AWE
Our purpose is to protect the UK through nuclear science and technology, and our mission is to design and manufacture warheads and provide nuclear services to meet the needs of defence. Our unique expertise assists the UK Government in developing and delivering a range of innovative and integrated support services, including national nuclear security and counter-terrorism solutions. We are a centre of scientific, engineering and technological excellence, with some of the most advanced research, design and production facilities in the world.
Open roles at AWE
5 roles
Graduate- Nuclear Services
AWE
Reading, UK
Supports radioactive and hazardous waste management, health physics services and environmental safety through operational projects, regulatory compliance, inspections and continuous improvement.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 wider national-security capabilities through science, engineering, technology and specialist expertise. Programme purpose Join Nuclear Services, an essential function that delivers Health Physics, waste and specialist operational services across AWE. You will support work that manages radioactive and controlled waste, protects people and the environment from ionising-radiation and contamination hazards, and helps maintain an effective emergency response capability. The two-year programme combines operational experience, service delivery and technical development. You will work with waste, Health Physics and specialist operations teams, contribute to improvement activity and build an understanding of the regulatory controls that govern work in hazardous environments. Key activities and responsibilities Support projects that improve the management of radioactive, controlled and hazardous waste. Help develop and deliver training programmes and awareness campaigns. Review and update waste-management, customer-communication, health, safety and environmental documentation. Support health, safety and environmental inspections and continual improvement. Work alongside teams providing Health Physics, waste processing, emergency response and specialist operational support. Learning and development How radioactive and controlled wastes are managed operationally and technically. How ionising-radiation and environmental controls are applied in operational settings. The operational application of the Ionising Radiations Regulations and Environmental Permitting Regulations. How to work in a service environment against targets, timelines and budgets. Problem-solving, negotiation, data interpretation, stakeholder communication and influencing. How change management and sustainability principles support better waste outcomes. Behaviours and qualities Proactive: You take ownership, look for improvements and follow through on commitments. Communicative: You can explain information clearly in writing and conversation and influence constructively. Detail focused: You understand why accurate records and careful working matter. Customer focused: You want to provide a reliable, practical service to operational customers. Organised: You can manage competing enquiries, priorities and stakeholders. Numerate: You are comfortable handling and interpreting data. Entry requirements You should hold, or be on track to achieve, a minimum 2:2 in a science- or environment-based degree, such as Environmental Science, Geoscience, Geography or Sustainability. You must be available to join AWE in September 2027. You must be a British National minimum of 10 years. You must be willing and able to obtain and maintain DV security clearance. You must be willing to work onsite in designated areas and meet the required Occupational Health standards for hazardous and radiological environments. Salary and benefits £31,000 starting salary. A market-leading contributory pension scheme. 270 hours of annual leave, including bank holidays. A 9-day working fortnight, giving you every other Friday off. A salary-sacrifice benefit scheme, Life Assurance and employee discounts. A welcome payment and the option of an interest-free £1,000 loan. Employee Assistance Programme and Occupational Health Services. Regular Graduate pay reviews and structured career progression. Support and community A dedicated line manager and Evolve pathway lead. A buddy, typically from an earlier Graduate cohort. A supportive Early Careers community and access to employee networks. Structured development, mentoring and relevant professional learning.
Posted today
Graduate- Site Utilities Engineer
AWE
Reading, UK
Supports the design, maintenance and improvement of AWE's utilities infrastructure through engineering assessments, technical calculations, asset management and reliability improvement.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 wider national-security capabilities through science, engineering, technology and specialist expertise. Programme purpose Support the critical infrastructure and utilities networks that enable AWE's operations, applying engineering knowledge to live assets, plant and improvement projects. The programme combines meaningful responsibility with structured development, practical experience and support from experienced colleagues, helping you build career capability over two years. Key activities and responsibilities Support engineering design activities, technical assessments and design reviews. Contribute to engineering calculations, asset management and reliability improvement. Support configuration control, change management, commissioning and maintenance. Help investigate technical issues and improve utilities infrastructure and plant performance. Work with operational teams, design authorities, project teams and technical specialists. Learning and development Utilities networks and associated plant equipment. Engineering design, asset management and reliability engineering. Configuration control, commissioning and technical problem-solving. How engineering supports a complex, highly regulated operational environment. Professional practice and progress towards registration with an engineering institution. Behaviours and qualities Curious: Asks questions, seeks understanding and explores new ideas. Collaborative: Builds relationships and works effectively across teams. Analytical: Uses evidence and structured thinking to solve problems. Adaptable: Responds positively to challenge, change and feedback. Professional: Acts with integrity, accountability and respect. Safety and security focused: Understands the importance of following requirements in a classified environment. Entry requirements Minimum 2:2 in Mechanical Engineering, Electrical Engineering or a related engineering discipline. You must be able to join AWE in September 2027. You must be a British National and willing and able to obtain and maintain the necessary security clearance. Salary and benefits £31,000 starting salary. 270 hours of annual leave, including bank holidays. A 9-day working fortnight, giving you every other Friday off. A salary-sacrifice benefit scheme and access to employee discounts. A welcome payment and the option of an interest-free £1,000 loan. Employee Assistance Programme and Occupational Health Services. Regular Graduate pay reviews and structured career progression. Support from a dedicated line manager, Evolve pathway lead and buddy. Support and community A dedicated line manager and Evolve pathway lead. A buddy, typically from an earlier Graduate cohort. A vibrant Early Careers community and opportunities to join employee networks. Structured development, mentoring and access to relevant professional learning.
Posted today
Graduate- Liabilities
AWE
Reading, UK
Supports nuclear waste management, decommissioning and demolition programmes through project planning, risk management, regulatory compliance and continuous improvement.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 wider national-security capabilities through science, engineering, technology and specialist expertise. Programme purpose Join the Liabilities team, which sets direction and manages nuclear, radiological, chemical and explosive waste alongside the safe decommissioning and demolition of associated facilities. Through structured placements, you will gain experience across the full liabilities lifecycle and see how strategy, projects, operations, engineering, safety and waste specialists work together. The programme is flexible so placements can reflect individual interests and business needs, while maintaining a strong Liabilities focus. At least 75% of the programme is expected to be spent in Liabilities-related placements. You will contribute to live programmes and build the skills required for a long-term career in a highly regulated environment. Key activities and responsibilities Support decommissioning, demolition and waste programmes from strategy through to delivery. Contribute to liabilities strategy, integration and planning. Apply risk-based thinking and support safe systems of work, permits and compliance activity. Collaborate with capability sponsors, projects, engineering, safety, operations, facilities, waste, commercial and procurement teams. Support reporting, coordination, data-informed decisions and continuous improvement. Build organisational awareness through varied placements and potential leadership shadowing. Learning and development The full lifecycle of liabilities management, decommissioning, demolition and waste. How strategy, projects, engineering, operations, facilities and safety disciplines work together. Project-delivery principles through the APM Project Fundamentals Qualification. Core health and safety through IOSH Working Safely or Managing Safely. Lean and continuous-improvement techniques, including Lean Sigma Six Yellow Belt capability. Nuclear professionalism, regulatory awareness, risk management and safe systems of work. Stakeholder engagement, planning, problem-solving, reporting and digital tools such as Excel or Power BI. Potential placement experience Liabilities Integration Office, strategy and facility-management teams. Liabilities Operations, Estates Programmes and Delivery Waste teams. Work Control, delivery projects, engineering and Safety Case teams. Waste Operations and a possible non-Liabilities placement to broaden experience. Training, qualifications and outturn capability APM Project Fundamentals Qualification. IOSH Working Safely or Managing Safely. Lean or Continuous Improvement Yellow Belt. Nuclear professionalism and regulatory-awareness training. Risk-management and safe-systems-of-work training. Practical experience of stakeholder engagement, planning, reporting and digital analysis. Behaviours and qualities Proactive: You take ownership and want to make a practical difference. Collaborative: You enjoy working across disciplines and learning from specialists. Organised: You can manage priorities, plan work and deliver to deadlines. Analytical: You use evidence and structured thinking to address complex issues. Adaptable: You respond positively as placements, priorities and challenges change. Safety focused: You understand the importance of quality, compliance and careful decision-making. Entry requirements You should hold, or be on track to achieve, a minimum 2:2 in a relevant technical or general degree. Relevant technical subjects include Nuclear, Mechanical, Chemical, Civil, Environmental or Systems Engineering, Environmental Science, Physics, Chemistry and Materials Science. Relevant general subjects include Sustainability, Environmental or Public Policy, Politics, Project or Business Management, Economics, Geography, Law, Supply Chain, Logistics, Finance and Accounting. Other STEM backgrounds may also be considered. You must be available to join AWE in September 2027. You must be a British National and willing and able to obtain and maintain the necessary security clearance. Salary and benefits £31,000 starting salary. A market-leading contributory pension scheme. 270 hours of annual leave, including bank holidays. A 9-day working fortnight, giving you every other Friday off. A salary-sacrifice benefit scheme, Life Assurance and employee discounts. A welcome payment and the option of an interest-free £1,000 loan. Employee Assistance Programme and Occupational Health Services. Regular Graduate pay reviews and structured career progression. Support and community A dedicated line manager and Evolve pathway lead. A buddy, typically from an earlier Graduate cohort. A supportive Early Careers community and access to employee networks. Structured development, mentoring and relevant professional learning.
Posted today
Graduate- Commercial
AWE
Reading, UK
Supports commercial strategy, procurement, contract negotiation and supplier management, helping deliver value for money and manage commercial risks across major defence and national security programmes.About AWE We are a team of remarkable people delivering an extraordinary mission: keeping the nation safe and secure. Our work includes delivering the next warhead for the UK's nuclear deterrent and advancing nuclear technologies that support national security. As part of AWE, you will contribute to nationally significant programmes, help address complex commercial challenges and support innovative solutions alongside pioneering scientific and technical work. Programme purpose The two-year Evolve Graduate Programme will help you build the commercial skills, experience and professional credentials needed for a successful career. You will join a Commercial function supporting one of the UK's most ambitious defence and national security investment programmes, with more than £20 billion being invested in infrastructure, technology and capabilities. From the start, you will contribute to real commercial activities and work alongside experienced professionals, senior leaders, government stakeholders and strategic suppliers. The programme is designed to give you early exposure, meaningful responsibility and structured support as you develop towards future commercial leadership roles. Key activities and responsibilities Contribute to commercial strategies that support organisational objectives and deliver long-term value. Support procurement activity and the negotiation, award and management of complex contracts. Build and maintain effective relationships with strategic suppliers and internal stakeholders. Identify, assess and manage commercial risks and opportunities throughout the contract lifecycle. Support value-for-money decisions while balancing cost, risk, performance and delivery requirements. Use commercial insight, analysis and market intelligence to inform business decisions. Apply commercial policy, governance and assurance frameworks to support compliant and robust decisions. Use digital tools and emerging technology, including AI-enabled solutions, to improve commercial outcomes. Communicate clearly, influence constructively and work confidently across complex stakeholder environments. Career pathways and professional development You will gain exposure to a range of commercial disciplines, which may include procurement, contract management, commercial assurance, category management and commercial strategy. This will help you understand your strengths and explore potential career pathways. AWE will fully fund either a Chartered Institute of Procurement & Supply (CIPS) or Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors (RICS) qualification and provide protected study time throughout the programme. Behaviours and qualities Proactive: Takes ownership, shows initiative and follows through on commitments. Curious: Asks questions, seeks understanding and explores new ideas. Growth-oriented: Embraces learning opportunities, feedback and continuous development. Adaptable: Responds positively to challenges, change and new ways of working. Collaborative: Builds positive relationships and works effectively with others. Analytical: Uses evidence and insight to solve problems and make informed decisions. Commercially minded: Shows interest in how organisations create value, manage risk and deliver outcomes. Communicative: Shares ideas clearly and listens to different perspectives. Organised: Manages priorities effectively and pays attention to detail. Professional: Demonstrates integrity, accountability and respect for others. Entry requirements You must have or gain a 2.2 degree prior to joining us. A commercial, financial or business-related background may be advantageous but is not essential. Applications are encouraged from all degree disciplines. You must be able to join AWE in September 2027. You must be a British National and willing and able to obtain and maintain the necessary security clearance. Salary and benefits £31,000 starting salary. Regular Graduate pay reviews and structured career progression. A market-leading contributory pension scheme. 270 hours of annual leave, including bank holidays. A 9-day working fortnight, meaning you will not work every other Friday. A welcome payment and the option of an interest-free £1,000 loan. A salary-sacrifice benefit scheme, Life Assurance and employee discounts across retail, hospitality and leisure. Employee Assistance Programme and Occupational Health Services. Support and community A dedicated Placement Manager throughout the programme. A buddy, typically a Graduate from a previous cohort. A vibrant Early Careers community with organised and informal social activities. Opportunities to join staff-led Equity, Diversity and Inclusion working groups. Support from colleagues and management to bring your unique contribution to the work.
Posted today
Graduate- Operations
AWE
Reading, UK
Rotates across manufacturing, logistics, nuclear materials management and operations planning, supporting supply chain efficiency, process improvement and safe operational delivery.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 wider national-security capabilities through science, engineering, technology and specialist expertise. Programme purpose Experience how strategy becomes safe, efficient operational delivery across manufacturing, materials, logistics, planning and transformation. The programme combines meaningful responsibility with structured development, practical experience and support from experienced colleagues, helping you build career capability over two years. Key activities and responsibilities Rotate across Production, Nuclear Materials Management, Logistics, Operations Planning and Operations Excellence and Readiness. Understand the lifecycle from raw materials through to finished products. Support manufacturing delivery, resources, supply chains and operational transition. Contribute to process improvement, waste reduction, automation and sustainability. Work with colleagues from frontline teams through to senior leaders. Learning and development Production delivery and regulated operations. Nuclear materials management, logistics and supply-chain processes. Operational planning, performance and continuous improvement. How safety, regulation and policy shape operational decisions. Leadership, business and behavioural skills for future Operations roles. Behaviours and qualities Curious: Asks questions, seeks understanding and explores new ideas. Collaborative: Builds relationships and works effectively across teams. Analytical: Uses evidence and structured thinking to solve problems. Adaptable: Responds positively to challenge, change and feedback. Professional: Acts with integrity, accountability and respect. Safety and security focused: Understands the importance of following requirements in a classified environment. Entry requirements Minimum 2:2 in an eligible science, engineering, mathematics, computing, project, business, economics, finance, analytics, logistics, operations or supply-chain discipline. You must be able to join AWE in September 2027. You must be a British National and willing and able to obtain and maintain the necessary security clearance. Salary and benefits £31,000 starting salary. 270 hours of annual leave, including bank holidays. A 9-day working fortnight, giving you every other Friday off. A salary-sacrifice benefit scheme and access to employee discounts. A welcome payment and the option of an interest-free £1,000 loan. Employee Assistance Programme and Occupational Health Services. Regular Graduate pay reviews and structured career progression. Support from a dedicated line manager, Evolve pathway lead and buddy. Support and community A dedicated line manager and Evolve pathway lead. A buddy, typically from an earlier Graduate cohort. A vibrant Early Careers community and opportunities to join employee networks. Structured development, mentoring and access to relevant professional learning.
Posted today
Graduate- Nuclear Services
AWE
Reading, UK
Supports radioactive and hazardous waste management, health physics services and environmental safety through operational projects, regulatory compliance, inspections and continuous improvement.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 wider national-security capabilities through science, engineering, technology and specialist expertise. Programme purpose Join Nuclear Services, an essential function that delivers Health Physics, waste and specialist operational services across AWE. You will support work that manages radioactive and controlled waste, protects people and the environment from ionising-radiation and contamination hazards, and helps maintain an effective emergency response capability. The two-year programme combines operational experience, service delivery and technical development. You will work with waste, Health Physics and specialist operations teams, contribute to improvement activity and build an understanding of the regulatory controls that govern work in hazardous environments. Key activities and responsibilities Support projects that improve the management of radioactive, controlled and hazardous waste. Help develop and deliver training programmes and awareness campaigns. Review and update waste-management, customer-communication, health, safety and environmental documentation. Support health, safety and environmental inspections and continual improvement. Work alongside teams providing Health Physics, waste processing, emergency response and specialist operational support. Learning and development How radioactive and controlled wastes are managed operationally and technically. How ionising-radiation and environmental controls are applied in operational settings. The operational application of the Ionising Radiations Regulations and Environmental Permitting Regulations. How to work in a service environment against targets, timelines and budgets. Problem-solving, negotiation, data interpretation, stakeholder communication and influencing. How change management and sustainability principles support better waste outcomes. Behaviours and qualities Proactive: You take ownership, look for improvements and follow through on commitments. Communicative: You can explain information clearly in writing and conversation and influence constructively. Detail focused: You understand why accurate records and careful working matter. Customer focused: You want to provide a reliable, practical service to operational customers. Organised: You can manage competing enquiries, priorities and stakeholders. Numerate: You are comfortable handling and interpreting data. Entry requirements You should hold, or be on track to achieve, a minimum 2:2 in a science- or environment-based degree, such as Environmental Science, Geoscience, Geography or Sustainability. You must be available to join AWE in September 2027. You must be a British National minimum of 10 years. You must be willing and able to obtain and maintain DV security clearance. You must be willing to work onsite in designated areas and meet the required Occupational Health standards for hazardous and radiological environments. Salary and benefits £31,000 starting salary. A market-leading contributory pension scheme. 270 hours of annual leave, including bank holidays. A 9-day working fortnight, giving you every other Friday off. A salary-sacrifice benefit scheme, Life Assurance and employee discounts. A welcome payment and the option of an interest-free £1,000 loan. Employee Assistance Programme and Occupational Health Services. Regular Graduate pay reviews and structured career progression. Support and community A dedicated line manager and Evolve pathway lead. A buddy, typically from an earlier Graduate cohort. A supportive Early Careers community and access to employee networks. Structured development, mentoring and relevant professional learning.
Posted today
Graduate- Site Utilities Engineer
AWE
Reading, UK
Supports the design, maintenance and improvement of AWE's utilities infrastructure through engineering assessments, technical calculations, asset management and reliability improvement.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 wider national-security capabilities through science, engineering, technology and specialist expertise. Programme purpose Support the critical infrastructure and utilities networks that enable AWE's operations, applying engineering knowledge to live assets, plant and improvement projects. The programme combines meaningful responsibility with structured development, practical experience and support from experienced colleagues, helping you build career capability over two years. Key activities and responsibilities Support engineering design activities, technical assessments and design reviews. Contribute to engineering calculations, asset management and reliability improvement. Support configuration control, change management, commissioning and maintenance. Help investigate technical issues and improve utilities infrastructure and plant performance. Work with operational teams, design authorities, project teams and technical specialists. Learning and development Utilities networks and associated plant equipment. Engineering design, asset management and reliability engineering. Configuration control, commissioning and technical problem-solving. How engineering supports a complex, highly regulated operational environment. Professional practice and progress towards registration with an engineering institution. Behaviours and qualities Curious: Asks questions, seeks understanding and explores new ideas. Collaborative: Builds relationships and works effectively across teams. Analytical: Uses evidence and structured thinking to solve problems. Adaptable: Responds positively to challenge, change and feedback. Professional: Acts with integrity, accountability and respect. Safety and security focused: Understands the importance of following requirements in a classified environment. Entry requirements Minimum 2:2 in Mechanical Engineering, Electrical Engineering or a related engineering discipline. You must be able to join AWE in September 2027. You must be a British National and willing and able to obtain and maintain the necessary security clearance. Salary and benefits £31,000 starting salary. 270 hours of annual leave, including bank holidays. A 9-day working fortnight, giving you every other Friday off. A salary-sacrifice benefit scheme and access to employee discounts. A welcome payment and the option of an interest-free £1,000 loan. Employee Assistance Programme and Occupational Health Services. Regular Graduate pay reviews and structured career progression. Support from a dedicated line manager, Evolve pathway lead and buddy. Support and community A dedicated line manager and Evolve pathway lead. A buddy, typically from an earlier Graduate cohort. A vibrant Early Careers community and opportunities to join employee networks. Structured development, mentoring and access to relevant professional learning.
Posted today
Graduate- Liabilities
AWE
Reading, UK
Supports nuclear waste management, decommissioning and demolition programmes through project planning, risk management, regulatory compliance and continuous improvement.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 wider national-security capabilities through science, engineering, technology and specialist expertise. Programme purpose Join the Liabilities team, which sets direction and manages nuclear, radiological, chemical and explosive waste alongside the safe decommissioning and demolition of associated facilities. Through structured placements, you will gain experience across the full liabilities lifecycle and see how strategy, projects, operations, engineering, safety and waste specialists work together. The programme is flexible so placements can reflect individual interests and business needs, while maintaining a strong Liabilities focus. At least 75% of the programme is expected to be spent in Liabilities-related placements. You will contribute to live programmes and build the skills required for a long-term career in a highly regulated environment. Key activities and responsibilities Support decommissioning, demolition and waste programmes from strategy through to delivery. Contribute to liabilities strategy, integration and planning. Apply risk-based thinking and support safe systems of work, permits and compliance activity. Collaborate with capability sponsors, projects, engineering, safety, operations, facilities, waste, commercial and procurement teams. Support reporting, coordination, data-informed decisions and continuous improvement. Build organisational awareness through varied placements and potential leadership shadowing. Learning and development The full lifecycle of liabilities management, decommissioning, demolition and waste. How strategy, projects, engineering, operations, facilities and safety disciplines work together. Project-delivery principles through the APM Project Fundamentals Qualification. Core health and safety through IOSH Working Safely or Managing Safely. Lean and continuous-improvement techniques, including Lean Sigma Six Yellow Belt capability. Nuclear professionalism, regulatory awareness, risk management and safe systems of work. Stakeholder engagement, planning, problem-solving, reporting and digital tools such as Excel or Power BI. Potential placement experience Liabilities Integration Office, strategy and facility-management teams. Liabilities Operations, Estates Programmes and Delivery Waste teams. Work Control, delivery projects, engineering and Safety Case teams. Waste Operations and a possible non-Liabilities placement to broaden experience. Training, qualifications and outturn capability APM Project Fundamentals Qualification. IOSH Working Safely or Managing Safely. Lean or Continuous Improvement Yellow Belt. Nuclear professionalism and regulatory-awareness training. Risk-management and safe-systems-of-work training. Practical experience of stakeholder engagement, planning, reporting and digital analysis. Behaviours and qualities Proactive: You take ownership and want to make a practical difference. Collaborative: You enjoy working across disciplines and learning from specialists. Organised: You can manage priorities, plan work and deliver to deadlines. Analytical: You use evidence and structured thinking to address complex issues. Adaptable: You respond positively as placements, priorities and challenges change. Safety focused: You understand the importance of quality, compliance and careful decision-making. Entry requirements You should hold, or be on track to achieve, a minimum 2:2 in a relevant technical or general degree. Relevant technical subjects include Nuclear, Mechanical, Chemical, Civil, Environmental or Systems Engineering, Environmental Science, Physics, Chemistry and Materials Science. Relevant general subjects include Sustainability, Environmental or Public Policy, Politics, Project or Business Management, Economics, Geography, Law, Supply Chain, Logistics, Finance and Accounting. Other STEM backgrounds may also be considered. You must be available to join AWE in September 2027. You must be a British National and willing and able to obtain and maintain the necessary security clearance. Salary and benefits £31,000 starting salary. A market-leading contributory pension scheme. 270 hours of annual leave, including bank holidays. A 9-day working fortnight, giving you every other Friday off. A salary-sacrifice benefit scheme, Life Assurance and employee discounts. A welcome payment and the option of an interest-free £1,000 loan. Employee Assistance Programme and Occupational Health Services. Regular Graduate pay reviews and structured career progression. Support and community A dedicated line manager and Evolve pathway lead. A buddy, typically from an earlier Graduate cohort. A supportive Early Careers community and access to employee networks. Structured development, mentoring and relevant professional learning.
Posted today
Graduate- Commercial
AWE
Reading, UK
Supports commercial strategy, procurement, contract negotiation and supplier management, helping deliver value for money and manage commercial risks across major defence and national security programmes.About AWE We are a team of remarkable people delivering an extraordinary mission: keeping the nation safe and secure. Our work includes delivering the next warhead for the UK's nuclear deterrent and advancing nuclear technologies that support national security. As part of AWE, you will contribute to nationally significant programmes, help address complex commercial challenges and support innovative solutions alongside pioneering scientific and technical work. Programme purpose The two-year Evolve Graduate Programme will help you build the commercial skills, experience and professional credentials needed for a successful career. You will join a Commercial function supporting one of the UK's most ambitious defence and national security investment programmes, with more than £20 billion being invested in infrastructure, technology and capabilities. From the start, you will contribute to real commercial activities and work alongside experienced professionals, senior leaders, government stakeholders and strategic suppliers. The programme is designed to give you early exposure, meaningful responsibility and structured support as you develop towards future commercial leadership roles. Key activities and responsibilities Contribute to commercial strategies that support organisational objectives and deliver long-term value. Support procurement activity and the negotiation, award and management of complex contracts. Build and maintain effective relationships with strategic suppliers and internal stakeholders. Identify, assess and manage commercial risks and opportunities throughout the contract lifecycle. Support value-for-money decisions while balancing cost, risk, performance and delivery requirements. Use commercial insight, analysis and market intelligence to inform business decisions. Apply commercial policy, governance and assurance frameworks to support compliant and robust decisions. Use digital tools and emerging technology, including AI-enabled solutions, to improve commercial outcomes. Communicate clearly, influence constructively and work confidently across complex stakeholder environments. Career pathways and professional development You will gain exposure to a range of commercial disciplines, which may include procurement, contract management, commercial assurance, category management and commercial strategy. This will help you understand your strengths and explore potential career pathways. AWE will fully fund either a Chartered Institute of Procurement & Supply (CIPS) or Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors (RICS) qualification and provide protected study time throughout the programme. Behaviours and qualities Proactive: Takes ownership, shows initiative and follows through on commitments. Curious: Asks questions, seeks understanding and explores new ideas. Growth-oriented: Embraces learning opportunities, feedback and continuous development. Adaptable: Responds positively to challenges, change and new ways of working. Collaborative: Builds positive relationships and works effectively with others. Analytical: Uses evidence and insight to solve problems and make informed decisions. Commercially minded: Shows interest in how organisations create value, manage risk and deliver outcomes. Communicative: Shares ideas clearly and listens to different perspectives. Organised: Manages priorities effectively and pays attention to detail. Professional: Demonstrates integrity, accountability and respect for others. Entry requirements You must have or gain a 2.2 degree prior to joining us. A commercial, financial or business-related background may be advantageous but is not essential. Applications are encouraged from all degree disciplines. You must be able to join AWE in September 2027. You must be a British National and willing and able to obtain and maintain the necessary security clearance. Salary and benefits £31,000 starting salary. Regular Graduate pay reviews and structured career progression. A market-leading contributory pension scheme. 270 hours of annual leave, including bank holidays. A 9-day working fortnight, meaning you will not work every other Friday. A welcome payment and the option of an interest-free £1,000 loan. A salary-sacrifice benefit scheme, Life Assurance and employee discounts across retail, hospitality and leisure. Employee Assistance Programme and Occupational Health Services. Support and community A dedicated Placement Manager throughout the programme. A buddy, typically a Graduate from a previous cohort. A vibrant Early Careers community with organised and informal social activities. Opportunities to join staff-led Equity, Diversity and Inclusion working groups. Support from colleagues and management to bring your unique contribution to the work.
Posted today
Graduate- Operations
AWE
Reading, UK
Rotates across manufacturing, logistics, nuclear materials management and operations planning, supporting supply chain efficiency, process improvement and safe operational delivery.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 wider national-security capabilities through science, engineering, technology and specialist expertise. Programme purpose Experience how strategy becomes safe, efficient operational delivery across manufacturing, materials, logistics, planning and transformation. The programme combines meaningful responsibility with structured development, practical experience and support from experienced colleagues, helping you build career capability over two years. Key activities and responsibilities Rotate across Production, Nuclear Materials Management, Logistics, Operations Planning and Operations Excellence and Readiness. Understand the lifecycle from raw materials through to finished products. Support manufacturing delivery, resources, supply chains and operational transition. Contribute to process improvement, waste reduction, automation and sustainability. Work with colleagues from frontline teams through to senior leaders. Learning and development Production delivery and regulated operations. Nuclear materials management, logistics and supply-chain processes. Operational planning, performance and continuous improvement. How safety, regulation and policy shape operational decisions. Leadership, business and behavioural skills for future Operations roles. Behaviours and qualities Curious: Asks questions, seeks understanding and explores new ideas. Collaborative: Builds relationships and works effectively across teams. Analytical: Uses evidence and structured thinking to solve problems. Adaptable: Responds positively to challenge, change and feedback. Professional: Acts with integrity, accountability and respect. Safety and security focused: Understands the importance of following requirements in a classified environment. Entry requirements Minimum 2:2 in an eligible science, engineering, mathematics, computing, project, business, economics, finance, analytics, logistics, operations or supply-chain discipline. You must be able to join AWE in September 2027. You must be a British National and willing and able to obtain and maintain the necessary security clearance. Salary and benefits £31,000 starting salary. 270 hours of annual leave, including bank holidays. A 9-day working fortnight, giving you every other Friday off. A salary-sacrifice benefit scheme and access to employee discounts. A welcome payment and the option of an interest-free £1,000 loan. Employee Assistance Programme and Occupational Health Services. Regular Graduate pay reviews and structured career progression. Support from a dedicated line manager, Evolve pathway lead and buddy. Support and community A dedicated line manager and Evolve pathway lead. A buddy, typically from an earlier Graduate cohort. A vibrant Early Careers community and opportunities to join employee networks. Structured development, mentoring and access to relevant professional learning.
Posted today
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