At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead the design and commissioning of high pulsed power systems in a collaborative team.
- Company: AWE is a cutting-edge organization focused on defense technology and scientific research.
- Benefits: Enjoy a 9-day working fortnight, generous leave, and a market-leading pension scheme.
- Why this job: Be part of groundbreaking research that impacts national safety while working with innovative technologies.
- Qualifications: Degree in Physics or Electrical Engineering; experience in pulsed power and project management required.
- Other info: Opportunities to travel internationally and flexible working arrangements available.
The predicted salary is between 59960 - 68000 £ per year.
Principal Pulsed Power Scientist
Closing Date: 4th March 2025
Location: RG7 4PR , located between Reading and Basingstoke, with free onsite parking .
Due to the experimental and 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.
Package: £59,960 – £68,000 salary range (depending on your suitability, qualifications, and level of experience)
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.
Let us introduce the role
AWE is currently looking for either an experienced scientist or electrical/electronic engineer to work within our Pulsed Power teams.
This role will give the successful candidate the opportunity to become a subject matter expert within a technical team that design, construct, and commission pulsed power systems, generating multi-terawatt pulses of RF electromagnetic power.
This is a great opportunity to be involved in unique scientific research which underpins the safety and performance of our defence programmes.
This role sits within our Technology Development Group , and the successful candidate will be working with a team of like-minded individuals to investigate the next generation of technology to improve modelling and experiments at AWE.
We are looking for senior Physicists or experienced Electrical/Electronic Engineers to step into this role and work with AWE and its internal stakeholders to deliver important data and projects to the wider business.
This role also comes with exciting opportunities to travel to the US, France and within the UK to represent the business.
The responsibilities of a Principal Pulsed Power Scientist/Engineer are:
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To lead the design, construction, and commissioning of high pulsed power systems.
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Incorporate technological understanding and stakeholder needs to advise on suitable development programmes.
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Develop collaborative programmes with academia, industry, and government laboratories to tailor emergent technologies to AWE need.
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Provide technical leadership of projects at phases from concept to commissioning.
Who Are We Looking For?
To be successful in this role, we are looking for candidates to have the following:
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A degree in Physics or Electrical Engineering or equivalent qualification.
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Demonstrated delivery of projects with at least one or more of the following aspects: pulsed power, radiofrequency technologies, electron beam control and high voltage design.
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Previous experience with stakeholder management and engagement.
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Experience managing product development across multidisciplinary teams and supply chains.
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Previous experience in leading technical projects and/or task management.
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Previous experience in planning and safely executing hazardous experimentation trials.
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Familiarity with Functional Safety Systems.
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Understanding of power distribution, including power network modelling and analysis.
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Experience or knowledge of Radio Frequency systems and/or Antenna design.
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Experience or knowledge of Pulse Power / High voltage design.
You will need to be able and willing to travel across the UK, and to the US and France to represent the business.
Some reasons we think you'll love it here:
AWE has wide range of benefits to suit you. These include:
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9-day working fortnight – meaning you get every other Friday off work, in addition to 270 hours of annual leave.
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Market leading contributory pension scheme (we will pay between 9% and 13% of your pensionable pay depending on your contributions).
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Family friendly policies: Maternity Leave – 39 Weeks Full Pay and Paternity Leave – 4 Weeks Full Pay.
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Opportunities for Professional Career Development including funding for annual membership of a relevant professional body.
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Employee Assistance Programme and Occupational Health Services.
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Life Assurance (4 x annual salary).
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Discounts – access to savings on a wide range of everyday spending.
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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'.
Principal Pulsed Power Scientist employer: Atomic Weapons Establishment
Contact Detail:
Atomic Weapons Establishment Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Principal Pulsed Power Scientist
✨Tip Number 1
Familiarize yourself with the latest advancements in pulsed power technology and RF systems. This knowledge will not only help you during interviews but also demonstrate your genuine interest in the field.
✨Tip Number 2
Network with professionals in the industry, especially those who have experience in pulsed power or related fields. Attend relevant conferences or workshops to make connections that could lead to valuable insights or referrals.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare to discuss your previous project experiences in detail, particularly those involving stakeholder management and multidisciplinary teams. Highlight how you successfully led technical projects and managed product development.
✨Tip Number 4
Be ready to express your willingness to travel for the role. Since this position involves representing AWE in the UK, US, and France, showing enthusiasm for travel can set you apart from other candidates.
We think you need these skills to ace Principal Pulsed Power Scientist
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV highlights relevant experience in pulsed power systems, radiofrequency technologies, and project management. Use specific examples to demonstrate your technical leadership and stakeholder engagement skills.
Craft a Strong Cover Letter: In your cover letter, express your enthusiasm for the role and AWE's mission. Discuss how your background in physics or electrical engineering aligns with the responsibilities of the position, and mention any relevant projects you've led.
Highlight Relevant Experience: Clearly outline your experience with hazardous experimentation trials and functional safety systems. Mention any collaborative programs you've developed with academia or industry that relate to pulsed power technology.
Specify Your Working Pattern Preferences: Since AWE is open to flexible working requests, include your preferred working pattern in your application. This shows that you are proactive and considerate of work-life balance.
How to prepare for a job interview at Atomic Weapons Establishment
✨Showcase Your Technical Expertise
Be prepared to discuss your experience with pulsed power systems, RF technologies, and high voltage design. Highlight specific projects you've led or contributed to, emphasizing your role in the design, construction, and commissioning phases.
✨Demonstrate Stakeholder Management Skills
Since stakeholder engagement is crucial for this role, come equipped with examples of how you've successfully managed relationships and collaborated with multidisciplinary teams. Discuss any challenges you faced and how you overcame them.
✨Prepare for Technical Leadership Questions
Expect questions about your leadership style and experience managing technical projects. Be ready to explain how you ensure safety during hazardous experimentation trials and how you guide teams from concept to commissioning.
✨Express Willingness to Travel
As the role involves travel to the US, France, and within the UK, convey your enthusiasm for representing the company internationally. Share any relevant experiences that demonstrate your adaptability and cultural awareness in different environments.