Principal Mechanical Design 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 has an exciting opportunity for a Principal Mechanical Design Engineer
This role will involve developing warhead components and sub-systems that contain pressurised equipment, mechanical structures, electrical sensors and chemical interfaces. The successful candidate will be working with a multi-disciplined team made up of Engineers, Physicists and Material Scientist to provide concepts, prototypes and validated engineered solutions to support Replacement Warhead technologies.
Principal Mechanical Design Engineer (Warhead)
Location: Reading area (office based)
Salary: £58,500 - £75,000 (dependent on experience)
Closing Date: 07th March 2024
The Role?
As a key member of the Warhead Engineering Team, we are interested in engaging with candidates who have an extensive experience managing mechanical or chemical designs and specifications and are interested in developing their career with us.
As a Principal Mechanical Design Engineer within a matrix organisation, your role will span a range of responsibilities:

• Negotiating requirements and interfaces
  
• Planning and managing the engineering development
  
• Providing verification and test plans for engineering trials and tests
  
• Providing system level documentation and presentations for periodic reviews
  
• Reviewing and approving designs to ensure that the products meet with our customers' requirements
  

This is a uniquely hybrid role that will give you the opportunity to combine your technical ability with leading a team. Degree qualified, and ideally Chartered, you will also benefit from great interpersonal skills and a sound understanding of System Engineering processes and techniques.
Though not to be considered a check list, candidates would also benefit from knowledge of ANY of the following:

• PSSR and pressure vessel design codes
  
• FEA/CFD knowledge
  
• Stress analysis
  
• Product testing and validation techniques
  
• Electro-mechanical monitoring
  
• Fluid dynamics and hydraulic systems
  
• Materials selection
  
• Nuclear Safety assessment techniques
  

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
• 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
• Relocation package available (terms and conditions apply)
• Potential opportunities to travel with work for conferences and collaboration

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 National 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.