Environmental Scientist - Undergraduate Placement

targetjobs UK; Aldermaston; On-site; GBP 23,000 - 28,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading defense and security company in Aldermaston is offering a one-year placement as an Undergraduate Production Trainee. Candidates should be pursuing a degree in Environmental Science with a minimum 2:2. The role involves working with world-class scientists and contributing to environmental programme development. Benefits include a salary of £23,500, extensive leave, and a vibrant workplace culture.

Benefits

£23,500 salary

270 hours of annual leave

9-day working fortnight

Potential for a Graduate role

Qualifications

• Minimum 2:2 in your degree by August 2026.
• Must be a British National and able to start in August 2026.

Responsibilities

• Assist in environmental programme development and review.
• Support waste characterization programmes and major projects.

Skills

Problem-solving

Curiosity

Collaboration

Education

Working towards a degree in Environmental Science

Job description

Overview

Starting salary £23,500 + benefits and welcome bonus. Office based in Aldermaston, nr Reading, Berkshire.

We are offering a one-year placement as an Undergraduate Production Trainee at AWE — a role where you will make a genuine contribution to keeping the UK safe and secure.

Entry Requirements

We are interested in applications from candidates working towards a degree in Environmental Science.

• Evidence of a minimum 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 an Environmental Scientist undergraduate student you will have the opportunity to work with world-class scientists in an exciting part of AWE that provides a wide range of analytical capabilities and expert advice to AWE and government agencies/external customers, while ensuring AWE meets regulatory and licence condition compliance.

We are looking for enthusiastic individuals keen to get involved and work on interesting research and tasks.

Lab and desk-based placement assisting in environmental programme development and review to support Best Available Techniques (BAT) studies and statements, alongside the development of in-field sampling capabilities. The placement will offer the opportunity to support bulk waste characterisation programmes and major projects, e.g., planning and scheduling programme elements, managing tasking (customer agreements) and sorting waste using statistical reporting. Experience will be gained in data manipulation and uploading data to support permit compliance. This placement provides an overview of laboratory analytical processes used within this area.

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 - every other Friday off
• A salary-sacrifice benefit scheme
• A welcome payment
• Potential to secure a Graduate role for when you finish university, subject to availability
• 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

Application Process

Our process is designed to be simple, fair and transparent:

• Online Application – Opens 15th September. Explore the option and apply for one pathway that best suits your interests and goals.
• Online Tests – If shortlisted, you’ll complete numerical, verbal, logical and cognitive assessments. Practice materials will be available to ensure you know what to expect.
• Virtual Assessment Centre – Successful candidates will be invited to virtual ACs running Nov–Dec 2025, with pre-assessment webinars to guide you.

You must be a British National, able to start in August 2026, and eligible for security clearance. Applications close on Friday 24th October, but will close earlier if we receive enough applications, so apply early.

Support & Inclusion

We welcome diverse applicants and strive to create a workplace where differences are recognised and celebrated. We encourage requests for reasonable adjustments if required, to ensure you feel able to perform your best. Any information you share will be used only to support you through the process in line with GDPR.

Why AWE?

• Build leadership skills, self-awareness, and teamwork.
• Join a vibrant early careers community with events, ERGs and networking opportunities.
• Benefit from continual support: a line manager, pathway lead, and ‘buddy’ to guide your journey.

Who We’re Looking For

Curious, problem-solvers with integrity, resilience, and a collaborative mindset. You’ll thrive if you’re eager to grow and ready to apply your skills to real-world challenges.