Weapons Effects Technical Lead

Physics World; Reading; On-site; GBP 46,000 - 65,000; Full time

Job description

Weapons Effects Technical Lead

Closing Date: 25th April 2025

Location: RG7 4PR, located between Reading and Basingstoke, with free onsite parking.

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.

Package: £46,130 - £65,000 per annum (depending on your suitability, qualifications, and level of experience)

A relocation package may be available (terms and conditions apply).

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.

Let us introduce the role

The AWE Systems Assessment Group, which sits within our Physics sub-function, is currently recruiting for a Weapons Effects Technical Lead to join a team of technical leads working across several diverse projects including battle modelling, consequences of execution and damage.

As well as contributing to the development of our understanding of weapon effects, the team provides technical leadership within AWE and the wider Defence Nuclear Enterprise. The team regularly interfaces with external stakeholders in the UK and US, capturing requirements and directly delivering support.

A successful candidate will be involved in one or more of the following:

• effectiveness and survivability modelling.
• atmospheric science.
• debris/particle formation.
• nuclear/radiation physics.
• computational modelling.
• leading code development.

This role does involve domestic and international travel.

Who are we looking for?

We do need you to have the following:

• A strong degree in Physics or a related subject, with a focus on applied science. Postgraduate degrees such as MPhys, MSc, MEng, and PhD would also be welcome.
• Ability to demonstrate leadership of complex research and development through to product realisation and delivery.
• Previous experience of team task management.

Whilst not to be considered a tick list, we'd like you to have experience in some of the following:

• Planning and delivery of technical assessments using appropriate methodologies.
• Producing and briefing technical assessments to non-technical stakeholders/customers.
• Weapon system effectiveness modelling.
• Radiation physics.
• Blast damage modelling.

This role would suit someone with military leadership experience, although this is not a pre-requisite.

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 a wide range of benefits to suit you. These include:

• 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'.

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