What if you could work with remarkable people on extraordinary things? What if the end result was something a little bit special? What if your role was mission critical?
For nearly 70 years, AWE has been at the forefront of nuclear weapons research and development. We have a critical mission: to provide the warheads for the UK’s ultimate deterrent – Trident. We also use our unique skills to provide wider UK government with counter-terrorism and nuclear threat reduction solutions.
It takes a special sort of person to work at AWE. What if that person was you?
What to expect on the programme
Materials Science supports the life cycle of warhead components and technologies to ensure the reliability of the UK’s strategic deterrent and national security mission. A nuclear warhead contains a vast range of materials including metals, ceramics, inorganic salts, rubbers, foams, adhesives, high explosives and radioactive substances. Many of these have unique handling issues and our dedicated facilities ensure a safe and secure environment to undertake material property research and characterisation. Materials Science is critical to understanding and predicting the behaviour of these types of materials under various conditions.
We are interested in applications from candidates working towards a degree in Materials Science or Chemistry with a passion for materials development and/or analytical chemistry.
Most importantly we are looking for enthusiastic individuals keen to get involved and work on interesting research and tasks. Some of the projects available include:
- Development of foam and aerogel materials for laser target application to support the modelling and characterisation of plasma-based reactions. Investigating development and manufacture of materials using less hazardous chemicals. Analysis of materials including chemical, physical and x-ray CT properties/characteristics
- Development of new inorganic materials for control triggered electrical breakdown. Investigating and developing alternative materials, production for testing and electrical breakdown testing. Analysis of materials including chemical, physical, and crystallographic
- Development and application of analytical methodologies associated with the qualitative and quantitative assessment of organic, inorganic and metallic materials. Techniques include mechanical, elemental, spectroscopic, rheology and thermal analyses
- Synthesis of inert precursors for direct in-flow, high-purity synthesis of pentaerythritol tetranitrate (PETN). Application of synthetic chemistry techniques to prepare and purify target precursor compounds. Evaluation of batch and flow chemistry process techniques, exploring a range of process conditions. Chemical characterisation of inert precursors and PETN products
- Performing experimentation and applying chemistry and/or materials science knowledge to further understanding of material behaviour in complex multi-material systems
- Support Engineering through analysis of test pieces using various microscopic and analytical techniques, engaging with a variety of stakeholders including international partners
What behaviors you’ll have
You will possess the following traits and qualities:
- Growth Mindset; You’re full of grit and determination. Clear where you are going and how you will get there.
- Curious; you’re a person who loves to think outside the box. (You’re a person who loves to take the box apart!).
- Innovative; you’re open to learning about new technologies and ground-breaking ideas.
- Resilience; you’re an advocate of ‘speaking up’ for yourself and others openly and constructively.
- Team Worker; you’re dependable and reliable. You’re interested in collaborating with and supporting others.
Location
You will be based at Aldermaston, nr. Reading.
What you’ll get
- We offer all undergraduate students a salary of £20,500
- A market leading contributory pension scheme
- Generous holiday entitlement
- Excellent work/life balance
- 9-day working fortnight. This means you get every other Friday off work.
Alongside these benefits you will get the opportunity to learn from some of the top leaders in their field.
Starting dates and process
Undergraduate Placement Induction will be on 5th August 2024, please avoid taking leave during this period if you are successful. This role is offered on a 12 month contract.
We recruit on a rolling basis which means as soon as our positions have been filled, the scheme will close to new applications. So, please apply as soon as possible to avoid missing out!
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.
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 us will be used to encourage and support you through the application process and will be held only for this purpose in accordance with GDPR.
