Mechanical Design Engineer Apprentice
AWE PLC
Berkshire (RG7 4PR)
Closes in 16 days (Sunday 1 November 2026)
Posted on 15 October 2026
Contents
Summary
As a Mechanical Design Engineering Degree Apprentice, you will develop the skills, knowledge and behaviours needed to become a Mechanical Design Engineer at AWE. You will build your skills through a mix of degree study, placements and practical work experience.
- Wage
-
£24,500 a year
Minimum wage rates (opens in new tab)
A starting salary of £24,500 yearly, increasing to £26,000 in Year 2, with further annual salary increases throughout your apprenticeship, subject to satisfactory performance and achievement of apprenticeship milestones. Market leading contributory pension scheme
Generous paid holiday entitlement of 270 hours per year, inclusive of Bank Holidays, plus every other Friday off as part of AWE’s flexible working pattern.
- Training course
- Product design and development engineer (degree) (level 6)
- Hours
-
9 day fortnight.
33 hrs on the short week, 8hrs 15 mins per day.
41 hrs on the long week, 8hrs 15 mins per day Monday to Thursday and Fridays 8hrs.
Please note hours may alter due to your offsite training establishment training times.
37 hours a week
- Start date
-
Wednesday 1 September 2027
- Duration
-
4 years
- Positions available
-
2
Work
Most of your apprenticeship is spent working. You’ll learn on the job by getting hands-on experience.
What you'll do at work
This role goes beyond traditional design; you will apply mechanical engineering principles to solve complex technical challenges, create safe and effective design solutions, and support the through-life management of critical systems. This is not a traditional office-based design role. You will learn how mechanical engineering supports important equipment and systems that need to be safe, reliable and carefully controlled.
You will learn from experienced engineers and technical specialists, contributing to real projects that support AWE’s unique mission. You will work alongside experienced engineers and technical specialists, learning how engineering decisions are made and how they support AWE’s role in keeping the UK safe.
During the apprenticeship, you will learn how to:
- Turn customer and business requirements into realistic engineering solutions.
- Understand how designs are developed, checked, improved and supported throughout their life.
- Work with people from different technical teams, write clear engineering documents and support projects to meet agreed timescales.
- Build your confidence and technical knowledge through mentoring, training and support from experienced colleagues.
As you develop, you may use tools and techniques such as:
- CAD software, technical drawings and industry drawing standards.
- Engineering analysis, manufacturing processes and evidence that shows a design is safe and suitable.
Where you'll work
Atomic Weapons Establishment
Aldermaston
Reading
Berkshire
RG7 4PR
Training
Apprenticeships include time away from working for specialist training. You’ll study to gain professional knowledge and skills.
Training provider
AWE PLC
Training course
Product design and development engineer (degree) (level 6)
Understanding apprenticeship levels (opens in new tab)
What you'll learn
Course contents
- Translate conceptual ideas or technical requirements into developmental outcomes or operational designs or specifications for products, systems or components to solve engineering challenges such as compliance, technology, technical or physical challenges.
- Select, use and apply approved problem-solving methods to solve complex problems and determine appropriate solutions or actions such as Define, Measure, Analyse, Improve, and Control (DMAIC), Failure Mode Effects Analysis (FMEA) or Plan-Do-Check-Act (PDCA).
- Collate and use a range of data sources and supporting documentation to support projects.
- Interpret and produce technical documentation such as schematic and circuit diagrams, engineering drawings or 3D CAD models, simulation models, project plans, engineering reports, test reports, fault reports or data analytics using company documentation systems and guidelines.
- Observe, record and draw accurate and auditable conclusions from data or developmental or test evidence.
- Manage assigned projects or programmes of work to meet the required specification, taking into account factors such as resource requirements, safety, quality, cost and performance or sustainability criteria. Apply processes for project or programme management including outcomes such as escalation, audit or risk management and risk mitigation.
- Comply with statutory and organisational safety standards and requirements, supporting safety risk assessments and mitigate any risks identified within the design, manufacture, development or test activity.
- Identify resources, such as digital tools or technologies, human, equipment, materials or data, to complete design and development projects or programmes of work.
- Create and manage a project or work programme plan and develop activities in a logical process embedding mechanisms for adapting to changing circumstances or requirements.
- Demonstrate leadership when undertaking product design, development, modification or update engineering activities.
- Identify and rectify faults, inaccuracies, discrepancies or unexpected results during the design or development process, which may impact the quality and reliability of the product, system or component.
- Ensure that all systems or equipment has been correctly configured and checked for safe operation before use.
- Evaluate engineering designs, development or modification options.
- Identify areas for improvement and lead continuous improvement activities in the operation and performance of the product, system or component.
- Complete project documentation checks throughout the activity and report non-conformances.
- Translate conceptual ideas or technical requirements into developmental outcomes or operational designs or specifications for products, systems or components to solve engineering challenges such as compliance, technology, technical or physical challenges.
- Select, use and apply approved problem-solving methods to solve complex problems and determine appropriate solutions or actions such as Define, Measure, Analyse, Improve, and Control (DMAIC), Failure Mode Effects Analysis (FMEA) or Plan-Do-Check-Act (PDCA).
- Collate and use a range of data sources and supporting documentation to support projects.
- Interpret and produce technical documentation such as schematic and circuit diagrams, engineering drawings or 3D CAD models, simulation models, project plans, engineering reports, test reports, fault reports or data analytics using company documentation systems and guidelines.
- Observe, record and draw accurate and auditable conclusions from data or developmental or test evidence.
- Manage assigned projects or programmes of work to meet the required specification, taking into account factors such as resource requirements, safety, quality, cost and performance or sustainability criteria. Apply processes for project or programme management including outcomes such as escalation, audit or risk management and risk mitigation.
- Comply with statutory and organisational safety standards and requirements, supporting safety risk assessments and mitigate any risks identified within the design, manufacture, development or test activity.
- Identify resources, such as digital tools or technologies, human, equipment, materials or data, to complete design and development projects or programmes of work.
- Create and manage a project or work programme plan and develop activities in a logical process embedding mechanisms for adapting to changing circumstances or requirements.
- Demonstrate leadership when undertaking product design, development, modification or update engineering activities.
- Identify and rectify faults, inaccuracies, discrepancies or unexpected results during the design or development process, which may impact the quality and reliability of the product, system or component.
- Ensure that all systems or equipment has been correctly configured and checked for safe operation before use.
- Evaluate engineering designs, development or modification options.
- Identify areas for improvement and lead continuous improvement activities in the operation and performance of the product, system or component.
- Complete project documentation checks throughout the activity and report non-conformances.
Training schedule
Please note this is a 48 month apprenticeship followed by the End Point Assessment.
More training information
Please note that the training provider for this apprenticeship will be an external organisation and is yet to be confirmed. We will share details once they are finalised. Training may be delivered through either day release or block release, depending on the provider and apprenticeship programme.
Start Date: 1st September 2027
Annual leave will not be granted from 1st September until 1st October due to mandatory inductions you are required to complete as part of your apprenticeship. Any leave approved after this point will depend on the training provider requirements for your apprenticeship and must be agreed in advance.
These roles are governed by Health and Safety at Work Regulations and require all candidates to have an Occupational Health pre-employment medical held at AWE which follows the initial selection process. All candidates must be willing and able to obtain and maintain the necessary security clearance for the role and be willing and able to work in designated areas.
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.
If you choose to share information on your application form about support needs, learning differences, disabilities, health conditions or adjustments, we may contact you to understand how we can support you through the recruitment process. This information will only be used for this purpose and will be handled in line with GDPR.
Due to the security requirements associated with this apprenticeship, applicants must be British Nationals and be aged 18 or over by 31st August 2027.
Requirements
Essential qualifications
GCSE in:
A Level in:
BTEC in:
Share if you have other relevant qualifications and industry experience. The apprenticeship can be adjusted to reflect what you already know.
Skills
- Communication skills
- IT skills
- Attention to detail
- Organisation skills
- Problem solving skills
- Administrative skills
- Logical
- Team working
- Creative
- Initiative
- Maths
Other requirements
Start Date: 1st September 2027
Annual leave will not be granted from 1st September until 1st October due to mandatory inductions you are required to complete as part of your apprenticeship. Any leave approved after this point will depend on the training provider requirements for your apprenticeship and must be agreed in advance.
These roles are governed by Health and Safety at Work Regulations and require all candidates to have an Occupational Health pre-employment medical held at AWE which follows the initial selection process. All candidates must be willing and able to obtain and maintain the necessary security clearance for the role and be willing and able to work in designated areas.
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.
If you choose to share information on your application form about support needs, learning differences, disabilities, health conditions or adjustments, we may contact you to understand how we can support you through the recruitment process. This information will only be used for this purpose and will be handled in line with GDPR.
Due to the security requirements associated with this apprenticeship, applicants must be British Nationals and be aged 18 or over by 31st August 2027.
3 A levels at Grade C or above, must include Maths and Physics or BTEC Level 3 Diploma in engineering.
5 GCSEs at Grade C or above, including Mathematics, English and a Science, Technology or Engineering related subject.
About this employer
We’re a team of remarkable people, united by one extraordinary mission: keeping the UK safe and secure. The UK’s independent nuclear deterrent has existed for 75 years to deter the most extreme threats to our national security and way of life, helping to guarantee our safety, and that of our NATO allies.
Our work is critical. We’re delivering Astraea, the next warhead for the UK’s nuclear deterrent and pushing the boundaries of nuclear science and technology. But that’s just part of the story.
We support the UK government in a range of vital areas – from counter-terrorism to global nuclear test monitoring to building a world-class community of experts in nuclear science. This is work that protects lives and strengthens national security.
At AWE, you’ll find more than just a job. You’ll find purpose, growth, and a community like no other. Whether you're just starting out or looking to take your career to the next level, this is your chance to learn from the best, develop your skills, and be part of something truly unique.
Be extraordinary at AWE.
http://www.awe.co.uk (opens in new tab)
Company benefits
Access to employee discounts portal — everyday savings on retail, hospitality and leisure
Employee Assistance Programme and Occupational Health Services
Alongside these benefits, you will learn from experienced specialists in their fields while contributing to work that supports national nuclear security, threat reduction and counter-terrorism.
After this apprenticeship
Your earnings can increase over time with an apprenticeship. Find out about potential future pay (opens in new tab).
After you successfully complete your apprenticeship, you will continue to develop as a professional engineer. Your first role may be as a Mechanical Design Engineer, with longer-term career routes that could include:
- Product Design Team: helping to design, develop and support engineering solutions from early ideas through to tested and approved designs.
- Hydrodynamic Trials Team: supporting specialist trials that help engineers understand how designs perform and confirm they meet safety and performance expectations.
Ask a question
The contact for this apprenticeship is:
AWE PLC
Early Careers
earlycareers@awe.co.uk
The reference code for this apprenticeship is VAC2000058664.
Apply now
Closes in 16 days (Sunday 1 November 2026)
After signing in, you’ll apply for this apprenticeship on the company's website.