Materials Characterisation Specialist
Location: RG7 4PR, located between Reading and Basingstoke, with free onsite parking.
Package: £29,490 - £35,000 (depending on your suitability, qualifications, and 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.
Closing Date: 13th November 2025
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 Materials Characterisation specialist for the Radiochemistry Group.
The Bulk Waste Team provides bulk waste sentencing services for a variety of construction and demolition projects. Within this role you will be responsible for task acceptance, preparation of sampling plans, liaising with our analytical laboratories, data interpretation and reporting to the customer. You will also have the opportunity to support the regulatory environmental monitoring programme at AWE.
As a member of the Bulk Waste team your main responsibilities will be to:
Support co-ordination of the bulk waste characterisation programme, e.g. planning and scheduling programme elements, and managing tasking (customer agreements) for assessment surveys, monitoring and analytical requirement for radiological and chemical measurements
Process, interpret and report measurement test data of required quality standard to specified timescales
Satisfy all legislative, regulatory and stakeholder requirements
Support sampling surveys, to include sample collection and in field measurements, using a range of instrumentation
Assist in programme reviews, development, innovations and implementation
Understand and apply Company Environment, Health, Safety, Security and Quality Standards
Who are we looking for?
We do need you to have the following:
Effective interpersonal, oral and written communication skills to liaise with team members, customers and other stakeholders.
Ability to handle and interpret data.
Ability to organise and schedule work in an ever-changing priority environment.
Be able to work alone and/or with others to achieve specific deliverables to specified timescales.
Strong IT skills, primarily Microsoft Office package
Whilst not to be considered a tick list, we'd like you to have experience in some of the following:
An HND/BSc/NVQ (level 4+) qualification in a technical based subject (e.g. sciences or mathematics). Equivalent and relevant working experience (minimum of 2 years) is also acceptable.
Understanding of radiological and chemical materials and measurements.
Knowledge of regulatory and legislative requirements associated with the operation of a Nuclear Licensed Site, e.g. knowledge of the Environmental Permitting Regulations and waste classification legislation.
You'll need to have the ability to work calmly and constructively in a priority changing environment and be able to manage your own workload. You will also have initiative, enthusiasm, a flexible approach, and ability to work to tight deadlines.
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.
The 'Working at AWE' page on our website is where you can find full details in the 'AWE Benefits Guide'.
Hybrid working is available for this role on an informal, non-contractual basis. Typically, 3 days onsite per week.