Graduate- Safety Health Environment & Quality- Quality

AWE plc; Spencers Wood; On-site; GBP 31,000; Full time

Job summary

A nuclear defense organization is seeking a Graduate Quality Engineer to join their team in Spencers Wood. This role involves working towards professional membership in the Chartered Quality Institute, participating in a structured two-year development program, and contributing to maintaining the ISO 9001 quality standards. Ideal candidates will have a minimum 2:2 degree in engineering or science, a willingness to learn, and British nationality. The position offers a starting salary of £31,000 with a generous holiday entitlement and excellent career progression opportunities.

Benefits

£31,000 starting salary

Annual holiday entitlement of 270 hours

9-day working fortnight

Salary-sacrifice benefit scheme

Welcome payment of £1,000

Qualifications

• Graduated between 2023 and 2026 with evidence of 2:2 grade required.
• Willingness to obtain necessary security clearance.
• British Nationality required for application.

Responsibilities

• Develop an understanding of customer satisfaction and measurement tools.
• Gain an understanding of configuration and change management.
• Develop and implement management systems and processes.
• Gain experience in auditing processes.

Skills

Customer satisfaction measurement

Configuration management techniques

Improvement techniques (Lean, Six Sigma)

Auditing experience

Problem-solving

Education

Minimum 2:2 in a science or engineering degree

Job description

Job Overview

As a graduate Quality Engineer you will work towards becoming a key member of the Quality function of the future, bringing new ideas and innovation, whilst maintaining the robust standards, policies, processes and procedures and compliance to our nuclear licence conditions. Working towards professional membership of The Chartered Quality Institute (CQI) on a planned career path you will ensure that the ISO 9001 certified Quality Management System, policies, and procedures are adhered to. The role offers the opportunity to work as part of a cross‑functional team across the whole project lifecycle including design, research and development, trial and production as part of a structured two‑year development programme. The role also provides the opportunity to develop an understanding of how AWE interacts with its regulators.

Responsibilities

• Develop an understanding of customer satisfaction and the tools and processes utilized in measuring business performance and delivery
• Gain a good understanding of configuration and change management techniques
• Develop an understanding of improvement techniques, such as Lean, Six Sigma, RLI, etc.
• Be able to develop, implement and maintain management systems, processes, procedures and other supporting documentation
• Gain experience in auditing from definition/scheduling through to implementation, reporting and close out

Qualifications

• Minimum 2:2 in a science or engineering degree, graduated between 2023 and 2026
• Evidence of a 2:2 grade must be provided before starting
• Must be able to join AWE in September 2026; positions are filled on a rolling basis
• Willingness and ability to obtain and maintain the necessary security clearance for the role
• British Nationality is required for application
• Natural curiosity, enjoyment of solving complex problems, willingness to learn and adaptability to a classified environment
• Resilience, eagerness to grow, and excitement to apply skills to real‑world challenges

Benefits & Compensation

• £31,000 starting salary
• Annual holiday entitlement of 270 hours including bank holidays
• Excellent work/life balance and a vibrant graduate social scene
• 9‑day working fortnight (every other Friday off)
• Salary‑sacrifice benefit scheme
• Welcome payment and an interest‑free loan of £1,000
• Structured and supported career progression
• Access to savings on daily spending across retail, hospitality and leisure
• Employee Assistance Programme
• Occupational Health Services

About AWE

We are a team of remarkable people united by one extraordinary mission: keeping the UK safe and secure. Our work protects lives, strengthens national security and enables the UK’s independent nuclear deterrent. Whether you’re just starting out or looking to take your career to the next level, this is your chance to learn from the best, develop your skills and be part of something truly unique.