Undergraduate Placement – Explosives Scientist

Undergraduate Placement – Explosives Scientist 

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 more than 70 years, AWE has been continuously keeping our nation safe: supporting the UK Government’s nuclear defence strategy and the Continuous At Sea Deterrent. We also use our nuclear know-how and technical expertise to provide innovative solutions that support the UK’s counter-terrorism and nuclear threat reduction activities.

We are a team of around 6,500 people – proud to be part of such an important mission and proud of our responsibilities to the Ministry of Defence and our country.

We create and maintain a safe operating culture where safety is front and centre of everything we do. From building state-of-the-art facilities to supporting our Production, Science, Engineering and Technology programmes, our commitment to the environment, safety, and the wellbeing of our people underpins all activities at AWE.

If you want to work in a unique and innovative environment, then AWE is the perfect place for you.

What to expect on the programme 

AWE is a high performing streamlined business, delivering extraordinary products. By joining us as an Undergraduate Student, 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 Explosives discipline. 

Exact taskings will depend on the projects available at the time. You can expect to be part of a team that carries out a range of technical, engineering and scientific activities which may include laboratory based investigations, engineering studies or scientific experimentation. You will analyse, interpret and evaluate information, concepts and ideas and use these to develop experiments or investigations and to propose solutions to problems. You will support the tests and trials of explosives and articles, learning about their behaviours and responses when they are tested. During this, you will be supported and mentored by experienced Explosives Scientists, well versed in AWE processes. 

There is 1 exciting opportunity for placement within the Trials and Test Technology Centre. Interested candidates will most likely be studying a Chemistry degree or module, or an Ordnance Munitions and Explosives degree. 

https://www.awe.co.uk/what-we-do/nuclear-warheads-lifecycle/science/understanding-plasma-physics/orion/ 

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. 

What you’ll get 

• We offer all undergraduate students a salary of £20,500 
• A market leading contributory pension scheme 
• Generous holiday entitlement 
• Excellent work/life balance  
• 9-day working fortnight. This means you get every other Friday off work. 
• Access to employee discounts portal – everyday savings on retail, hospitality and leisure. 

Alongside these benefits you will get the opportunity to learn from some of the top leaders in their field.  

What behaviors we expect 

You will possess the following traits and qualities: 

• 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. 

Start date and process  

The start date for 2024 will be August 5th please avoid taking any leave during this period if you are successful. Our deadline line for applications is Sunday October 29th. The earlier you apply the better chance you have of success.

Would you like to learn more about our selection process? Watch our video to find out more!  

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.