Security Specialist Jobs in Reading | AWE | jobs in UK

AWE (Atomic Weapons Establishment) is a specialist UK organisation supporting national security through science, engineering, technology, and specialist expertise. Its teams work across a range of complex and challenging areas, with security playing a central role in protecting sensitive information, assets, and capabilities.

AWE provides opportunities for employees to develop their expertise, gain professional qualifications, and build long-term careers while contributing to important national security programmes.

Role Overview

As a Security Specialist, the successful candidate will join AWE’s Security team and provide specialist security support across a range of business areas. The role will involve working with senior stakeholders, applying security procedures, assessing vulnerabilities, managing risks, and helping ensure that appropriate security standards are maintained.

Based at AWE Aldermaston in the Reading area, the role is primarily site-based, with employees also expected to be willing to work at AWE Burghfield when required. Due to the nature of the work, there are limited opportunities for home working.

This position is suited to someone who enjoys solving complex problems, building strong professional relationships, managing risk, and developing knowledge across different security disciplines.

Key Responsibilities as Security Specialist

• Build strong relationships and effective stakeholder engagement with key business leaders
• Act as a trusted security advisor to relevant stakeholders
• Apply security procedures to support programme commitments while maintaining appropriate security standards
• Conduct regular assurance activities to verify that proportionate security measures are being maintained
• Assess vulnerabilities and support effective risk management
• Investigate situations where required security standards are not being met
• Ensure lessons learned from investigations are appropriately applied
• Support security across physical, personnel, information, and cyber security disciplines
• Contribute to important business decisions and major programmes through security advice
• Promote high standards in environment, safety, health, security, and quality
• Work collaboratively with colleagues and contribute positively to the wider Security team
• Take ownership of personal performance and continue developing professional expertise

Working Pattern & Pay

• Salary: From £38,880 per year, depending on suitability, qualifications, and experience
• Employment: Full-time
• Location: AWE Aldermaston, Reading area, RG7 4PR
• Working arrangement: Primarily on-site
• Additional location: Willingness to work at AWE Burghfield
• Working pattern: 9-day working fortnight
• Annual leave: 270 hours
• Parking: Free on-site parking
• Flexible working requests may be considered where compatible with the role

Security Clearance & Eligibility

Due to the sensitive nature of the work, the successful candidate will need to obtain and maintain the required security clearance, with the cost funded by AWE.

The listing states that applicants must be British Citizens. Candidates must also meet the applicable UK residency requirements for the relevant security clearance level. The listing specifies five years of UK residency for SC clearance and ten years for DV clearance.

Start Your Career With AWE

Joining AWE as a Security Specialist provides an opportunity to develop broad expertise across several security disciplines while working alongside experienced professionals. The role offers structured development, mentoring, and opportunities to gain recognised professional qualifications.

AWE also aims to create an inclusive workplace where employees can contribute their skills and perspectives while developing their careers in a specialist and highly secure environment.

Apply Now to become a Security Specialist with AWE in the Reading area and contribute your security, risk management, stakeholder engagement, and problem-solving skills to an important national security environment.