Assistant Characterisation Engineer

AtkinsRéalis; Silchester; Hybrid; GBP 35,000 - 50,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading engineering firm in the UK is seeking a Characterisation Engineer to join their team in Silchester. The ideal candidate will support decommissioning projects globally, focusing on characterisation strategies and complex problem-solving. Responsibilities include managing work packages, business development tasks, and collaborating with multi-discipline teams. A background in radioactive waste management and strong interpersonal skills are essential. The role offers opportunities for travel and a comprehensive benefits package that supports work-life balance.

Benefits

Flexible holidays

Health and wellbeing benefits

Career planning assistance

Qualifications

• Experience with characterisation of radioactive and non-radioactive waste materials.
• Knowledge of radiochemical analysis and activity assessment methodologies.
• Experience on a nuclear licensed site in related positions.

Responsibilities

• Develop and implement characterisation strategies.
• Work on complex projects and cross-discipline teams.
• Manage packages of work and support team development.

Skills

Attention to detail

Interpersonal skills

Flexibility

Education

Experience in characterisation processes

Knowledge of waste management legislation

Tools

VSP software

Microshield

Mercurad

Job description

Job Description

AtkinsRéalis Nuclear has been operating for over 40 years with operations based in the UK, Europe, the Middle East, Asia and North America, and are fully engaged in the whole lifecycle of decommissioning and development of nuclear power. AtkinsRéalis are on an exciting journey to become the global leader in providing Decommissioning and Waste Management services.

We are looking for creative individuals who want to shape the AtkinsRéalis Decommissioning, Waste Management and Radiological Protection service offerings on a global scale. If you would like to be part of this journey and are keen to become part of the AtkinsRéalis family and Characterisation Team, then we would love to hear from you.

Successful candidates will be helping support decommissioning projects both in the UK and worldwide, working as part of multi-discipline teams. Responsibilities for the role will be focused around those detailed below and there will be an expectation to support other team members outside this specific discipline where the need arises. Nominally, candidates will be based out of the Whitehaven office, however depending on experience, candidates may be based at our Warrington/Manchester, Silchester or wider office locations in the UK.

There may also be potential opportunity for national and international travel for the right candidates.

Aptitude and responsibilities

• Are you known as someone who loves attention to detail?


• Are you compelled to ask how everyone is doing, always offering to help to solve their problems, and build satisfying long term relationships in doing so?


• Are you excited by being part of a fast paced and complex projects?


• Are you known as someone who always offers to take the lead on delivering optimal solutions to complex problems?

If some of these apply, then this role might be for you. As a Characterisation Engineer, you will provide essential resource and support to AtkinsRéalis’ growing Characterisation Team. Depending on capability, knowledge and experience, you’ll join at Assistant or Engineer level, and support a variety of tasks.

• Development and implementation of characterisation strategies. This may include review of characterisation data; production, management, and delivery of survey, sampling or analysis plans; facilitating analysis and review of analytical and modelling data; and determination of waste classification and waste disposal routes.


• Work across a variety of projects, locations, departments, and clients to solve complex and challenging problems with innovative solutions whilst supporting general team development and capability. Work may involve supporting other disciplines in more generalised capacities.


• Business development and related tasks, such as strategic decision making, governance, and preparation of bids and proposals.


• Take ownership of management of packages of work, interfacing with commercial managers to support delivery, and lead, manage or support other team members in sharing knowledge, experience and training.

Requirements

The optimal candidate will have demonstrable experience in some of the following areas, however we welcome motivated and capable individuals with related experience or overlapping backgrounds.

• Application of the characterisation process (e.g. DQO) for both radioactive and non-radioactive waste materials or characterisation objectives arising from decommissioning and demolition activities or environmental remediation, involving technical report writing and data processing including use of industry software such as VSP.


• Use, knowledge or interpretation of radiochemical analysis, radiological fingerprints, radiometric instrumentation or activity assessment methodologies using relevant industry software such as Microshield and Mercurad etc.


• Application and knowledge of radioactive and non-radioactive waste management legislation and guidance, and an understanding of the waste routing options for radioactive and non-radioactive wastes.


• Experience in working on a nuclear licensed site in waste or characterisation positions.


• Interpersonal skills and flexibility: able to build and develop relationships internally and externally and a willingness for proportionate travel.

Why work for AtkinsRéalis?

The UK is the first major economy to legislate for a Net Zero target by 2050. To achieve this, our nuclear and clean energy teams are ensuring a mix of secure and sustainable energies that can meet our industry and lifestyle demands today, and in 30 years' time. We help to power our world through exciting new technologies and intelligent cybersecurity systems on projects that vary greatly in size, scope, and scale. So, you'll be creating the right safe and resilient systems across nuclear power, renewables, decarbonisation development, new builds and energy efficiency.

Meeting your needs:

When you start with us, you'll enjoy “Total Reward,” a package that can be tailored to your lifestyle, career and personal needs. From flexible holidays to life assurance, health & wellbeing benefits, and career planning for the senior stage of your career. Making sure you're supported is important to us. So, if you identify as having a disability, tell us ahead of your interview. And let's talk about any adjustments you might need.

Additional Information

This role may require security clearance and offers of employment will be dependent on obtaining the relevant level of clearance. If this is necessary, it will be discussed with you at interview. The vetting process is delivered by United Kingdom Security Vetting (UKSV) and may require candidates to provide proof of residency in the UK of 5 years or longer. If applying to this role please do not make reference to (in conversation) or include in your application or CV, details of any current or previously held security clearance.

We are committed to promoting a diverse and inclusive community - a place where we can all be ourselves, thrive and develop. To help embed inclusion for all, from day one, we offer a range of family friendly, inclusive employment policies, flexible working arrangements and employee networks to support staff from different backgrounds. As an Equal Opportunities Employer, we value applications from all backgrounds, cultures and ability.