Nuclear Safety (SHEQ) - Graduate Programme 2026

Starting salary £31,000 + plus benefits and welcome bonus | Office based in Aldermaston, nr Reading, Berkshire.Our two-year Evolve graduate development scheme offers you an exciting opportunity to join our SHEQ pathway in Nuclear Safety. Here you will use your skills, develop new ones and work with remarkable people, in unique facilities, on extraordinary products.Entry Requirements

You will graduate with a minimum of a 2:2 in your degree, typically in any of these science or engineering subjects with an interest in nuclear safety.Typically, but not limited to; Nuclear Engineering, Nuclear materials, Chemical Engineering, Chemistry or Physics but we would welcome individuals who have a science or engineering degreesBefore starting with the business, you will need to provide evidence that you have attained a

minimum of a 2:2

in your degree.You must be able to join AWE in September 2026. We recruit on a rolling basis which means as soon as our positions have been filled, we will close.Candidates must be willing and able to obtain and maintain the necessary security clearance for the role. Please note that you must be a British National to apply for a role with us.What to Expect on the Programme

The first 3 months of the Safety, Health, Environment and Quality pathway will be spent immersing yourself within the SHEQ function understanding fully about AWE business as a whole and your chosen SHEQ function.As a nuclear safety graduate, you will work as part of a team to assess the risk and consequences of design, engineering, and operational failures. This will include modelling accident scenarios and identifying controls to prevent them.The role offers the opportunity to work across the whole project lifecycle including design of new facilities, large modifications of existing facilities, production facilities, research and development facilities, and decommissioning facilities 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.You will be engaged in technical problem-solving, preparing detailed reports to argue and justify the tolerability of nuclear, radiological, environmental, and conventional hazards, whilst liaising with a diverse group of people at many levels within the company including operators, facility management, engineers, and regulators.The Nuclear Safety Graduate:

Develop skills in major hazard assessment and support the analysis and assessment of nuclear, radiological, chemical, explosives and other major hazards associated with actual, planned and/or decommissioned facilities, plant, equipment, or product.Gain experience in the development of safety assessments and justifications (e.g., Safety Cases) in line with relevant legislation, industry standards and AWE''s policies, procedures and guidance.Continuously develop their understanding of current health and safety legislation, the ONR licensing regime and the fundamental application of the ALARP principle.Whilst supervised, contribute to the production and review of safety assessments, justifications.Benefits:

£31,000 starting salaryHoliday entitlement of 270 hours of leave annually including bank holidaysExcellent work/life balance and a vibrant and welcoming grad social scene9-day working fortnight - so every other Friday offA salary-sacrifice benefit schemeA welcome paymentAn option of an interest free loan of £1,000 as well as regular Graduate pay reviewsA structured and supported career progressionAccess to savings on a wide range of everyday spending across retail, hospitality and leisureAccess to our Employee Assistance ProgrammeAccess to our Occupational Health ServicesApplication Process:

Our process is designed to be simple, fair and transparent:You must be an

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.Online Application

– Opens 15th September. Explore the option and apply for

one

pathway that best suits your interests and goals.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.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 and 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 ..... full job details .....