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- Tasks: Lead criticality safety assessments and mentor junior team members in a dynamic nuclear environment.
- Company: Join AWE, the UK's largest Criticality Safety Group, dedicated to safe nuclear operations.
- Benefits: Enjoy a 9-day working fortnight, generous leave, and a market-leading pension scheme.
- Why this job: Be part of a supportive team making a real impact on national defence and nuclear safety.
- Qualifications: Honours Degree in science or engineering; experience in criticality safety assessment is essential.
- Other info: Opportunities for professional development and flexible working arrangements available.
The predicted salary is between 44000 - 62000 £ per year.
Location: RG7 4PR, located between Reading and Basingstoke, with free onsite parking. 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.
Packages:
- Senior Criticality Safety Assessor: from £52,000 (depending on suitability and experience) plus allowances
- Principal Criticality Safety Assessor: from £65,000 (depending on suitability and experience) plus allowances
- A relocation package may be available - terms and conditions apply.
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.
Join AWE in the UK's largest Criticality Safety Group to support safe nuclear operations in defence of the nation and develop your nuclear career! We are currently looking to expand our Criticality Safety Group and are seeking Senior Criticality Safety Assessors and Principal Criticality Safety Assessors to join us and apply their experience to our complex and challenging mission. We strive to have such a friendly and supportive group to welcome experienced individuals and to help them build a career that is both rewarding and technically stimulating.
Our goal is to grow our internationally recognised, highly capable, friendly, and supportive group to meet the increasing demands of a challenging programme of work in support of the UK's nuclear deterrent. As AWE's Criticality Safety Group, our role is to provide an in-house criticality safety assessment capability in support of delivering the company's strategic objectives. This involves the delivery of criticality safety assessments during the design, operation, and decommissioning phases of nuclear facilities, which form a part of our nuclear safety documentation that satisfies our Nuclear Site Licence Conditions.
As a Senior Criticality Safety Assessor, you will be expected to provide leadership within an area of our capability delivery and act as an advisor to operational facilities and new build programmes. The role provides an important function to coach and mentor junior members of the team as well as perform peer review of assessments. Opportunities for being part of an emergency response capability also exist.
Our Principal Criticality Safety Assessors act as Subject Matter Experts, pivotal in the provision of criticality safety assessments/determinations and specialised expert support relating to large scale Metallurgical Processing Facilities and Operations, Assembly/Disassembly Operations, Decommissioning Operations, Transport, Trials and Nuclear Threat Response requirements.
Key Accountabilities & Responsibilities:
- Leading the technical approval of criticality safety assessments;
- Set the criticality safety assessment strategy for modifications and new build activities;
- Provide lead technical criticality safety support and advice to the facility, operational or project management teams, influencing as necessary;
- Leading the technical delivery of critical safety tasking supporting the company fissile material operations;
- Lead, coach and mentor members of the team;
- Maintain and improve AWE's suite of company management arrangements for criticality safety that reflect relevant good practice and modern standards. Engaging with other UK and international experts to do so;
- Support external activities, as required, as part of the Critical Safety Authority Outreach and Science Programme. Representing AWE at UK and international conferences;
- Nuclear Baseline Role: Directly Supporting Work with Nuclear Materials and engaging with other Safety Assessment Specialists in support of a common goal;
- The Company may require you to fulfil any other reasonable duties aligned to your position from time to time in line with business needs.
Who are we looking for?
To be successful in these roles, we do need you to have:
- Honours Degree (or equivalent) in science, engineering or closely related discipline or equivalent level of experience;
- Understanding of nuclear physics, physics of criticality, chemistry, and metallurgy of fissile material;
- Detailed knowledge of criticality safety assessment techniques and principles;
- Detailed knowledge of the regulatory requirements of fissile operations within a Nuclear Licensed Site;
- A practitioner who can demonstrate good engineering and scientific judgement with experience in using fundamental engineering and scientific skills;
- Knowledge of nuclear transport codes - Monte Carlo and deterministic methods e.g., MONK and MCNP;
- Experience in methodologies used in criticality safety and an overview of the different regulatory methods outside the UK;
- A portfolio of experience in delivering criticality safety assessments and evidence of leadership/influence, or being ready for leadership, in the field;
- Demonstrate leadership in the field of criticality safety, providing influence and impact;
- Good understanding of the requirements and process for the development of a nuclear safety case;
- Ability to establish strong working relationships with key stakeholders including technology centres, operational and project management, engineers, and safety case teams;
- Ability to articulate and communicate clearly and concisely technical programmes, problems, and risks to internal and external stakeholders with non/technical backgrounds; Report and presentation skills;
- Experience in a nuclear, high hazard and/or highly regulated industry;
- Professional membership to a relevant chartered body (desirable).
Some reasons we think you'll love it here:
- AWE has wide range of benefits to suit you. These include:
- 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.
The 'Working at AWE' page on our website is where you can find full details in the 'AWE Benefits Guide'.
Senior Criticality Safety Assessor employer: Atomic Weapons Establishment (AWE)
Contact Detail:
Atomic Weapons Establishment (AWE) Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Senior Criticality Safety Assessor
✨Tip Number 1
Familiarise yourself with the latest developments in criticality safety assessment techniques. This will not only enhance your knowledge but also demonstrate your commitment to staying current in the field, which is crucial for a role at AWE.
✨Tip Number 2
Network with professionals in the nuclear industry, especially those involved in criticality safety. Attend relevant conferences or seminars where you can meet potential colleagues and learn more about AWE's work and culture.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare to discuss your leadership experiences during the interview. AWE values candidates who can mentor and influence others, so think of specific examples where you've demonstrated these skills in your previous roles.
✨Tip Number 4
Research AWE's mission and values thoroughly. Understanding their strategic objectives and how your expertise aligns with their goals will help you articulate why you're the right fit for the Senior Criticality Safety Assessor position.
We think you need these skills to ace Senior Criticality Safety Assessor
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV highlights relevant experience and skills that align with the requirements of the Senior Criticality Safety Assessor role. Emphasise your understanding of nuclear physics, criticality safety assessment techniques, and any leadership experience you have.
Craft a Strong Cover Letter: Write a compelling cover letter that explains why you are interested in the position and how your background makes you a suitable candidate. Be sure to mention specific experiences that demonstrate your ability to lead and mentor within a technical environment.
Highlight Relevant Qualifications: Clearly state your qualifications, such as your Honours Degree or equivalent experience in science or engineering. Include any professional memberships and relevant training that showcase your commitment to the field.
Showcase Communication Skills: Since the role requires clear communication with both technical and non-technical stakeholders, provide examples in your application of how you've successfully communicated complex information in the past. This could be through reports, presentations, or collaborative projects.
How to prepare for a job interview at Atomic Weapons Establishment (AWE)
✨Understand the Role Thoroughly
Before your interview, make sure you have a solid grasp of what a Senior Criticality Safety Assessor does. Familiarise yourself with criticality safety assessment techniques, regulatory requirements, and the specific responsibilities outlined in the job description. This will help you articulate how your experience aligns with the role.
✨Prepare for Technical Questions
Expect to be asked technical questions related to nuclear physics, criticality safety principles, and assessment methodologies. Brush up on your knowledge of Monte Carlo and deterministic methods, as well as any relevant codes. Being able to discuss these topics confidently will demonstrate your expertise.
✨Showcase Leadership Skills
As a Senior Criticality Safety Assessor, you'll need to lead and mentor others. Be prepared to share examples from your past experiences where you've successfully led a team or influenced project outcomes. Highlight your ability to coach junior members and your approach to fostering a collaborative environment.
✨Communicate Clearly and Concisely
During the interview, focus on articulating your thoughts clearly, especially when discussing complex technical concepts. Remember that some interviewers may not have a technical background, so practice explaining your work in simple terms. Good communication skills are essential for this role, so make sure to demonstrate them.
