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- Tasks: Join AWE as a Criticality Safety Assessor, ensuring safe nuclear operations and conducting assessments.
- Company: AWE is the UK's leading nuclear defence organisation, committed to safety and innovation.
- Benefits: Enjoy a 9-day working fortnight, generous leave, and a market-leading pension scheme.
- Why this job: Be part of a dynamic team, develop your skills, and contribute to national security.
- Qualifications: Honours Degree in science, engineering, or related field; strong communication skills required.
- Other info: Training provided; opportunities for professional development and specialisation available.
The predicted salary is between 27000 - 33000 £ 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:
- Junior Criticality Safety Assessor (university graduate or relevant nuclear safety/operations experience) £33,000 - £37,000 plus role related allowance(s) (depending on your suitability, qualifications, and level of experience)
- Experienced Criticality Safety Assessor (PhD graduate or university graduates with some relevant experience or significant relevant nuclear safety/operations experience) £39,500 - £47,500 plus role related allowance(s) (depending on your suitability, qualifications, and level of experience)
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 committed, talented people who want to work in the field of nuclear criticality science and safety. We welcome applications to join our dynamic team as Criticality Safety Assessors from people with diverse skillsets and backgrounds and who are at any stage of their career.
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.
The Criticality Safety Assessor role is multidisciplinary and involves the combination of a strong technical understanding of the nuclear physics of criticality with a working knowledge of writing safety assessments, as well as familiarity of, and interaction with, many other professional disciplines. A Criticality Safety Assessor applies nuclear physics knowledge and uses nuclear data to solve complex problems; uses Monte Carlo computer codes; and undertakes Hazard Identification and fault analysis to find out how a criticality could occur.
Typical Criticality Safety Assessor Responsibilities:
- Deliver criticality safety assessments to facilities in line with the programme demand and our internal company procedures;
- Maintain and promote high personal standards in environment, safety, health, security and quality as well as professional conduct in-line with our core behaviours;
- Engage and collaborate with stakeholders from technology centres, operations, project management, engineers, and conventional safety case teams;
- Directly support work with nuclear material through criticality safety assessment support in a nuclear baseline role which is a key nuclear safety requirement.
Training and development is provided to learn the skills required to become a competent Criticality Safety Assessor. This involves a mixture of training exercises and on-the-job training as well as visits to nuclear facilities on site. There are also many additional opportunities for staff to diversify their work including:
- Delivering criticality safety training courses to workers on site;
- Undertaking facility inspections to appraise operational performance against criticality safety good practice;
- Regular knowledge transfer activities and continuous professional development opportunities;
- Opportunities to specialise in support for specific technology centres.
Who Are We Looking For?
We will need you to have:
- Honours Degree (or equivalent) in science, mathematics, engineering or a closely related discipline or an equivalent level of work experience.
- Examples of being able to communicate technical problems, clearly and concisely, to stakeholders with technical/non-technical backgrounds.
Desirable experience/skills (development in these areas provided through training for successful candidates):
- An understanding of relevant technical topics which include: nuclear physics, physics of criticality, mathematics, statistics, chemistry and metallurgy of fissile material;
- Experience of demonstrating good engineering and scientific judgement with experience in using fundamental engineering and scientific skills;
- Knowledge of particle transport codes - Monte Carlo and deterministic methods e.g. MONK and/or MCNP;
- An understanding of the requirements placed upon fissile operations within a highly regulated industry on a nuclear licensed site;
- An understanding of the nuclear regulatory framework within the UK and/or an overview of the different regulatory methods outside the UK;
- Familiarity with assessment and analysis methodologies used in the field of criticality safety.
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'.
Criticality Safety Assessor - Nuclear Physics employer: New Scientist
Contact Detail:
New Scientist Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Criticality Safety Assessor - Nuclear Physics
✨Tip Number 1
Familiarise yourself with the specific nuclear physics concepts and safety regulations mentioned in the job description. This will not only help you understand the role better but also allow you to engage in meaningful conversations during interviews.
✨Tip Number 2
Network with professionals in the nuclear industry, especially those who work in criticality safety. Attend relevant conferences or seminars to make connections and gain insights that could be beneficial during your application process.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare to discuss your problem-solving skills and how you've applied technical knowledge in past experiences. Be ready to provide examples of how you've communicated complex technical issues to both technical and non-technical audiences.
✨Tip Number 4
Research AWE's current projects and initiatives in criticality safety. Showing that you are informed about their work can demonstrate your genuine interest in the role and the company, making you a more attractive candidate.
We think you need these skills to ace Criticality Safety Assessor - Nuclear Physics
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV highlights relevant qualifications and experiences that align with the role of a Criticality Safety Assessor. Emphasise your degree in science, mathematics, or engineering, and any experience related to nuclear safety or operations.
Craft a Strong Cover Letter: Write a cover letter that clearly articulates your interest in the position and how your background makes you a suitable candidate. Mention specific skills such as your understanding of nuclear physics and experience with Monte Carlo computer codes.
Showcase Communication Skills: In your application, provide examples of how you've effectively communicated complex technical information to both technical and non-technical audiences. This is crucial for the role, as collaboration with various stakeholders is key.
Highlight Continuous Learning: Mention any ongoing professional development or training you've undertaken, especially in areas related to nuclear safety, criticality assessments, or regulatory frameworks. This shows your commitment to growing in the field.
How to prepare for a job interview at New Scientist
✨Understand the Role
Make sure you have a solid grasp of what a Criticality Safety Assessor does. Familiarise yourself with nuclear physics concepts, criticality safety assessments, and the specific responsibilities outlined in the job description. This will help you answer questions confidently and demonstrate your genuine interest in the role.
✨Prepare for Technical Questions
Expect to be asked about your knowledge of nuclear physics, Monte Carlo methods, and safety assessment methodologies. Brush up on these topics and be ready to discuss how you've applied them in your studies or previous roles. Providing specific examples will showcase your expertise.
✨Showcase Communication Skills
As the role involves engaging with various stakeholders, it's crucial to demonstrate your ability to communicate complex technical information clearly. Prepare examples of how you've effectively communicated with both technical and non-technical audiences in the past.
✨Express Your Willingness to Learn
AWE values continuous professional development, so be sure to express your eagerness to learn and grow within the role. Discuss any relevant training or development opportunities you're interested in, and how you plan to stay updated with industry advancements.
