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Materials Scientist Placement Programme

AWE plc

Materials Scientist Placement Programme

£22250

AWE plc, Spencers Wood, Wokingham

  • Full time
  • Temporary
  • Onsite working

Posted today, 20 Sep | Get your application in now to be one of the first to apply.

Closing date: Closing date not specified

job Ref: bc80af199d1e4cdbb5845ba7f117a3df

Full Job Description

  • The development of foam and aerogel materials for laser target application to support the modelling and characterisation of plasma-based reactions. This includes investigating the development and manufacture of materials using less hazardous chemicals, as well as analysing materials including chemical, physical and x-ray CT properties/characteristics.
  • The development of new inorganic materials for control triggered electrical breakdown. You will be involved in investigating and developing alternative materials, the production for testing and electrical breakdown testing, as well as analysing materials including chemical, physical, and crystallographic
  • The 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); the application of synthetic chemistry techniques to prepare and purify target precursor compounds and evaluating batch and flow chemistry process techniques, exploring a range of process conditions, as well as chemical characterisation of inert precursors and PETN products
  • Performing experimentation and applying chemistry and/or materials science knowledge to further understand the material behaviour in complex multi-material systems
  • Supporting Engineering through the analysis of test pieces using various microscopic and analytical techniques, engaging with a variety of stakeholders including international partners

    Passion for materials development and/or analytical chemistry. Candidates will be studying for a degree in related fields such as Materials Science or Chemistry.
  • 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.
  • 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.

    Start an extraordinary career at AWE; grow your skills, learn from industry experts and become part of a community at one of the most unique companies in the UK.
    • About the Year in Industry This position is created for university students undertaking a 12-month placement, who will join our Modelling Team in Materials and This position is created for university students undertaking a 12-month placement, who will join our Materials Science area of AWE. 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.

  • The opportunity to learn from subject matter experts and to develop skills that are applicable across many industries.
  • A salary of £22,250
  • A market leading contributory pension scheme. We will pay between 9% and 13% of your pensionable pay depending on your own contribution.
  • Every second Friday off. We do this by working a 41-hour week followed by a 33-hour week.
  • 270 hours annual leave a year that includes an allowance for bank holidays.
  • Access to the employee discounts portal - everyday savings on retail, hospitality and leisure.
    • Starting date Undergraduate Placement Induction start date will be August 2025, so please avoid taking leave during this period if you are successful. This role is offered on a 12-month contract.