Job Description

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: Manufacturing Engineer - Continuous Improvement (CI) - Assembly & Coulport Business Unit (ACBU) - Assembly
Closing date: 28th January 2026
Location: RG7 4PR & RG30 3RR, located between Reading and Basingstoke, with free onsite parking.
Package: 39,280 - 48,000 (depending on your suitability, qualifications & 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.
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 Manufacturing Engineer (Continuous Improvement) to help design and shape the UK's future nuclear deterrent using innovation and the latest technologies, processes and capabilities.
Working within Manufacturing Engineering, this role are to support and improve our manufacturing systems used in the manufacture of the deterrent via Continuous Improvement.
The role is ideally suited to candidates with demonstrable experience in working within a manufacturing environment. Specifically, the support of production capabilities, the management of non-conformance, the deployment and usage of Lean manufacturing tools & Techniques and Problem Solving.
Working in a highly regulated environment, alongside our design teams, technical experts and Operations team, the role of the Manufacturing Engineer is to identify, develop and implement innovative ways of working, supporting production operations to delivering continuous improvement activities. Due to the classified nature of the work involved, there are limited opportunities to work from home with this role. Primarily based at on the assembly facility, with potential shift work and occasional travel offsite.
Who are we looking for?
We do need you to have experience in some of the following:

• Proficient in applying Systems Engineering principles
• Demonstrates independence and proactivity in resolving issues promptly
• Knowledge of and Experience applying Lean Manufacturing Techniques, Value Stream Mapping (VSM), Statistical Process Control (SPC), Continuous Improvement, Quality Tools, Total Productive Maintenance (TPM) & Obsolescence Management.
• Knowledge and understanding of process control and problem investigation tools (PFMEAs, Quality Control Plans, RCA, A3, 5 whys)
• Proficient with product definition requirements enabling product realisation, utilising manufacturing documentation to enable safe systems of work
• A proven track record working in a manufacturing or operational environment, supporting production and driving efficiencies
• Experience of using MRP / ERP systems to support production, manage inventory and to generate business data
• Experience of driving and managing those improvements through to completion and validating efficiencies (Plan, Do, Check, Act)
• Proficient at creating and managing Route Cards (RC), Technical Instructions (TI) and Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs)
• Design to Manufacture experience of process, tooling or equipment including requirements capture and presenting at design reviews
• Configuration management
• Tools and software supporting digital manufacturing
• Driving and managing engineering change and transformation within a manufacturing environment
• Demonstrable experience with mechanical assemblies in highly regulated environments

We would love you to have the following soft skills:

• Excellent interpersonal and team building skills, capable of building good working relationships within the organisation
• Leadership skills
• Proactive
• Dynamic
• Stakeholder engagement
• Strong communication skills
• Collaborative and effective in issue resolution .
• Receptive to Programme priorities
• Committed to development in line with business needs (SQEP)

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'.
You must be willing and able to obtain and maintain the security clearance required for the role (more information on this can be found on our website) 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.

Skills Required