Graduate- Engineering - Aldermaston

Graduate- Engineering – Aldermaston, Berkshire, RG7 4PRJob Type: Full-TimeSalary: NegotiableEngineering Graduate Programme 2026 Starting salary £31,000 + plus benefits and welcome bonus | Office based in Aldermaston, nr Reading, Berkshire. PLEASE NOTE WE CAN ONLY ACCEPT ONE APPLICATION PER CANDIDATE PER YEAR. ANY DUPLICATE APPLICATIONS WILL BE WITHDRAWN.

Our two-year Evolve graduate development scheme offers you an exciting opportunity to join our Engineering career pathway. Here you will use your skills, develop new ones and work with remarkable people, in unique facilities, on extraordinary products. You will have the chance to experience a variety of engineering roles where you will make a genuine contribution to keeping the UK safe and secure.

About us: 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.

www.awe.co.uk Entry requirements You will graduate with a minimum of a 2:2 in your degree, ideally in any of these engineering subjects: Civil, Design, Electrical/Electronics, General, Integrated, Manufacturing, Structural, Systems, Mechtronics, Robotics, but all disciplines can apply. Before starting with the business, you will need to provide evidence that you have attained a minimum of a 2:2 in your degree. You must be able to join AWE in September 2026.

We recruit on a rolling basis which means as soon as our positions have been filled, we will close. Graduated from your degree between 2023- 2026.Candidates must be willing and able to obtain and maintain the necessary security clearance for the role. Please note that you must be a British National to apply for a role with us.

What to Expect on the Programme As a member of our Graduate Development community, you will be involved in activities linked to our current or future nuclear warheads, nuclear threat reduction, manufacturing solutions or our huge building and infrastructure programme that is delivering the facilities to enable the creation of new products. You will develop a knowledge of precision components and systems which may cover some or all of: concept generation, design, manufacture and processing, assembly, safety and reliability, maintenance, testing & trials, commissioning. Due to AWE's critical role, further technical details of our work are classified.

But rest assured, you will be doing remarkably interesting things as part of our expert engineering team! Placements into real projects will be central to your development. The placement process is flexible to allow a specific focus in a particular technical area or a wide range of diverse project experiences.

All graduates also receive a core programme of leadership, business and 'soft skills' training. You will be supported to start working towards your professional registration as a Chartered Engineer. The application process 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 pathway; 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. Don't be intimidated: practice assessments will be available so you will be fully equipped with the knowledge of what to expect. Virtual assessment: Those successful at testing will be invited to our virtual assessment centres.

These run throughout November into December 2025 – we'll confirm the exact dates in an email. We run pre-assessment centre webinars to guide you on what to expect. Reasonable adjustments: Our aim is to make you feel confident and informed throughout your journey with us: we're not trying to catch you out.

Our ambition is to create a workplace where differences are recognised and celebrated. Our mission relies on the diversity and our people being able to bring their energy to work and perform their best. We encourage diverse applicants and we're here to support you all the way.

We encourage you to let us know if you need any adjustments on your application. Any inclusion information you provide us will be used to encourage and support you through the application process and will be held only for this purpose in accordance with GDPR. Learn about how we handle your data.

Why us? Build your career as future leader Our focus lies on a number of key themes such as: 'self and team awareness' – providing an opportunity to better understand your own strengths and how these could contribute effectively to collaborative situations. Create your network AWE's early careers community is full of energy, connection, and opportunity.

You'll find plenty of ways to get involved through events organised by our ERGs , spontaneous activities and the Recreation Society. It's a space where you can build relationships, share experiences, and enjoy life beyond your role.  Continual support to grow You will be supported by a dedicated line manager and Evolve pathway lead who will help your transition into the business, provide pastoral support and work with you on your development journey. You will be aligned to a 'buddy', who will normally be a fellow graduate from an earlier cohort.

Benefits: £31,000 starting 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 An option of an interest free loan of £1,000 as well as regular Graduate pay reviews A structured and supported career progression 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 Who we're looking for: We're looking for people who are naturally curious, enjoy solving complex problems, and aren't afraid to ask questions when things don't quite make sense. You'll bring a dependable, team-focused mindset and a willingness to learn because in a unique, classified environment like ours, trust and integrity are key. You'll thrive at AWE if you're resilient, eager to grow and excited to apply your skills to real-world challenges.

You'll embrace our behaviours: connecting with respect, keeping our promises, staying safe and secure, and embracing simplicity.