Materials Engineer

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 is currently looking for a Materials Engineer to work with the Power Sources area within The Warhead Engineering group at AWE. We are looking for a highly motivated technical specialist with a background in chemistry, materials science or Materials Engineering and experience in materials synthesis/preparation and characterisation. Experience of working with batteries, supercapacitors or thermoelectrics would be preferable. This role will involve working in a multidisciplinary team of Engineers and Scientists within the Non-Nuclear Components Group.
Location: Reading
Package: £37,860- £54,000 per annum
Closing Date: 07th June 2024
The Role?
Ideally, we are looking for candidates with experience of:

• Supporting research and development programmes within the Energy and Power technologies team, leading projects where applicable.
• Preparation of materials to support Power Sources development.
• Understanding of key sample characterisation techniques, such as X-ray Power Diffraction, Scanning Electron Microscopy, Thermal Analysis Methods and Electrochemical testing
• Understanding how materials and components interact and affect the systems.
• Ensuring the materials/components are safe in hostile and abnormal environments.
• Interpreting different sets of requirements to find the optimal potting for different components.
• Working on aging of different power sources systems.

Whilst not to be considered a check list, candidates should be able to demonstrate some of the following:

• Laboratory Experience
• Supervision of laboratory technicians
• Experience in batteries, supercapacitors and thermoelectric materials.
• An understanding of REACH is preferred but not essential.
• An understanding of materials and processing in relation to power sources would be beneficial.
• Willingness to work in an engineering environment is essential.

We would like to hear from Candidates that have:

• Proactive work approach
• Demonstrable problem-solving skills.
• The ability to work across multiple teams and disciplines.
• Excellent communication skills with colleagues and stakeholders
• A very high level of knowledge and awareness in the field of technical specialism; will develop an understanding of the industry challenges and changes which could impact AWE.
• Are willing to promote high personal standards in environment, safety, health, security and quality and be a great team player.
• The ability and desire to work in a laboratory.

Ideally, we would expect candidates to have a degree or higher qualification in a relevant engineering or scientific discipline or proven extensive experience working in a similar environment.
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 (plus every other Friday off work)
• 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
• Maternity Leave- 39 Weeks Full Pay & 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 generous defined contribution Group Personal Pension (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
• 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

Candidates must be willing and able to obtain and maintain the necessary security clearance for the role.
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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.