Pulsed Power Scientist AWE Placement Programme - Graduate

Pulsed Power Scientist AWE Placement Programme

About AWE

We are AWE. We're a team of remarkable people achieving an extraordinary mission: keeping the nation safe and secure.

Our work is critical. We are responsible for delivering the next warhead for the UK's nuclear deterrent; working at the forefront of nuclear technologies that keep the nation safe.

AWEs support for the governments strategy takes many facets: from supporting the weapon programme for the nuclear deterrent, supporting the UKs counter terrorist programme, identifying where there may be nuclear tests taking place around the world, and building an expert group of individuals in order to give the UK real depth in nuclear science and technology.

Start an extraordinary career at AWE; grow your skills, learn from industry experts and become part of a community at one of the most unique companies in the UK.

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; Youre full of grit and determination. Clear where you are going and how you will get there.
• Curious; youre a person who loves to think outside the box. (Youre a person who loves to take the box apart!).
• Innovative; youre open to learning about new technologies and ground-breaking ideas.
• Resilience; youre an advocate of speaking up for yourself and others openly and constructively.
• Team Worker; youre dependable and reliable.Youre interested in collaborating with and supporting others.

Location

You will be based at Aldermaston, nr. Reading, Berkshire. There may be opportunities to work in other locations, depending on projects available at the time.

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.

ADZN1_UKTJ