At a Glance
- Tasks: Maintain and service complex machinery while diagnosing and resolving faults.
- Company: AWE, a leader in engineering with a focus on innovation and safety.
- Benefits: Enjoy a 9-day working fortnight, generous leave, and a market-leading pension scheme.
- Other info: Great opportunities for professional development and mentoring apprentices.
- Why this job: Join a dynamic team and make a real impact in engineering projects.
- Qualifications: Proven machine-tool expertise and strong fault-finding skills required.
The predicted salary is between 44000 - 55000 £ per year.
Location: RG7 4PR – Reading and Basingstoke
Closing Date: 10th July 2026
Compensation: £44,000 – £55,000, depending on suitability, qualifications and level of experience.
Working Pattern: AWE operates a 9‑day working fortnight with flexible working requests available.
Responsibilities:
- Deliver high‑quality maintenance and servicing activities on complex machinery.
- Diagnose, design and resolve faults across electrical, mechanical, pneumatic and hydraulic systems.
- Support machine‑tool installations, disassembly/assembly and precision alignment.
- Serve as Subject Matter Expert (SME) for Capital and Facility‑led projects.
- Contribute to technical data analysis, reporting and continuous improvement.
- Implement modifications in line with project and engineering requirements.
- Ensure all work meets strict safety, quality and regulatory standards.
- Mentor and develop apprentices and junior team members.
- Collaborate with capital projects, applying the Machinery Directive and associated standards.
Essential Skills & Experience:
- Proven expertise in machine‑tool maintenance, servicing and modification.
- Strong fault‑finding capability across multi‑disciplinary systems.
- Experience with machine‑tool controls (predominantly Siemens), servo systems and diagnostics.
- Knowledge of PLC programming and integrated machine‑tool technologies.
- Experience in installation and alignment of complex mechanical assemblies.
- Strong technical writing skills; ability to produce clear, accurate and concise engineering documentation.
- Strong communication skills and ability to mentor others.
Required Qualifications:
- ONC/HNC (or equivalent) in a relevant engineering discipline.
- Completed Engineering Apprenticeship (or equivalent experience).
- Demonstrable knowledge of machine functionality and safety standards.
- Willingness to undertake AWE‑specific training and security clearance requirements.
Benefits:
- 9‑day working fortnight – every other Friday off work, plus 270 hours of annual leave.
- Market‑leading contributory pension scheme (9%–13% employer contribution).
- Family‑friendly policies – maternity leave 39 weeks full pay; paternity leave 4 weeks full pay.
- Professional development funding for relevant professional body membership.
- Employee Assistance Programme and Occupational Health Services.
- Life assurance (4x annual salary).
- Discounts on everyday spending.
- Special leave policy for volunteering, public service and caring.
Security & Travel:
- Must obtain and maintain the required security clearance; funded by AWE.
- Must be a British citizen with at least 5 years UK residence for SC clearance and 10 years for DV.
- Will be required to travel within the UK and overseas as needed.
- Limited work‑from‑home opportunities; majority of time spent on site.
Machine Tool Engineers employer: Atomic Weapons Establishment
As a Quality Inspector Apprentice, you will join a forward-thinking organisation that prioritises employee development and offers a supportive work culture. With a competitive starting salary and generous benefits, including a market-leading pension scheme and extensive holiday entitlement, you will have the opportunity to learn from industry leaders while contributing to vital national security initiatives in the Aldermaston/Reading area. This apprenticeship not only provides hands-on experience but also fosters personal growth through academic studies and practical application of engineering principles.
Contact Details:
Atomic Weapons Establishment Recruitment Team
