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: 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 options of assignment will be considered for this role including UK based with travel, commuting, short and long term.
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 an enhanced radiographic and hydrodynamic capability. This facility is designed to conduct explosively driven hydrodynamic trials in a safe and secure manner, with state-of-the-art diagnostics.
Package: 30,750 - 42,000 (depending on your suitability & level of experience)
Working pattern: EPURE works a 5-day week, certain roles may require out of hours working. 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.
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 with experience of working with bespoke fluid and gas systems to support a fast-paced Operational Trials & Test delivery area.
This is an excellent opportunity for an experienced Mechanical Engineer to support the UK Experimental team within the Integrated Hydrodynamics Trials Delivery Unit who will have experience in complex specialist system.
Experience with pressure, vacuum and fluid control systems is preferred including design, commissioning, installation qualification, operation and maintenance.
Following a specialised training programme in the UK and continuing in France, the role will entail leading activities to bring specialist gas control systems into operation and supporting their continued use. Successful candidates would be expected to follow and implement the appropriate company quality systems, maintain configuration control and create assembly and operations documentation. Those who enjoy working as part of a multi-disciplinary team and reasonably expect to spend an extended period overseas' working full time in France may like to apply for this role. The role will require collaborative cross-team working, including mechanical, instrumentation and experimental trials teams.
Who are we looking for?
We do need you to have:

• Due to the working environment to be successful for this role you must meet the fitness requirements for RPE (unassisted).
• Obtain and maintain the necessary security clearance for the role
• Ability to deploy to France for up to 8 years, but willing to travel internationally
• To communicate in the French language (training will be provided, to ensure you are able to converse in French, but it should be recognised that significant personal commitment and self-study will be required to reach the required level)
• Work in designated areas of site

Ideally, candidates will have either a degree in a relevant Engineering discipline, or hold a HNC/HND or NVQ Level 3 qualification supported by relevant experience.
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:

• EPURE works a 5-day week, certain roles may require out of hours working
• Generous holiday entitlement (270 hours a year, including Bank Holidays)

• AWE Global Mobility Package
• 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.

Important things you need to know:

• 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.
• Due to the working environment, to be successful for this role you must meet the fitness requirements for RPE (unassisted).
• 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.

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
#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