Computational Materials Modeller – Year in Industry

AWE; Aldermaston; On-site; GBP 18,000 - 24,000; Full time

Job summary

AWE offers a placement year at its Aldermaston site, focusing on computational modelling of material behaviour. You will develop and test models, analyse data and write code using MATLAB, Mathematica, OpenFOAM and R.

The role is office-based with no guaranteed remote work due to security requirements. You will work with scientists to understand ageing, validate models, and gain experience across the full model-development lifecycle, preparing for careers in computational modelling and data

Qualifications

• You should be working towards at least a 2:2 degree in Mathematics, Physics, Computer Science, Materials Science or Chemistry.
• Chemistry students should be able to demonstrate strong maths or programming skills.
• You must be graduating in either 2029 or 2030.

Responsibilities

• Model development: Work with materials and analytical scientists to understand material ageing and propose ways to model observed trends.

Skills

Mathematical thinking

Programming confidence

Data analysis

Collaboration

Education

2:2 degree in Mathematics/Physics/CS/Materials Science/Chemistry

Tools

MATLAB

Mathematica

OpenFOAM

R

Job description

Why this role matters

Use computational modelling to help predict how complex materials behave. You’ll develop and test models that help scientists understand material performance, ageing and reliability, supporting AWE’s mission-critical work.

At a glance

• Entry requirement: You should be working towards at least a 2:2 degree in Mathematics, Physics, Computer Science, Materials Science or Chemistry. Mathematics students should have modelling experience, while Chemistry students should be able to demonstrate strong maths or programming skills. You must be graduating in either 2029 or 2030.
• Security clearance: You must be a UK national, hold a UK passport, have lived in the UK for the past 10 years and be willing and able to obtain and maintain DV security clearance.
• Working pattern: A 9-day working fortnight, with every second Friday off. This is an office-based role at Aldermaston, near Reading. Due to the nature and security of the work, we cannot guarantee opportunities to work from home.
• Key dates:
  • Applications close: 31 October 2026
  • Start date: 2 August 2027

What you could work on

• Model development: Work with materials and analytical scientists to understand material ageing and propose ways to model observed trends.
• Data analysis: Use statistical techniques to analyse experimental data and turn results into useful insight.
• Coding: Write, develop and run code using tools or languages such as MATLAB, Mathematica, OpenFOAM and R.
• Testing and optimisation: Use computational techniques to optimise parameters, then verify and validate models against suitable test cases.

Why being onsite will support your development

This is an office-based placement. Due to the nature and security of our work, we cannot guarantee opportunities to work from home for part of the week. Being onsite means you’ll learn directly from subject matter experts, access hands-on support and build connections across technical teams. This day-to-day access can accelerate your development and help you get more from your placement year.

The key skills we’re looking for

• Mathematical thinking: You enjoy turning real-world problems into logical, structured approaches.
• Programming confidence: You’re interested in developing code and using computational tools to solve technical challenges.
• Data analysis: You can explore data, identify patterns and explain what the results mean.
• Collaboration: You can learn from specialists, share ideas and contribute positively to a multidisciplinary team.

Where this placement could take you

You’ll gain practical experience across the full model-development lifecycle, including coding, statistical analysis, optimisation, verification and validation. The placement can prepare you for careers in computational modelling, data science, scientific software, materials modelling or related technical fields, with the potential to return to AWE through a future graduate opportunity.

What happens after you apply

• Online application Submit your application as soon as possible.
• Online testing If eligible, you’ll complete numerical, verbal, logical and cognitive reasoning assessments, with practice materials available.
• Virtual assessment centre Successful candidates will be invited to a virtual assessment centre, expected between October 2026 and January 2027.
• Pre-assessment support You’ll be invited to a webinar with practical guidance on what to expect.
• Offer and clearance If successful, you’ll move into the offer and security-clearance stages ahead of joining on 2 August 2027.

Applications close on 31 October 2026, but apply as soon as possible. We will close the role early once we receive enough applications.