Graduate- Operations

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.