Warhead Mechanical Engineers

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?
Fantastic opportunities forMechanical Engineers (Mechanisms)
Our Warhead Engineering Mechanisms team are responsible for the design, manufacture, assembly and testing of robust miniature weapon safety and environmental sensing Mechanisms.
Location: Reading
Salary: £27,960 - £45,000 (dependent on experience)
Closing Date: 28th February 2024
The Role?
What you would be responsible for:

• Producing and delivering conceptual designs, detail designs, manufacturing specifications, operational documentation, and validation evidence for mechanical engineering solutions
• Constructing and contributing to the underpinning science and calculations during the concept development phase of a new mechanism
• Providing technical input and contributions to the design of new Mechanisms
• Supporting technical reviews and give presentations on design solutions, when necessary
• Assisting with Project controls, including ensuring delivery dates are adhered to, budgets are maintained and progress, successes and any improvements are reported
• Supporting the assembly work, testing, validation and approval of the Mechanisms component builds within the teams inhouse laboratory facilities
• Following company design processes throughout a project, identify areas of improvement and make recommendations

Depending on the stage of your career, we would like you to be able to demonstrate the following:

• An HNC/HND or Degree in an Engineering discipline or consummate experience
• Understanding of mechanical design and specification
• Previous experience of the use of design tools and/or product development & realisation
• Knowledge of engineering manufacturing techniques including Additive Manufacturing
• Ideally previous experience of 3D solid modelling (Siemens NX, Solidworks) and generation of technical drawings including the use of Geometric Dimensioning and Tolerancing (GD&T)
• Good interpersonal skills, ability to work independently but also within a team, supporting colleagues to achieve the teams’ goals

Though not essential, experienced candidates would also benefit from knowledge of ANY of the following:

• Mechanisms
• Materials, such as - Stainless steels, ferrites, ceramics and noble metals
• Joining techniques
• Coatings and dry lubricants
• Tolerance and Fault Tree Analysis
• Predictive Modelling - Finite Element Analysis or Rigid Body Dynamics
• Design of tooling, jigs and fixtures
• Product testing and validation
• Small drive systems e.g., Solenoids, steppers or voice coils
• Small scale electro-magnetic design
• Fluid dynamics and simple hydraulic systems

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 and as the role may require the wearing of PPE, candidates should also be willing and able to work in designated areas.
The successful candidates must also be willing and able to travel within the UK and overseas as required, which may entail short stays away from home.
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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.