Year in Industry - Materials Scientist

About the role

AWE, which has for over 75 years been at the forefront of nuclear weapons research and development, is offering a Year in Industry placement as a Materials Scientist. The role sits within Materials Science, which supports the life cycle of warhead components and technologies to ensure the reliability of the UK's strategic deterrent. It is based onsite in Aldermaston, near Reading, on a 12-month contract starting 2 August 2027, with a 9-day working fortnight.

Key responsibilities

• Develop foam and aerogel materials for laser target applications, investigating manufacture using less hazardous chemicals and analysing chemical, physical and X-ray CT properties
• Develop new inorganic materials for controlled triggered electrical breakdown, test them and carry out chemical, physical and crystallographic analysis
• Develop analytical methodologies for assessing organic, inorganic and metallic materials, including mechanical, elemental, spectroscopic, rheological and thermal analyses
• Synthesise inert precursors for high-purity synthesis of PETN, prepare and purify precursors, evaluate batch and flow chemistry techniques and chemically characterise products
• Perform experiments to improve understanding of material behaviour in complex multi-material systems
• Analyse test pieces using microscopic and analytical techniques and engage with stakeholders including international partners

Required profile

• Working towards a degree in Materials Science or Chemistry, on track to achieve a minimum 2:2 by August 2027
• Enthusiastic about research and analytical chemistry, with a growth mindset, curiosity, resilience and teamwork
• Willingness to obtain and maintain the necessary security clearance; must be a British citizen

What we offer

• Salary of £24,500 per annum
• Contributory pension scheme, generous holiday entitlement and excellent work-life balance
• Every other Friday off due to the 9-day fortnight
• Opportunity to learn from leading experts in the field

Candidates apply online, may take numerical, verbal, logical and cognitive reasoning assessments, and successful candidates attend a virtual assessment centre in November or December 2026, followed by offer and security-clearance stages before joining in August 2027.