Year in Industry- Nuclear Assessment Safety Specialist

Nuclear Safety Specialist Year in Industry Programme 2026
- Starting salary £23,500 + plus benefits and welcome bonus | Office based in Aldermaston, nr Reading, Berkshire.
- We are offering a rewarding and exciting one-year placement as an Undergraduate Nuclear Safety Specialist at AWE - a role where you will make a genuine contribution to keeping the UK safe and secure.
- About AWE
- We’re a team of remarkable people, united by one extraordinary mission: keeping the UK safe and secure. The UK’s independent nuclear deterrent has existed for 75 years to deter the most extreme threats to our national security and way of life, helping to guarantee our safety, and that of our NATO allies.
- Our work is critical. We’re delivering Astraea, the next warhead for the UK’s nuclear deterrent and pushing the boundaries of nuclear science and technology. But that’s just part of the story.
- We support the UK government in a range of vital areas - from counter-terrorism to global nuclear test monitoring to building a world-class community of experts in nuclear science. This is work that protects lives and strengthens national security.
- At AWE, you’ll find more than just a job. You’ll find purpose, growth, and a community like no other. Whether you're just starting out or looking to take your career to the next level, this is your chance to learn from the best, develop your skills, and be part of something truly unique.
- Be extraordinary at AWE.
- Entry Requirements
- We are interested in the following degree disciplines:
- Any Engineering or Science based degree - though please note this is not a lab based role.- Before starting with the business, you will need to be able to provide evidence that you have attained a minimum of a 2:2 in your degree so far by August 2026.- You must be able to Join AWE in August 2026. We recruit on a rolling basis which means as soon as our positions have been filled, we will close.

What to Expect on the Programme
- As a nuclear safety case assessor, you will work as part of a team to assess the risk and consequences of design, engineering, and operational failures. This will include modelling accident scenarios and identifying controls to prevent them.
- The role offers the opportunity to work across the whole project lifecycle including design of new facilities, large modifications of existing facilities, production facilities, research & development facilities, and decommissioning facilities as part of a structured two-year development programme. The role also provides the opportunity to develop an understanding of how AWE interacts with its regulators.
- You will be engaged in technical problem-solving, preparing detailed reports to argue and justify the tolerability of nuclear, radiological, environmental, and conventional hazards, whilst liaising with a diverse group of people at many levels within the company including operators, facility management, engineers, and regulators.
- The Nuclear Safety Case Assessor:

- Develop skills in major hazard assessment and support the analysis and assessment of nuclear, radiological, chemical, explosives and other major hazards associated with actual, planned and/or decommissioned facilities, plant, equipment, or product.
- Gain experience in the development of safety assessments and justifications (e.g., Safety Cases) in line with relevant legislation, industry standards and AWE's policies, procedures and guidance.
- Whilst supervised, contribute to the production and review of safety assessments, justifications.
- Benefits:
- £23,500 salary- Holiday entitlement of 270 hours of leave annually including bank holidays- Excellent work/life balance and a vibrant and welcoming grad social scene- 9-day working fortnight - so every other Friday off- A salary-sacrifice benefit scheme- A welcome payment-
- Access to savings on a wide range of everyday spending across retail, hospitality and leisure- Access to our Employee Assistance Programme- Access to our Occupational Health Services

The Application Process

Online test: If successful, you will be invited to complete our online assessment stage. These include online testing against numerical, verbal, logical and cognitive reasoning tests. Don't be intimidated: practice assessments will be available so you will be fully equipped with the knowledge of what to expect.

Reasonable Adjustments:
Our aim is to make you feel confident and informed throughout your journey with us: we're not trying to catch you out. Our ambition is to create a workplace where differences are recognised and celebrated. Our mission relies on the diversity and our people being able to bring their energy to work and perform their best.
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Why us?

Build your career as future leader

Our focus lies on a number of key themes such as: ‘self and team awareness’ - providing an opportunity to better understand your own strengths and how these could contribute effectively to collaborative situations.

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