Environmental Scientist - Undergraduate Placement

Atomic Weapons Establishment; England; On-site; GBP 23,000 - 28,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading defense organization is seeking an Undergraduate Production Trainee to contribute to environmental science efforts. This one-year placement provides hands-on experience in environmental programmes and a starting salary of £23,500. Ideal for students pursuing a degree in Environmental Science, the role promises excellent work-life balance and potential graduate opportunities after university.

Benefits

Holiday entitlement of 270 hours

9-day working fortnight

Welcome payment

Access to savings on everyday spending

Employee Assistance Programme

Occupational Health Services

Qualifications

• Candidates working towards a degree in Environmental Science.
• Minimum 2:2 degree required by August 2026.
• Must be a British National.

Responsibilities

• Assist in environmental programme development and review.
• Support bulk waste characterisation programmes.
• Manage tasking and customer agreements.

Education

Environmental Science

Job description

Overview

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 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

• 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 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, whilst ensuring AWE meets regulatory and licence condition compliance.

We are interested in applications from candidates working towards a degree in Environmental Sciences. Most importantly 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 candidate the opportunity to support the bulk waste characterisation programmes major projects, e.g. planning and scheduling programme elements, managing tasking (customer agreements) and sentencing waste using statistical reporting. Experience will be gained in data manipulation and the uploading of data to support permit compliance. This placement will give 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 - so 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

1. Online Application – Opens 15th September. Explore the option and apply for one pathway that best suits your interests and goals.
2. 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.
3. Virtual Assessment Centre – Successful candidates will be invited to virtual AC’s 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.