Quality (SHEQ) Graduate Programme 2026

Quality (SHEQ) - Graduate Programme 2026

Our two-year Evolve graduate development scheme offers you an exciting opportunity to join our SHEQ pathway in Quality. 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 science or engineering subjects and interest in quality
• Before 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 & 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 graduate Quality Engineer, you will work towards becoming a key member of the Quality function of the future, bringing new ideas and innovation, whilst maintaining the robust standards, policies, processes and procedures and compliance to our nuclear licence conditions. Working towards professional membership of The Chartered Quality Institute (CQI) on a planned career path you will ensure that the ISO 9001 certified Quality Management System, policies, and procedures are adhered to.

The role offers the opportunity to work as part of a cross functional team across the whole project lifecycle including design, research and development, trial and production 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.

The Quality Engineer will:

• Develop an understanding of customer satisfaction and the tools and processes utilised in measuring business performance and delivery
• Gain a good understanding of configuration and change management techniques
• Develop an understanding of improvement techniques, such as Lean, Six Sigma, RLI, etc.
• Be able to develop, implement and maintain management systems, processes, procedures and other supporting documentation
• Gain experience in auditing from definition/scheduling through to implementation, reporting and close out

Benefits:

• £31,000 starting salary
• Holiday entitlement of 270 hours of leave annually including bank holidays
• Excellent work/life balance and a vibrant and welcoming grad social scene
• 9-day working fortnight - so every other Friday off
• A salary-sacrifice benefit scheme
• A welcome payment
• An option of an interest free loan of £1,000 as well as regular Graduate pay reviews
• A structured and supported career progression
• Access to savings on a wide range of everyday spending across retail, hospitality and leisure
• Access to our Employee Assistance Programme
• Access to our Occupational Health Services

Application Process:

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

1. Online Application – Opens 15th September. Explore the option and apply for one pathway that best suits your interests and goals.
2. 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.
3. 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 September 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 & 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 challenges.

Contact Us:

For questions, email the Early Careers Team: EarlyCareers@awe.co.uk

How to apply

To apply for this role and to find out more, please click on the apply button. Please note that applications may close before the application deadline, so apply early to avoid disappointment.