Engineering – Year in Industry Placement

AWE; Reading; On-site; GBP 22,000 - 27,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Salary £24,500 (placement)”

270 hours annual leave

Job summary

AWE invites engineering students in Reading and surrounding areas to join an onsite placement at Aldermaston or Burghfield. You will collaborate with engineers on design, systems and manufacturing projects that contribute to UK safety and security, while gaining practical experience in specialist facilities.

You will be on track for a 2:2 by August 2027 and graduate in 2029/2030, with opportunities to apply for future graduate roles.

Qualifications

• Currently studying relevant engineering disciplines and on track for a 2:2 by Aug 2027, graduating 2029 or 2030.
• UK national with willingness to obtain and maintain DV security clearance.

Responsibilities

• Engineering design: assist in developing solutions for complex technical challenges.
• Systems & digital engineering: engage with modelling, simulation, software, data and how systems interact.
• Advanced manufacturing: gain exposure to manufacturing processes and production environments.
• Infrastructure & facilities: support major civil, construction and commissioning projects.
• Emerging technology: work with VR testing, analytical modelling and innovative tools.
• Collaborative delivery: work with engineers, scientists and project teams to deliver outcomes.

Education

Engineering degree (Electrical / Electronic / Manufacturing / Systems / General Engineering, Computer Science, Software Engineering, Data Science, or Product Design Engineering)

Job description

Why this role matters

Engineering at AWE is about using ideas, teamwork and technical thinking to solve challenges that matter. From advanced manufacturing and digital engineering to major infrastructure and complex systems, you will contribute to work that supports the UK's safety and security while building skills for your future.

You belong in engineering

You do not need to match every detail or arrive with all the answers. Your curiosity, potential and willingness to learn matter to us.

At a glance

• Entry requirement: Studying Electrical, Electronic, Manufacturing, Systems or General Engineering, Computer Science, Software Engineering, Data Science or Product Design Engineering. You must be on track for a minimum 2:2 by August 2027 and graduating in 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: Full time, 9-day working fortnight, with every other Friday off. The placement is onsite at Aldermaston or Burghfield, Berkshire.
• Key dates:
  • Applications close: 31 October 2026
  • Start date: 2 August 2027

What you could work on

• Engineering design: Support the design and development of solutions for complex technical challenges.
• Systems and digital engineering: Explore modelling, simulation, software, data and how complex systems work together.
• Advanced manufacturing: Gain exposure to manufacturing processes, additive manufacturing and production environments.
• Infrastructure and facilities: Support major civil, construction and commissioning projects that strengthen AWE’s capabilities.
• Emerging technology: Experience areas such as virtual reality testing, analytical modelling and innovative engineering tools.
• Collaborative delivery: Work with engineers, scientists, project professionals and operational teams to turn ideas into outcomes.

Why being onsite will support your development

This is an onsite placement at Aldermaston or Burghfield. Working alongside experienced engineers will give you direct access to guidance, practical learning and the specialist facilities needed for the role. Both sites are served by public transport from Reading and Basingstoke.

The key skills we're looking for

• Curiosity: You enjoy exploring how things work and asking thoughtful questions.
• Collaboration: You listen to others, share ideas and value different perspectives.
• Problem solving: You can break down a challenge and work towards a practical solution.
• Communication: You can explain your thinking clearly and ask for support when needed.
• Growth mindset: You are open to feedback and motivated to build confidence and capability.
• Care and attention: You understand that quality, safety and security depend on thoughtful, accurate work.

Where this placement could take you

You will build transferable experience across engineering design, systems, processes, manufacturing, project delivery and technical collaboration. AWE offers a wide range of potential technical and leadership careers, and you may have the opportunity to return through a future Graduate role, subject to performance, business need and available opportunities.

What you will get

• £24,500 salary.
• 270 hours of annual leave, including bank holidays.
• A 9-day working fortnight, giving you every other Friday off.
• Support from a dedicated line manager, Evolve pathway lead and buddy.
• A welcoming Early Careers community and opportunities to join employee networks, including groups that champion inclusion and women in STEM.
• Employee Assistance Programme and Occupational Health Services.
• A salary-sacrifice benefit scheme and savings across retail, hospitality and leisure.

What happens after you apply

• Online application: Choose the pathway that best matches your interests and goals.
• Online assessment: 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 during November or December 2026.
• Pre-assessment support: Receive guidance before the assessment centre so you know what to expect.
• Offer and clearance: Successful candidates will move into the offer and security-clearance stages before joining in August 2027.

Reasonable adjustments

We want you to feel confident and informed throughout the process. We welcome requests for reasonable adjustments. Any inclusion information will be used only to support your application and handled in accordance with GDPR.

Questions? Contact [e-mail].