Technologist

If you’d like to be considered for this opportunity we encourage you to apply promptly to avoid disappointment as if applications are high the role will close before the closing date given.

Technologist

Location: RG7 4PR, located between Reading and Basingstoke, with free onsite parking.

Package: Starting from £38,020 per year (depending on your suitability, qualifications, and level of experience)

Working pattern: AWE operates a 9-day working fortnight. We will consider flexible working requests so that your work may fit in with your lifestyle. Just let us know your preferred working pattern on your application.

Ready to play your part?

At AWE, it’s not just a job, it’s far more than that. Our shared purpose is to help keep the nation safe. Could this role be the opportunity for you to play your part?

AWE is currently recruiting for a Technologist for the Metals and Tritium Group.

Metals and Tritium provide operational and scientific expertise & support by underwriting manufacturing process improvements, providing materials for re-processing, manufacture of test pieces for multiple trials, underpin the service life of key components and provide continuing in-service support to our current systems

Working within the Metals and Tritium group the successful candidate will apply specialised expertise, experience and knowledge in a technical field by developing and maintaining capabilities, operating equipment, and other technical work as directed, to support the weapon programme and/or Nuclear Threat Reduction at the product, component and material level.

As a member of the team your main responsibilities will be to:

• Preparation of samples using wet chemistry techniques
• Perform chemical analysis of samples using a range of analytical techniques and instrumentation.
• Review and contribute to procedure and process development and compliance (i.e. reviewing SOPs, etc)
• Maintain, calibrate and run a range of analytical instrumentation
• Process, interpret and report measurement test data at the required quality standard to specified timescales
• Satisfy all legislative, regulatory and stakeholder requirements
• Assist in programme reviews, development, innovations and implementation
• Understand and apply Company Environment, Health, Safety, Security and Quality Standards

Who are we looking for?

We do need you to have the following:

• The ability to provide technical advice and guidance to customers and stakeholders, through effective oral, written and interpersonal communication.
• Hands on experience of working within an analytical laboratory.
• Hands on experience of using, calibrating, commissioning, validating and maintaining analytical instrumentation.
• Experience interpreting complex chemical data sets and making sound technical judgements.
• Ability to plan, prioritise and coordinate multiple activities in a changing operational environment.
• Experience reviewing, authorising or assuring technical documentation, reports or sampling plans.
• Ability to identify improvements to processes and contribute to procedural development and compliance activities.
• Strong IT skills, particularly within the Microsoft Office suite.

Whilst not to be considered a tick list, we’d like you to have experience in some of the following:

• An HND/BSc/NVQ (level 4+) qualification in a technical based subject (e.g. sciences or mathematics). Equivalent and relevant working experience (minimum of 2 years) is also acceptable.
• Understanding of radiological and chemical materials and measurements.
• Experience interpreting complex radiological data sets and making sound technical judgements.
• Extensive knowledge and understanding of one or more of the following techniques: TIMS, ICP-MS, ICP-OES, UV/Visible spectrophotometry, alpha spectrometry, gamma spectrometry, WDXRF, XRD, interstitial analysis, potentiometric titration
• Knowledge of regulatory and legislative requirements associated with the operation of a Nuclear Licensed Site, e.g. knowledge of the Environmental Permitting Regulations and waste classification legislation.

Work hard, be rewarded:

We ask a lot and set the bar high because our work truly matters. In return we offer balance, with award winning benefits including:

• 9-day working fortnight – meaning you get every other Friday off work, in addition to 270 hours of annual leave.
• Market leading contributory pension scheme (we will pay between 9% and 13% of your pensionable pay depending on your contributions).
• Family friendly policies: Maternity Leave - 39 Weeks Full Pay and Paternity Leave - 4 Weeks Full Pay.
• Opportunities for Professional Career Development including funding for annual membership of a relevant professional body.
• Employee Assistance Programme and Occupational Health Services.
• Life Assurance (4 x annual salary).
• Discounts – access to savings on a wide range of everyday spending.
• Special Leave Policy including paid time off for volunteering, public service (including reserve forces) and caring.

Due to the classified nature of the work involved, there are limited opportunities to work from home in this role. It is anticipated that the successful candidate will spend the majority of their time working on site at AWE Aldermaston.

The 'Working at AWE' page on our website is where you can find full details in the 'AWE Benefits Guide'.

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Next steps:

Everyone who works at AWE brings unique skills and perspectives to the table. We recognise that great people don’t always ‘tick every box’. That’s why we focus on your potential, your fit with our values, your transferable skills as well as your experience. Even if you don’t meet every point above, but you feel that this role and AWE are a great fit for you, please go ahead and apply, we’d love to receive your application.

Important things you need to know:

• We encourage you to apply promptly to avoid disappointment if applications are high and the role therefore closes.
• You will need to obtain and maintain the necessary security clearance for the role. This will be funded by AWE. The nature of our work does mean you need to be a British Citizen who has been resident in the UK for the past 5 years in order to apply for SC clearance and 10 years for DV. 
• We want you to feel comfortable and able to shine during our recruitment process. Please let us know on your application form if you need any adjustments/accommodations during the process.
• Our interviews typically take place over Teams and for most roles are a 1 stage process.

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. Any inclusion information you provide will be stored in accordance with GDPR and kept separate from your application form and CV, and the information will not be shared with anyone involved in interviewing or making hiring decisions.

Please note that you must be a British Citizen to apply for a role with us.