At a Glance
- Tasks: Execute commissioning activities on critical mechanical systems in a dynamic environment.
- Company: Join Cavendish Nuclear, a leader in defence and nuclear programmes.
- Benefits: Competitive pay, per diem allowance, and opportunities for professional growth.
- Other info: Flexible shift patterns with excellent career advancement opportunities.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in a highly regulated industry while ensuring safety and quality.
- Qualifications: Mechanical engineering qualification and experience in commissioning or maintenance.
Location: Reading
Contract Length: 6 months
IR35 Status: Inside IR35
Working Pattern: Full-time, Site-Based
Shift Pattern: 11 Shifts On, 3 Shifts Off
Per Diem Allowance: £100 per day (payable for each day travelled to site for workers residing more than 30 miles from site).
Important: This role will initially be based on day shifts but is expected to transition to a night shift pattern during the assignment.
Security & Eligibility Requirements
- Candidates must be eligible to obtain Security Clearance (SC). Candidates may commence employment under BPSS clearance, provided SC clearance is actively in progress.
- Applicants must have lived and worked in the UK continuously for the previous 5 years to satisfy security clearance requirements.
- A valid CSCS or ECS card is required prior to commencement.
The Opportunity
Cavendish Nuclear is seeking experienced Mechanical Commissioning Technicians to support a major defence and nuclear programme at AWE Burghfield. The successful candidate will be responsible for executing commissioning activities on critical mechanical systems, ensuring that plant and equipment are tested, verified, and handed over in accordance with project specifications, quality requirements, and strict nuclear safety standards.
Working within a multidisciplinary commissioning team, you will play an integral role in delivering a safe and compliant commissioning programme across a highly regulated environment.
Key Responsibilities
- Execute commissioning and pre-commissioning activities in accordance with approved procedures and commissioning schedules.
- Carry out inspections, testing, and functional verification of mechanical systems and equipment.
- Perform mechanical checks including:
- Alignment
- Pressure testing
- Flushing and cleaning activities
- Lubrication checks
- Mechanical completion inspections
- Support commissioning walkdowns, system turnovers, and handover activities.
- Assist with diagnostic investigations, fault-finding, and resolution of commissioning issues.
- Accurately complete commissioning records, test documentation, and quality assurance paperwork.
- Interpret engineering drawings, P&IDs, commissioning procedures, and technical specifications.
- Work collaboratively with engineers, construction teams, subcontractors, and operations personnel.
- Ensure compliance with permit-to-work systems, risk assessments, and site safety procedures.
- Maintain adherence to nuclear safety, quality, environmental, and security requirements.
Essential Skills & Experience
- Recognised mechanical engineering qualification such as NVQ Level 3, City & Guilds, HNC/HND, or equivalent apprenticeship-based qualification.
- Previous experience in mechanical commissioning, maintenance, installation, or testing activities.
- Ability to read and interpret technical drawings, P&IDs, and mechanical schematics.
- Experience working with pumps, valves, pipework systems, HVAC equipment, rotating machinery, and mechanical plant systems.
- Strong understanding of safe systems of work and permit-to-work procedures.
- Experience operating within highly regulated industries such as nuclear, defence, power generation, petrochemical, oil, and gas.
Desirable Experience
- Previous nuclear commissioning experience.
- Knowledge of commissioning completion systems and turnover processes.
- Understanding of nuclear quality standards and regulatory obligations.
- Experience working on AWE, defence, or major infrastructure projects.
- CCNSG Safety Passport, IOSH, or other relevant site safety qualifications.
Key Competencies
- Strong focus on safety and quality.
- Excellent problem-solving and fault-finding capability.
- Attention to detail and procedural compliance.
- Ability to work effectively within multidisciplinary teams.
- Strong communication and documentation skills.
- Flexible approach to shift working, including night shift operations.
Mechanical Commissioning Technician in Reading employer: Progressive Recruitment
As a leading employer in the field of flame and combustion systems, we pride ourselves on fostering a dynamic work culture that prioritises safety and innovation. Our Ellesmere Port location offers competitive market rates, along with opportunities for professional growth and development in a supportive environment, making it an ideal place for skilled Technical Project Managers to thrive and make a meaningful impact.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Mechanical Commissioning Technician in Reading
✨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 Progressive Recruitment.
✨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 Progressive Recruitment love to hear about practical applications of your skills.
✨Apply Directly on Company Websites
Check out the careers page of Progressive Recruitment 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 Mechanical Commissioning Technician in Reading
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 Progressive Recruitment and the Mechanical Commissioning Technician 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 Progressive Recruitment
✨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 Progressive Recruitment.
✨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 Progressive Recruitment.
✨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 Progressive Recruitment, making you a more appealing candidate.
