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
AWE is an exceptional employer for Machine Tool Engineers, offering a unique 9-day working fortnight that allows for a better work-life balance, alongside a competitive salary and comprehensive benefits package. With a strong focus on professional development, employees have access to funding for relevant memberships and opportunities to mentor apprentices, fostering a collaborative and growth-oriented work culture. Located in Reading and Basingstoke, AWE provides a supportive environment where safety, quality, and continuous improvement are paramount, making it an ideal place for engineers looking to make a meaningful impact.
Contact Details:
Atomic Weapons Establishment Recruitment Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Machine Tool Engineers
✨Get Your Hands Dirty at Engineering Events
Join local engineering meetups or industry conferences related to mechanical engineering. Whether it's a workshop or a career fair, these events are goldmines for networking and getting a foot in the door. Plus, you can showcase your passion and enthusiasm directly to potential employers like Atomic Weapons Establishment.
✨Connect with Professors & Peers
Tap into your university’s resources—professors often have connections in the industry. Don’t be shy to ask about potential openings or recommendations. Your classmates might also know of companies hiring. Often, it’s who you know that gets you in front of the right people!
✨Highlight Your Projects and Practical Experience
When you land those interviews, make sure to talk about your hands-on projects or internships. Whether it's a design project or hands-on experience with CAD software, specific examples will make you stand out. Companies like Atomic Weapons Establishment love to hear about practical applications of your skills.
✨Apply Directly on Company Websites
Check out the careers page of Atomic Weapons Establishment and apply directly through there. It shows initiative and interest in their specific values. Plus, you'll often find openings that aren't advertised on job boards, giving you a better chance to land that full-time gig!
We think you need these skills to ace Machine Tool Engineers
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Off Your Technical Expertise:In mechanical engineering, it’s vital to highlight your technical skills and projects. Make sure to include relevant software proficiency (like CAD tools) in your CV. If you've worked on specific engineering projects, detail your key contributions — we want to see how you’ve applied your skills in a practical setting!
Focus on Problem-Solving Examples:Employers in mechanical engineering love to see how you handle challenges. Use your cover letter to share specific instances where you’ve solved a complex problem or improved a design. This will show us you're not just knowledgeable but also capable of applying that knowledge effectively.
Highlight Relevant Certifications:Include any relevant certifications or training that can set you apart from the competition. Whether it's coursework from your degree, a recognised certification, or extra training in new technologies, we love to see candidates who continuously improve their skill set. This tells us you're serious about your career in engineering!
Tailor Your CV for the Role:Don’t forget to customise your CV for Atomic Weapons Establishment and the Machine Tool Engineers role specifically. Pull examples from your experience that align with the job description — it shows us you've done your research and are genuinely interested in becoming part of the team. We recommend applying through our website to ensure your application gets to the right people!
How to prepare for a job interview at Atomic Weapons Establishment
✨Brush Up on Your CAD Skills
Since mechanical engineering often involves design processes, be ready to showcase your proficiency in CAD software like SolidWorks or AutoCAD. Bring along a digital portfolio or even some sketches that demonstrate your design capabilities — it’s a great way to show what you can bring to the table at Atomic Weapons Establishment.
✨Prepare for Technical Questions
Expect technical questions that test your understanding of engineering principles and problem-solving skills. You might get hypothetical scenarios where you need to design a component or troubleshoot a mechanical system. Practising these types of questions will give you the confidence to tackle whatever comes your way!
✨Show Your Team Spirit
As a full-time mechanical engineer, collaboration is key! Be ready to share examples of past team projects or any experiences where you contributed to solving a complex problem with others. Demonstrating your ability to work in a team will resonate well with the interviewers at Atomic Weapons Establishment.
✨Discuss Your Future Goals
Since this is a full-time position, your long-term vision is important. Be open about your career aspirations, whether it’s mastering a specific tool or leading projects. This shows that you're committed not just to learning but also to growing with Atomic Weapons Establishment, making you a more appealing candidate.
