Role title
Mechanical Engineer Containment Systems - Valduc
Closing date
28th January 2026
Location
Initial AWE Aldermaston followed by assignment to CEA Valduc – 45 minutes outside of Dijon, France. Multiple assignment options will be considered, including UK‑based with travel, commuting, short‑ and long‑term.
Overview
If you’d like to be considered for this opportunity we encourage you to apply promptly to avoid disappointment as applications may be high. The role will close before the stated closing date if applications are high.
EPURE is a French/UK joint research facility located on a site operated by the French CEA’s military applications division (DAM), in Valduc, France. EPURE enables France and the United Kingdom to have enhanced radiographic and hydrodynamic capability, conducting explosively driven hydrodynamic trials safely with state‑of‑the‑art diagnostics.
Package: £30,750 – £42,000 (depending on suitability and experience).
Working pattern: EPURE works a 5‑day week; certain roles may require out‑of‑hours work. Flexible working requests are considered. Due to the classified nature of the work, limited opportunities to work from home are available.
Responsibilities
* Support a fast‑paced Operational Trials & Test delivery area as a Mechanical Engineer with experience in bespoke fluid and gas systems.
* Assist the UK Experimental team within the Integrated Hydrodynamics Trials Delivery Unit, addressing complex specialist systems.
* Design, commission, qualify, operate, and maintain pressure, vacuum, and fluid control systems.
* Lead activities to bring specialist gas control systems into operation, supporting their continued use.
* Implement company quality systems, maintain configuration control, and create assembly and operations documentation.
* Collaborate with cross‑disciplinary teams, including mechanical, instrumentation, and experimental trials.
Qualifications
* Meet fitness requirements for RPE (unassisted).
* Obtain and maintain the necessary security clearance.
* Deploy to France for up to 8 years; willingness to travel internationally.
* Communicate in French (training provided; required to reach the necessary level).
* Work within designated areas of the site.
* Degree in a relevant engineering discipline or equivalent HNC/HND/NVQ Level 3 with relevant experience.
Benefits
* 5‑day work week; out‑of‑hours work may be required.
* Generous holiday entitlement – 270 hours a year, including bank holidays.
* AWE Global Mobility Package.
* Market‑leading contributory pension scheme (9%–13% of pensionable pay).
* Family‑friendly policies: 39‑week maternity leave (full pay) and 4‑week paternity leave (full pay).
* Professional career development, including funding for annual membership of a relevant professional body.
* Employee Assistance Programme and Occupational Health Services.
* Life Assurance (4× annual salary).
* Discounts on everyday spending.
* Special Leave Policy – paid time off for volunteering, public service, and caring.
Important Things You Need To Know
* Obtain and maintain the necessary security clearance (funded by AWE). British citizenship and residency of at least 5 years (SC clearance) or 10 years (DV) is required.
* Meet RPE fitness requirements (unassisted).
* Adjustments or accommodations can be requested during the recruitment process.
* Interviews typically take place over Teams and are usually a one‑stage process.
* Apply promptly as the role may close before the stated closing date.
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; we focus on potential, fit with our values, transferable skills, and experience. Even if you don’t meet every point above but feel that this role and AWE are a great fit, please apply.
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