for Nuclear (NSAN) and Cogent Skills, showcase the excellence and achievements of individuals and companies across the nuclear sector. Winners were announced at an event in Manchester on 12 March 2026. For his apprenticeship, Thomas undertook 18 months of three-month placements across the UKAEA, including three months at RACE, the UKAEA's centre for Remote Applications in Challenging Environments. This was followed by a dedicated 18-month placement at RACE, including a year with RAICo, a collaboration between the UK Atomic Energy Authority, the Nuclear Decommissioning Authority, Sellafield Ltd, the University of Manchester, and AWE Nuclear Security Technologies. His role involved providing technical support to the organisation's R&D projects, focusing on developing solutions to robotics and AI challenges. During his apprenticeship, he also completed a Higher National Certificate, a Level 4 vocational qualification equivalent to the first year of a university degree, gaining distinctions throughout. Thomas is a passionate advocate for apprenticeships, supporting events to encourage others to consider apprenticeships and engineering careers. Having finished his apprenticeship, he now has a permanent role at UKAEA and RAICo. In a Q&A with RAICo, published recently, Thomas said: "At the end of my apprenticeship, I was nominated by my group leader for the NSAN Advanced Apprentice of the Year. I'm proud to have that recognition, and being selected is genuinely exciting and a fantastic opportunity. Getting to this stage takes sustained dedication, developing technical capability and building the soft skills that make projects and collaboration succeed. For me, that's meant commitment to my apprenticeship studies, delivering on UKAEA and RAICo projects, and actively supporting others. My qualifications have been challenging and rewarding, giving me recognised qualifications and practical experience. I hope winning the award encourages others to consider an engineering apprenticeship and see what they can do." Thomas operating Spot, the robotic quadruped. James Ferrand, Principal Engineer & Group Leader, UK Atomic Energy Authority, commented: "Thomas has been an absolute pleasure to work with and manage over the last few years. He has really impressed me and built a fantastic reputation for his attitude to work. He has been excellent in picking up new technologies, striving to learn more both about the technology and where his work fits into the wider picture. I personally hold him as an example of the perfect apprentice for others to strive towards. Many congratulations, Thomas!"

AWE

Nuclear Safety Assessment Specialist Intern

About the job