Graduate- Site Utilities Engineer

Atomic Weapons Establishment; Aldermaston; On-site; GBP 28,000 - 34,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

9-day working fortnight

Welcome payment

Interest-free loan

Job summary

Atomic Weapons Establishment in Aldermaston is inviting applications for the Graduate Trainee - Utilities Engineering Programme as part of the Evolve Graduate Programme. This onsite two-year role starts September 2027 with a salary of £31,000 plus benefits, focusing on utilities networks, design, asset management and reliability improvements.

You will work with experienced colleagues, gain practical experience and progress toward professional registration, while developing skills in

Qualifications

• Minimum 2:2 in Mechanical Engineering, Electrical Engineering or a related engineering discipline.
• Must be able to join AWE in September 2027.
• British National and willing to obtain and maintain required security clearance.

Responsibilities

• Support engineering design activities, technical assessments and design reviews.
• Contribute to engineering calculations, asset management and reliability improvement.
• Support configuration control, change management, commissioning and maintenance.
• Help investigate technical issues and improve utilities infrastructure and plant performance.
• Work with operational teams, design authorities, project teams and technical specialists.

Skills

Engineering knowledge

Asset management

Problem solving

Teamwork

Education

2:2 Mechanical or Electrical Engineering or related

Job description

If you’d like to be considered for this opportunity we encourage you to apply promptly to avoid disappointment as if applications are high the role will close before the closing date given.

Graduate Trainee - Utilities Engineering Programme Evolve Graduate Programme Salary £31,000 plus benefits Location Aldermaston, Berkshire - onsite Duration Two years Start date September 2027 Working pattern 9-day working fortnight

About AWE

We are a team of remarkable people, united by one extraordinary mission: keeping the UK safe and secure. Our work supports the UK's independent nuclear deterrent and wider national-security capabilities through science, engineering, technology and specialist expertise.

Programme purpose

Support the critical infrastructure and utilities networks that enable AWE's operations, applying engineering knowledge to live assets, plant and improvement projects. The programme combines meaningful responsibility with structured development, practical experience and support from experienced colleagues, helping you build career capability over two years.

Key activities and responsibilities

• Support engineering design activities, technical assessments and design reviews.
• Contribute to engineering calculations, asset management and reliability improvement.
• Support configuration control, change management, commissioning and maintenance.
• Help investigate technical issues and improve utilities infrastructure and plant performance.
• Work with operational teams, design authorities, project teams and technical specialists.

Learning and development

Utilities networks and associated plant equipment.

Engineering design, asset management and reliability engineering.

Configuration control, commissioning and technical problem-solving.

How engineering supports a complex, highly regulated operational environment.

Professional practice and progress towards registration with an engineering institution.

Behaviours and qualities

• Curious: Asks questions, seeks understanding and explores new ideas.
• Collaborative: Builds relationships and works effectively across teams.
• Analytical: Uses evidence and structured thinking to solve problems.
• Adaptable: Responds positively to challenge, change and feedback.
• Professional: Acts with integrity, accountability and respect.
• Safety and security focused: Understands the importance of following requirements in a classified environment.

Entry requirements

Minimum 2:2 in Mechanical Engineering, Electrical Engineering or a related engineering discipline.

You must be able to join AWE in September 2027. You must be a British National and willing and able to obtain and maintain the necessary security clearance.

Salary and benefits

• £31,000 starting salary.
• 270 hours of annual leave, including bank holidays.
• A 9-day working fortnight, giving you every other Friday off.
• A salary-sacrifice benefit scheme and access to employee discounts.
• A welcome payment and the option of an interest‑free £1,000 loan.
• Employee Assistance Programme and Occupational Health Services.
• Regular Graduate pay reviews and structured career progression.
• Support from a dedicated line manager, Evolve pathway lead and buddy.

Support and community

• A dedicated line manager and Evolve pathway lead.
• A buddy, typically from an earlier Graduate cohort.
• A vibrant Early Careers community and opportunities to join employee networks.
• Structured development, mentoring and access to relevant professional learning.

Security requirement

You must be a British National and willing and able to obtain and maintain the necessary security clearance.

Inclusion and reasonable adjustments

AWE aims to create workplaces where differences are recognised and celebrated, diverse contributions are encouraged and employees feel able to be themselves. Reasonable adjustments are available throughout the application process, with inclusion information handled in accordance with GDPR.

Everyone who works at AWE brings unique skills and perspectives to the table. We recognise that great people don’t always ‘tick every box’. That’s why we focus on your potential, your fit with our values, your transferable skills as well as your experience.

Our ambition is to create workplaces where we recognise and celebrate differences, encourage diverse contributions and our employees feel able to be themselves at work. We strive to create a genuine culture of openness and inclusion and encourage diverse applicants. Any inclusion information you provide will be stored in accordance with GDPR and kept separate from your application form and CV, and the information will not be shared with anyone involved in interviewing or making hiring decisions.

Qualify that the nationality and residency requirements remain: Please note that you must be a British Citizen to apply for a role with us.

If you’re looking for a role with excitement, intrigue and something that really makes a difference then now is the time to join AWE. We are at the start of a once in a generation – possibly two generations – programme to design and produce a replacement warhead for the UK’s continuous at sea deterrent. We will do this while continuing to deliver the Trident programme as well as managing ambitious state‑of‑the‑art capital and construction projects – some of which have never been done before.

We are recruiting right across the business: from technical roles in engineering, science, manufacturing and industrial work to business roles in areas such as IT, project management/ controls, commercial, human resources and facilities management. We also have our Evolve graduate programme, or you may be interested in an apprenticeship with our award‑winning Skills Academy.

What we do is vital to national nuclear security. Keeping our nation, everyone, our environment and everything around us safe and secure is a top priority for us. So, as you would expect, that brings with it a high level of safety and security that you will see across our sites and in how everyone who works here operates. We are always looking for high calibre people to join our team, so why not explore the opportunities we currently have on offer. Whatever stage of your career, AWE is an exciting and challenging environment to develop your skills and achieve your potential.