Applied Science Technician

What if you could work with remarkable people on extraordinary things? What if the end result was something a little bit special? What if your role was mission critical?
For nearly 70 years, AWE has been at the forefront of nuclear weapons research and development. We have a critical mission: to provide the warheads for the UK’s ultimate deterrent - Trident. We also use our unique skills to provide wider UK government with counter-terrorism and nuclear threat reduction solutions.
It takes a special sort of person to work at AWE. What if that person was you?
AWE have an exciting opportunity for an Applied Science Technician to support shock physics materials experiments. We are looking for a someone to work with our team of scientists to develop technical capabilities, to maintain specialised facilities and to conceive and build complex trial configurations.
If you have experience in materials testing, high strain-rate apparatus, or plate impact experiments we’d love to hear from you!
Location:Aldermaston, West Berkshire. We are located between Reading and Basingstoke with plenty of onsite parking.
Due to the nature of this role, it is anticipated that the successful candidate will spend the majority of their time working on site (c. 95%). Team members will need to be available to work at AWE Aldermaston during their working hours.
Package: £33,770 - £55,000 per annum, depending on experience, skills and qualifications.
Closing Date: 16th April 2024
The Role:
The role will involve applying skill and knowledge in the operation of a range of technical capabilities to support empirical science research required to certify warhead performance and safety, and/or enable nuclear threat reduction activities. Specifically, this will involve the operation, maintenance, system design and improvement of high-pressure, gas driven, plate impact facilities and supporting diagnostics as well as the design, manufacture and fielding of trials in support of applied scientists.
Key Accountabilities and Responsibilities

• Applying specialist technical knowledge and skills in the operation, fault finding, and repair of a range of laboratory capabilities that support a broad scope of empirical science activities e.g., High pressure research facilities, non-toxic explosives facility for physics experiments, etc.
  
• Applying technical knowledge and skills to identify and resolve equipment issues and enhance operational performance.
  
• Applying technical judgement and taking own decisions on best approach when operating complex technology where only broad overarching operating principles are set due to the uniqueness of each application.
  
• Undertaking specialist laboratory science support activities, including the preparation of laboratories and the maintenance and operation of a broad range of specialist equipment, e.g. laser systems, high speed diagnostics etc.
  
• Undertaking own research activities for technique/capability development, including experimental design and reporting.
  
• Testing the reliability and accuracy of a broad range of data acquisition methods.
  
• May be required to perform safety related roles, as required
  

Who Are We Looking For?

• A proven track record of managing specialist laboratory equipment and process improvements.
  
• A proven track record of supporting scientific research.
  
• The ability to deliver technical solutions to team problems.
  
• The ability to plan and manage the delivery of own and team tasks.
  
• The ability to work in hazardous environments safely, responsibly, and effectively.
  

The following would be advantageous but not essential:

• RQF level 4 Advanced Laboratory Technician Apprenticeship
  
• RQF Level 2 Mathematics and English
  
• Experience working in high hazard science facilities and working with hazardous materials and equipment.
  
• Experience of taking a leading role within a cross-disciplined team responsible for planning, setting and conducting technical activities
  
• Knowledge and application of industrial standards and regulations.
  
• Basic understanding of working on a nuclear licensed site
  
• Willing, if able, to undertake UK and overseas travel.
  

What Will You Get from Us?
As part of our People Promise, AWE (one of the best 25 big companies to work for in the UK) has a range of benefits to suit you. These include:

• Time to recharge your batteries with 270 hours of annual leave (including Bank Holidays).
  
• 9-day working fortnight - every other Friday off work.
  
• Flexible working hours.
  
• Consideration for flexible working arrangements so that your work may fit in with your lifestyle. Just let us know on your application if you wish to work part time.
  
• Family friendly policies: Maternity Leave - 39 Weeks Full Pay and Paternity Leave - 4 Weeks Full Pay.
  
• Opportunities for Professional Career Development that include funding for the annual membership of a relevant professional body, access to mentors and training.
  
• Employee Assistance Programme and Occupational Health Services.
  
• A market leading contributory pension scheme (we will pay between 9% and 13% of your pensionable pay depending on your own contribution).
  
• Life Assurance.
  
• Discounts - access to savings on a wide range of everyday spending savings.
  
• Special Leave Policy including paid time off for volunteering, public service (including reserve forces) and caring for your family.
  
• A host of voluntary & core benefits to suit your health and wellbeing - more information available on our careers site.
  

Important things you need to know:

• You must be a UK national who has been resident in the UK for the past 10 years.
• Interviews will be 90 minutes in length and will be held over Microsoft Teams. You will be required to prepare a 10-minute presentation in advance.
  
• Candidates must be willing and able to obtain and maintain the necessary security clearance for the role. This will be funded by AWE.
  

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* Agencies: Please note that we do not out-source our recruitment
Please note that you must be a British Citizen to apply for a role with us.
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 us will be used to encourage and support you through the application process and will be held only for this purpose in accordance with GDPR.