About AWE
Who we are and what we do
What if you could work on something that you can’t test… but cannot afford to fail? That could have spent years on a submarine, is launched into outer space (where the temperature is below -250c); comes hurtling through the atmosphere, being heated up and shaken and then must work? Some challenge.
That’s exactly what the team over of over 6,500 people at AWE do every day: delivering important work, in support of the most important mission – keeping the nation safe.
We are the only nuclear defence laboratory in the UK; no one else can do what we do due to the capability and experience of our people and the nuclear site licences only we hold.
We have some of the most brilliant people, working on some of the most complex challenges – working with research equipment that can simulate the temperatures and pressures at the heart of the sun; that can x-ray through lead a metre thick; that use 3D printing – making things of impossible precision.
There has never been a more exciting time to join AWE
AWE Mission
We have one clear mission: to keep everyone and everything around us safe and secure.
For more than 70 years, AWE has played a crucial role in the UK Government’s nuclear defence strategy. Working to support the defence of our country, our role is to design, manufacture, develop and maintain the warheads for Trident, the UK’s continuous at sea deterrent (CASD). With our specialist nuclear skills, we also provide unique technical assistance to arms control, nuclear security, and response to nuclear or radiological accidents and terrorism.
Whilst we’re extremely proud of our heritage, we are entirely focused on ensuring that the company, our capabilities, and our people are fit to support the Ministry of Defence, the British Government, and our citizens for the next 70 years.
Alongside supporting the UK’s nuclear deterrence programme, we are also managing one of the largest infrastructure programmes to deliver a cutting-edge, sustainable science and manufacturing environment, as well as maintaining an estate that spans over 1,000 acres with some very unique buildings.
AWE is an exciting place to be – come join us.
Our mission is clear: to keep everyone, and everything around us safe and secure. Forces personnel, regardless of service, rank, grade or employment field understand this, and due to their knowledge and experience, add great value to our organisation and community.
AWE Recruitment
AWE is actively recruiting across all areas and at all career stages.
We offer many different opportunities across all business functions, from Human Resources to Supply Chain, Corporate Affairs, Science and of course Engineering and everything in between. Our Engineering opportunities cover the whole production lifecycle, from development, through manufacturing and supporting our systems, to decommissioning.
We’re also recruiting people in our extensive capital build programme, and in our enabling and corporate service functions, which ensure our people have the facilities, tools, equipment and support they require for their roles.
We recognise that inclusive and diverse teams are integral to a successful business, and our employee-led networks help steer us to our inclusion goals. One such network is our Armed Forces, Veterans, Reservists and Cadet Volunteer Community, born out of AWE’s membership of the Ministry of Defence Employee Recognition Scheme (ERS)2. It recognises that Forces personnel are force multipliers, and enables cross-functional collaboration, knowledge sharing and the empowerment of operational brilliance. It also recognises that many military skills and behaviours are vital to our operations.
Don’t take just our word that we’re a great place to work – here’s what some of our ex-Forces personnel have to say:
Our Ex-Forces Testimonials
"I left the Royal Navy in 2014 as an experienced Warrant Officer, and initially stepped completely out of my comfort zon...
"Prior to AWE, I served for four years in the Royal Air Force, reaching the rank of Corporal"
"Having been a Weapons Engineer in the Royal Navy, I wanted to work at AWE to continue my involvement in the delivery of...
There really is something for everyone, whatever stage you are at in your career. It truly is an exciting time to be at AWE.
To find out more, search and apply for our current vacancies, or register for job alerts here
