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 - Engineering
Programme
Evolve Graduate Programme
Salary
£31,000 starting salary plus benefits
Location
Aldermaston, Berkshire - onsite
Duration
Two years
Start date
September 2027
Working pattern
Full time, 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
The Engineering Evolve Graduate Programme provides practical experience across real projects, products, systems and facilities. You will apply knowledge from your degree, develop technical and professional capability and gain exposure to different engineering roles while contributing to work that supports AWE’s mission.
Placements are central to the programme and are flexed to support business needs and your development. Alongside technical experience, you will complete leadership, business and professional-skills training and receive support to begin working towards Chartered Engineer registration.
Key activities and responsibilities
Contribute to current or future nuclear-warhead programmes, nuclear threat reduction, manufacturing solutions or major infrastructure.
Gain experience across concept generation, design, manufacture, processing, assembly, maintenance, testing, trials and commissioning.
Build knowledge of precision components, systems, safety and reliability.
Complete placements shaped around business needs and your development, giving you varied engineering experience.
Work with engineers, scientists, manufacturing specialists, project professionals and operational teams.
Build leadership, business and professional skills while beginning progress towards Chartered Engineer registration.
Learning and development
How complex engineering products and systems move through the full lifecycle.
How design, manufacturing, testing, trials, commissioning and maintenance connect.
How safety, reliability, quality and security shape engineering decisions.
How digital, software, data, systems and manufacturing disciplines contribute to technical delivery.
How to communicate technical ideas and collaborate across multidisciplinary teams.
How professional registration and continuous development support a long-term engineering career.
Potential technical exposure
Concept generation and engineering design.
Manufacture, processing and assembly.
Software, data and systems engineering.
Safety, reliability and technical assurance.
Maintenance, testing, trials and commissioning.
Manufacturing solutions and major infrastructure delivery.
Behaviours and qualities
Curious: You ask thoughtful questions and want to understand how complex systems work.
Problem solver: You enjoy breaking down technical challenges and developing practical solutions.
Collaborative: You listen, share ideas and value different perspectives.
Growth-oriented: You welcome feedback and want to build confidence and capability.
Dependable: You take ownership, act with integrity and follow through on commitments.
Safety focused: You understand that careful, accurate work supports quality, safety and security.
Entry requirements
You must hold, or be on track to achieve, a minimum 2:2 in Electrical Engineering, Electronic Engineering, Electrical and Electronic Engineering, Software Engineering, Data Science, Computer Science, Manufacturing Engineering or Systems Engineering.
If you are studying an engineering degree outside this list, check out our opportunities in Operations and Estates and Liabilities as we have lots of roles available!
You must be available to join AWE in September 2027.
You must be a British National and willing and able to…