Mechanical Laser Technician

AWE is recruiting for a Laser Technician to join our Operations team at Epure, France, providing hands on technical support operating and maintaining high power X-ray machines used in hydrodynamics experiments.

Location - Initially AWE Aldermaston followed by assignment to CEA Valduc 45 minutes outside of Dijon, France

Package: £29,640 - £44,460 (depending on your suitability, qualifications, and level of experience)

Allowances - Individual allowance package provided on assignment to France.

Let us introduce the role

Are you an Engineer or Physicist with an interest in High Voltage or Pulsed Power? Would you like the opportunity to work in AWE's unique EPURE facility near Dijon? Then we have the perfect role for you!

As part of a joint UK/FR integrated team you will be providing engineering input to operate and maintain optimum performance of the three high-power X-ray machines used in hydrodynamics experiments.

Members of the joint X-Ray Operations Team work on subject areas ranging from the fielding and analysis of diagnostics, operating and maintaining vacuum and laser trigger systems to modelling and simulation of electron beam physics. Pulsed power technicians and engineers assist and manage a team of dedicated external contractors performing preventative maintenance.

Ideal Candidates will have the following skills, experience, and behaviours:

• Qualified in Engineering or Physics, or equivalent relevant experience.
• Experience or knowledge of with pulsed power systems, in industry or academia.
• Enthusiasm and desire to work in a highly regulated environment.
• Able to work from AWE UK sites for period of pre-deployment training ~6-12 months
• Able to assign to France for a 5-year period (this is supported by AWE's Global Mobility Policy)
• It is essential that candidates be capable of reaching at least A2 level, French lessons are provided.

Whilst not to be considered a check list, candidates should be able to demonstrate some of the following:

• Exceptional team working.
• Willing to work in high hazard environment.
• Able to drive (public transport to site limited)
• Full DV clearance at time of deployment.

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 below, 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.

Some reasons we think you'll love it here:

AWE has wide range of benefits to suit you. These include:

• 270 hours of Annual Leave (inclusive of 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).
• 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'.

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.
• 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.

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 EPURE.

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