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.
Utilities Operations Engineer - Shift - Authorised Person Mechanical / Electrical
Location - Aldermaston (Reading/Basingstoke area) with free onsite parking.

Package - Up to 50,000 (depending on your suitability, qualifications, and level of experience) + 33.3% Shift allowance

Working pattern: Full time / Shift Work - 12 hour shifts (4 x Days, 4 x Rest, 4 x Night)

Closing Date - 14th November 2025



What's a day like in the life of a Utilities Engineer?

As a Utilities Operations Engineer (Shift), you will play a vital role in ensuring the safe, efficient, and compliant operation of steam and gas systems across the designated delivery area. You'll be part of a dedicated team responsible for operating and monitoring Utilities Plant and Process Equipment 24/7/365 - supporting both daily performance and long-term infrastructure development.

In this role, you will hold Authorised Person appointments and carry out work activities within your designated area. You will also undertake training to achieve Boiler Operator status through the Boiler Operations Accreditation Scheme.
Key Responsibilities:

Operate steam-raising plant and monitor utilities networks 24/7/365 to ensure safe and reliable performance. Maintain accurate records of all safety documentation. Take responsibility for mechanical and electrical safety within your appointed area. Safely operate, maintain, and manage mechanical and electrical equipment under your control. Promptly report plant failures to the relevant Operations Manager or Network Manager and keep stakeholders informed. Act as an Authorised Person (Mechanical/Electrical) within the scope of your appointment. Deputise for the Operations Manager when required. Fulfil the role of Work Supervisory Officer, ensuring safe execution of tasks. Adjust plant configurations to meet dynamic steam load requirements, ensuring optimal operation of steam and gas systems. Manage combustion systems in line with environmental and safety regulations, ensuring emissions and performance standards are met. Perform routine maintenance and oversee contractor activities, ensuring compliance with safety and operational standards. Operate and monitor water treatment facilities to maintain a consistent and compliant supply of treated water for steam generation. Collaborate with a multi-skilled team to operate and monitor utilities infrastructure around the clock, responding to alarms and optimizing performance. Provide technical input during the design and implementation phases of capital projects, ensuring new systems are operable, maintainable, and aligned with operational needs. Prepare and review isolation schedules, safety programs, and safe systems of work for mechanical, pressure, and electrical systems.

We do need you to have:Technician Apprenticeship or ONC/NVQ with suitable additional experience. A background as an experienced mechanical / electrical engineer.


While not intended as a checklist, ideal candidates will be able to demonstrate experience or capability in some of the following areas:Operating mechanical and electrical plant, including pressure systems. Engineering support across utility networks, infrastructure facilities, and associated plant and equipment. Providing utilities engineering intelligence and insight for relevant networks. Delivering utility and building services across a large and diverse portfolio. Managing engineering services throughout the lifecycle of an asset. Strong understanding of steam generation, gas distribution, and water treatment processes. Experience with combustion plant operations and ensuring regulatory compliance. Familiarity with SCADA/DCS systems and process instrumentation. Ability to work effectively in a shift-based, 24/7 operational environment. Proven experience in contractor supervision and implementing safe systems of work. Contributing technical input to project design and commissioning activities.




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:

33.3% Shift Disturbance Allowance, Premium Hours and 270 hours 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'.

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 the majority of their time working on site at AWE Aldermaston.

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.

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.
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 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.



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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.