What if you could work with remarkable people on extraordinary things? What if the end result was something a little bit special? What if your role was mission critical?
For nearly 70 years, AWE has been at the forefront of nuclear weapons research and development. We have a critical mission: to provide the warheads for the UK’s ultimate deterrent – Trident. We also use our unique skills to provide wider UK government with counter-terrorism and nuclear threat reduction solutions.
It takes a special sort of person to work at AWE. What if that person was you?
About the Year in Industry
This position is created for university students undertaking a 12-month placement, who will join the team of scientists within the Trials and Test Technology Centre.
AWE is a high performing streamlined business, delivering extraordinary products. By joining us as a Pulsed Power Scientist, you will make a direct contribution to the successful operations in the Trials and Test Technology Centre, where we conduct trials across mechanical, explosive and extreme environments, and maintain capabilities such as the Orion plasma LASER facility (see URL link). You will also gain knowledge and experience of industry best practice within the Science discipline.
Exact taskings will depend on the live projects available at the time, and will be supported and mentored by experienced Scientists, well versed in AWE processes. You will be part of a team that carries out a range of technical, engineering and scientific activities that blends the Physics and Electrical/Electronic Engineering that is necessary to generate these X-Ray pulses including:
- The Plasma Physics of the X-Ray diode
- The Electrical and Mechanical Engineering of the equipment used to generate these very fast pulses of electrical energy that drive them
- How these systems interface with the instrumentation and interact with other systems like facility electrical supplies or other equipment.
The behaviours you will bring to the team
Candidates will be studying for a degree within Physics or related.
- Growth Mindset; You’re full of grit and determination. Clear where you are going and how you will get there.
- Curious; you’re a person who loves to think outside the box. (You’re a person who loves to take the box apart!).
- Innovative; you’re open to learning about new technologies and ground-breaking ideas.
- Resilience; you’re an advocate of ‘speaking up’ for yourself and others openly and constructively.
- Team Worker; you’re dependable and reliable. You’re interested in collaborating with and supporting others.
The benefits
You will have the opportunity to learn from subject matter experts and to develop skills that are applicable across many industries. Successful candidates will receive:
- A salary of £22,250
- A market leading contributory pension scheme. We will pay between 9% and 13% of your pensionable pay depending on your own contribution.
- Every second Friday off. We do this by working a 41-hour week followed by a 33-hour week.
- 270 hours of annual leave a year, that includes an allowance for bank holidays.
- Access to the employee discounts portal – everyday savings on retail, hospitality and leisure.
Start date
Undergraduate Placement Induction start date will be August 2025, so please avoid taking leave during this period if you are successful. This role is offered on a 12-month contract.
Recruitment process
We recruit on a rolling basis which means as soon as our positions have been filled, the scheme will close to new applications. So, please apply as soon as possible to avoid missing out!
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.
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 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.
Contact us
If you have questions during the application process, please reach out to the Early Careers Team at EarlyCareers@awe.co.uk