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Aldermaston, England, United Kingdom
Onsite
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 - Materials Scientist
Salary
£24,500 per annum plus benefits
Location
Aldermaston, near Reading; onsite
Contract
12 months
Start date
2 Aug 2027
Working pattern
9-day working fortnight
About AWE
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 over 75 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?
Role purpose
Materials Science supports the life cycle of warhead components and technologies to ensure the reliability of the UK's strategic deterrent and national security mission. A nuclear warhead contains metals, ceramics, inorganic salts, rubbers, foams, adhesives, high explosives and radioactive substances. Many have unique handling requirements, and dedicated facilities provide a safe and secure environment for material property research and characterisation. Materials Science is critical to understanding and predicting how these materials behave under different conditions.
Potential projects
Develop foam and aerogel materials for laser target applications supporting the modelling and characterisation of plasma-based reactions; investigate manufacture using less hazardous chemicals; analyse chemical, physical and X-ray CT properties.
Develop new inorganic materials for controlled triggered electrical breakdown; investigate alternative materials and production methods; undertake testing and chemical, physical and crystallographic analysis.
Develop and apply analytical methodologies for qualitative and quantitative assessment of organic, inorganic and metallic materials, including mechanical, elemental, spectroscopic, rheological and thermal analyses.
Synthesise inert precursors for direct in-flow, high-purity synthesis of pentaerythritol tetranitrate (PETN); prepare and purify target precursor compounds; evaluate batch and flow chemistry process techniques and conditions; chemically characterise inert precursors and PETN products.
Perform experiments and apply chemistry and/or materials science knowledge to improve understanding of material behaviour in complex multi-material systems.
Support Engineering by analysing test pieces using microscopic and analytical techniques, while engaging with stakeholders including international partners.
Entry requirements
We are interested in candidates working towards a degree in;
Materials Science or Chemistry, with a passion for materials development and/or analytical chemistry.
Before starting with AWE, you must be able to provide evidence that you have achieved a minimum 2:2 degree classification, or equivalent academic performance to date, by August 2026.
Most importantly, we are looking for enthusiastic individuals who are keen to get involved in interesting research and tasks.
Behaviours and qualities
You will possess the following traits and qualities:
Growth mindset: You are full of grit and determination, clear about where you are going and how you will get there.
Curious: You love to think outside the box, and may even want to take the box apart.
Innovative: You are open to learning about new technologies and ground-breaking ideas.
Resilience: You advocate speaking up for yourself and others openly and constructively.
Team worker: You are dependable and reliable, and interested in collaborating with and supporting others.
Salary and benefits
£24,500 salary.
A market-leading contributory pension scheme.
Generous holiday entitlement.
Excellent work-life balance.
A 9-day working fortnight, meaning you get every other Friday off work.
Alongside these benefits, you will have the opportunity to learn from some of the top leaders in their field.
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
Candidates must be willing and able to obtain and maintain the necessary security clearance for the role. You must be a British National to apply for a role with AWE.
Inclusion and diversity
Our ambition is to create workplaces where we recognise and celebrate differences, encourage diverse contributions and enable employees to 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 used to encourage and support you through the application process and will be held only 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:
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.