Mechanical Design Engineer

If you'd like to be considered for this opportunity we encourage you to apply promptly to avoid disappointment as if applications are high the role will close before the closing date given.

Role title: Mechanical Engineer

Closing date: 25th November 2025

Location: RG7 4PR, located between Reading & Basingstoke, with free onsite parking

Package: £39,280 - £52,000 (depending on your suitability & level of experience)

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. Due to the 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 much of their time (~90%) working on site at AWE Aldermaston.

Ready to play your part?  

At AWE, it's not just a job, it's far more than that. Our shared purpose is to help keep the nation safe. Could this role be the opportunity for you to play your part?  

AWE is currently recruiting for a Mechanical Engineer to work in the Nuclear Physics Package (NPP) Engineering Group.

Are you ready to tackle some of the UK's most unique engineering challenges? At AWE, we design, build, and test systems that keep the nation safe and secure. From cutting-edge science to extreme environment trials, your work will make a real impact.

What's on offer?

Product Design Team: Join multi‑discipline teams to deliver innovative engineering solutions from concept to substantiation, providing through‑life management and engineering support for the UK's Continuous At Sea Deterrent and future systems.

Hydrodynamic Trials Team: Design, build and run complex tests and trials that validate safety and performance, working with unique materials and facilities in the UK and overseas to support pioneering science and computational methods.

Your day-to-day:

• Turn customer requirements into real-world engineering solutions.
• Own designs through their lifecycle, ensuring safety and performance.
• Collaborate with experts, produce technical reports, and deliver on time and budget.
• Grow your skills with professional mentoring.

Who are we looking for?

We do need you to have the following:

• Degree/HND/HNC in Mechanical Engineering (or equivalent).
• Hands-on experience with 3D CAD and design for manufacture.
• Strong technical documentation skills.

Whilst not to be considered a tick list, we'd like you to have experience/understanding of some of the following:

• PLM, CAD, BS8888 drafting with GD&T.
• FEA knowledge, manufacturing processes, and design substantiation.

Work hard, be rewarded:  

We ask a lot and set the bar high because our work truly matters. In return we offer balance, with award winning benefits including:  

• 9-day working fortnight – meaning you get every other Friday off work, in addition to 270 hours of annual leave.
• Market leading contributory pension scheme (we will pay between 9% and 13% of your pensionable pay depending on your contributions)
• Family friendly policies: Maternity Leave - 39 Weeks Full Pay and Paternity Leave - 4 Weeks Full Pay
• Opportunities for Professional Career Development including funding for annual membership of a relevant professional body
• Employee Assistance Programme and Occupational Health Services
• Life Assurance (4 x annual salary)
• Discounts – access to savings on a wide range of everyday spending
• Special Leave Policy including paid time off for volunteering, public service (including reserve forces) and caring

You must be willing and able to obtain and maintain the security clearance required for the role and be willing and able to travel within the UK and overseas if required

#LI-GD

Next steps:

Everyone who works at AWE brings unique skills and perspectives to the table. We recognise that great people don't always 'tick every box'. That's why we focus on your potential, your fit with our values, your transferable skills as well as your experience. Even if you don't meet every point above, but you feel that this role and AWE are a great fit for you, please go ahead and apply, we'd love to receive your application.

Important things you need to know:

• We encourage you to apply promptly to avoid disappointment if applications are high and the role therefore closes.
• You will need to obtain and maintain the necessary security clearance for the role. This will be funded by AWE. The nature of our work does mean you need to be a British Citizen who has been resident in the UK for the past 5 years in order to apply for SC clearance and 10 years for DV. 
• We want you to feel comfortable and able to shine during our recruitment process. Please let us know on your application form if you need any adjustments/accommodations during the process.
• Our interviews typically take place over Teams and for most roles are a 1 stage process.

Our ambition is to create workplaces where we recognise and celebrate differences, encourage diverse contributions and our employees feel able to be themselves at work. We strive to create a genuine culture of openness and inclusion and encourage diverse applicants. Any inclusion information you provide will be stored in accordance with GDPR and kept separate from your application form and CV, and the information will not be shared with anyone involved in interviewing or making hiring decisions.

Please note that you must be a British Citizen to apply for a role with us.