Lead Fabricator in Bristol

At Framatome we are a global leader in nuclear energy, recognised for delivering innovative, value-added technologies that design, build, maintain, and advance the world's nuclear fleet. With 23,000 employees in over 70 locations worldwide, we provide components, fuel, and control systems for nuclear power plants, along with a full suite of reactor services — all focused on improving safety, performance, and sustainability.

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Backed by EDF Group (80.5%) and Mitsubishi Heavy Industries (19.5%), we're driving the future of clean energy. Here in the UK, our team is now over 500 strong — and growing. As we expand our service offerings across the UK nuclear industry, we're aiming to continue our growth journey.

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Now's your chance to join a company that's shaping the energy transition — where your expertise will matter, your growth will be supported, and your work will help power generations to come.

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We have an exciting opportunity to join our department/team here at Framatome UK!

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Energise Your Career with Framatome UK – Powering a Safer, Smarter Nuclear Future

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We are currently seeking a Lead Fabricator to join our team in Avonmouth to support with the safe and effective delivery of manufacturing scopes of work through high-integrity fabrication/welding and associated workshop activities, while providing day-to-day technical guidance, coordination and support to Fabricators and wider workshop personnel to ensure business needs, quality standards and production objectives are achieved.

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What will you be doing?

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• Support the coordination of daily fabrication activities in line with workshop schedules and production priorities as directed by the Supervisor / Management for the assigned fabrication team.

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• Technically support Fabricators within own team in relation to welding methods, sequencing, workmanship standards and high welding standard practice.

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• Carry out fabrication of high-integrity Stainless Steel fabrications within the nuclear sector in accordance with specifications, drawings and acceptance criteria as stated in ISO 5817.

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• Promote and maintain a safe and healthy work environment by following standards and procedures and complying with legal and site-specific regulations.

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• Attend and actively contribute to Daily Activity Briefs, ensuring daily risks, priorities, constraints and activities are clearly understood by the fabrication team.

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• Monitor fabrication activities on the shop floor to ensure compliance with approved procedures, quality requirements and traceability controls.

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• Provide practical support in the continuous development and improvement of fabrication and welding processes, procedures and workshop practices.

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• Review fabrication performance, identify trends and drive improvements in quality, productivity, standardisation and right-first-time delivery.

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• Assist with the training, mentoring and development of welders, including sharing best practice and supporting skill progression.

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• Support the resolution of fabrication-related issues, including identifying defects, contributing to root cause discussions and helping implement corrective actions.

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• Provide input into internal NCRs, observations, quality investigations and improvement actions when requested.

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• Work closely with other workshop staff including Fabricators, General Operatives, Storeman, Welding Inspectors, Quality personnel and Production leadership to ensure efficient workflow and effective communication.

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• Support the maintenance of high housekeeping standards and contribute to 5S / Lean initiatives within the workshop.

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• Escalate safety, quality, technical or delivery concerns promptly to the Supervisor / Manager.

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• Champion high standards of housekeeping, 5S and Lean culture across fabrication areas.

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What are we looking for?

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Training And Development Expectations:

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• Nuclear Safety.

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• 5S / Lean Culture.

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• Weld defect understanding and development.

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• Leadership / team coordination development.

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• Coaching and mentoring skills.

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• Quality and compliance awareness relevant to nuclear manufacturing.

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• Other personal development opportunities (e.g. NVQ, CSWIP where relevant, supervisory/management development, advanced fabrication or inspection-related qualifications).

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Person Specification:

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• Extensive experience fabricating stainless steel and, where applicable, carbon steel components in a regulated or high-specification environment (essential).

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• Level 3 NVQ or equivalent (essential).

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• Strong knowledge of fabrication methods, fit-up standards, dimensional control and workmanship.

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• Ability to read and interpret engineering drawings, weld maps, specifications and manufacturing documentation.

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• Experience working to controlled processes and procedures within regulated industries.

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• Commitment to safety, quality, compliance and nuclear safety culture.

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• Experience leading and developing fabrication teams in a manufacturing environment.

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• Strong communication skills with the ability to work across production, quality and engineering teams.

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• Experience supporting quality improvements, non-conformance investigations and root cause analysis.

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• Confidence to challenge unsafe or non-compliant practices.

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• Strong attention to quality, traceability, dimensional accuracy and documentation.

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• Organised and proactive, balancing technical and leadership responsibilities.

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• Strong problem-solving and decision-making skills.

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• Relevant fabrication, inspection or supervisory qualifications desirable.

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Benefits we offer:

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• 25 days annual leave per year rising by 1 day for every 2 years worked (max 30 days) + Bank Holidays

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• 8% employer pension contribution with employee 1% contribution (salary sacrifice)

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• Employee assistance programme (EAP)

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Our benefits package also includes Individual and family private health care, Dental insurance – individual cover, Cashplan – Level 2 cover - individual and family cover, Life assurance (4x salary), Income Protection, Professional Body Membership, Tusker Electric car scheme (salary sacrifice), Cycle to Work scheme (salary sacrifice), and Generous family leave.

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