Year in Industry- Conventional Safety Specialist

Entry requirements

We are interested in candidates studying any science-based degree. Please note that this is not a lab-based role.

• You must be on track to achieve a minimum 2:2 in your degree by August 2027.
• You must be graduating in either 2029 or 2030 and completing a placement year as part of your degree.
• You must be available to join AWE in August 2027.
• You must be a British National and willing and able to obtain and maintain the necessary security clearance for the role.

Behaviours and qualities

• Curious: You enjoy understanding how things work, identifying potential risks and asking thoughtful questions.
• Analytical: You can review information carefully and use evidence to support decisions.
• Collaborative: You communicate clearly and work constructively with specialists, operators and project teams.
• Dependable: You take responsibility for your work, keep your promises and understand the importance of trust and integrity.
• Resilient: You can adapt, respond positively to feedback and keep developing your skills.
• Safety focused: You are prepared to speak up, follow requirements and contribute to a safe and secure working environment.

Salary and benefits

• £24,500 salary.
• 270 hours of annual leave, including bank holidays.
• A full-time, 9-day working fortnight, giving you every other Friday off.
• A salary-sacrifice benefit scheme.
• Savings across retail, hospitality and leisure.
• Employee Assistance Programme and Occupational Health Services.
• A vibrant Early Careers community and opportunities to take part in events and activities.
• Potential to secure a Graduate role after university, subject to performance, business need and available opportunities.

Working location

This is an office-based placement at Aldermaston, near Reading, Berkshire. Due to the nature and security of the work, we cannot guarantee opportunities to work from home for part of the week. Working onsite will give you direct access to experienced specialists, operational teams and practical support, helping you build confidence and capability throughout your placement.

Recruitment process and key dates

• Online application: Apply for the pathway that best matches your interests and goals.
• You may only apply for one Year in Industry role. Applications to multiple roles will not be accepted, and any additional applications will not be considered.
• 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, expected to run during November and December 2026.
• Pre-assessment support: Attend guidance webinars so you know what to expect and can prepare.
• Offer and clearance: Successful candidates will move into the offer and security-clearance stages before joining in August 2027.

Apply early

Applications close at the end of October 2026. We recruit on a rolling basis and will close once enough applications have been received, so submit your application as soon as possible.

Inclusion and reasonable adjustments

We want candidates to feel confident and informed throughout the application process. We encourage diverse applicants and welcome requests for reasonable adjustments. Any inclusion information provided will be used only to support the application and held for this purpose in accordance with GDPR.

Questions can be directed to the Early Careers Team at EarlyCareers@awe.co.uk.

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:

• We encourage you to apply promptly to avoid disappointment if applications are high and the role therefore closes.
• You will need to obtain and maintain the necessary security clearance for the role. This will be funded by AWE. The nature of our work does mean you need to be a British Citizen who has been resident in the UK for the past 5 years in order to apply for SC clearance and 10 years for DV.
• We want you to feel comfortable and able to shine during our recruitment process. Please let us know on your application form if you need any adjustments/accommodations during the process.
• Our interviews typically take place over Teams and for most roles are a 1 stage process.
• 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.