Materials and Analytical Scientist

Physics World; Aldermaston; On-site; GBP 38,000 - 42,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

9-day working fortnight

Generous pension scheme (9-13%)

Life Assurance (4x annual salary)

Career development funding

Employee Assistance Programme

Special Leave policy

Discounts on everyday spending

Job summary

AWE in the United Kingdom is seeking an experienced Metrologist to join the Target Fabrication Science Team. The role focuses on dimensional inspection, metrology methods, and delivering high-quality data for plasma physics experiments.

You will conduct method development, validation and reporting, calibrate equipment, and support program requirements in a busy lab environment, working onsite to ensure safety and quality standards are met.

Qualifications

• NVQ level 6 in Metrology, or Foundation Degree and direct work experience.
• Ability to follow design requirements/drawings.
• Knowledge and experience with metrology processes, especially CMM and white light interferometry.
• Knowledge or experience of surface metrology evaluation using tactile or optical instruments.
• Experience of introducing new metrology/inspection equipment.

Responsibilities

• Work with Trials Engineers to understand metrology requirements and identify methods to deliver.
• Method development and validation and verification of tests.
• Interpret data and produce high-quality technical reports to support customer and programme requirements.
• Manage day-to-day laboratory activities, including equipment calibration, maintenance and troubleshooting.
• Maintain safety, quality and compliance through Safe Systems of Work.
• Collaborate with customers, stakeholders and technical specialists to deliver scientific solutions.
• Drive continuous improvement in laboratory processes, methods and capabilities.
• Support the delivery of technical programmes by balancing priorities and meeting challenging timescales.

Skills

Design interpretation

Metrology knowledge

CMM & interferometry

Surface metrology evaluation

Deploy new metrology equipment

Education

NVQ level 6 in Metrology or Foundation Degree

Job description

Closing Date: 12th October 2026

Job Details

Metrologist

Closing Date: 12th October 2026

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

Package: £38,000 - £42,000 per Anum (depending on your suitability, qualifications, and level of experience)

Plus a role specific allowance.

Working Pattern: AWE operates a 9-day working fortnight, with every other Friday as a non-working day. For this role, employees are required to work fully onsite. We support flexible working arrangements where possible, including part-time and varied working hours, while maintaining an onsite presence. Please let us know if you would like us to consider an alternative working pattern as part of your application.

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?

This is an exciting opportunity for an experienced Metrologist to join AWE's Target Fabrication Science Team. The team plays a key role in providing analysis and expertise in metrology and inspection of micron scale components and millimetre scale targets. These materials deliver to multiple AWE programmes primarily plasma physics experiments on both the UK Orion and US NIF laser facilities.

Working within a busy and dynamic laboratory environment, you will be responsible for the dimensional inspection using a range of techniques including co-ordinate measurement machines, interferometry and optical microscopy. You will support the development, validation and verification of new and existing test methods, delivering high-quality scientific data to meet programme requirements.

The role combines hands-on laboratory work, routine analytical testing, report writing, equipment calibration, laboratory maintenance and the oversight of day-to-day laboratory activities. You will play a key role in supporting critical programmes through the safe and effective delivery of analytical testing and technical expertise.

We are looking for an individual who can work calmly and effectively in a fast-paced environment, taking ownership of their workload while maintaining high standards of safety, quality and delivery. You will bring strong analytical testing experience, enthusiasm, initiative and a flexible approach, alongside the ability to collaborate effectively across teams and contribute to the continuous improvement of laboratory capabilities and processes.

Responsibilities Include

• Work with Trials Engineers to understand metrology requirements and identify methods to deliver.
• Method development and validation and verification of tests.
• Interpret data and produce high-quality technical reports to support customer and programme requirements.
• Manage day-to-day laboratory activities, including equipment calibration, maintenance and troubleshooting.
• Maintain the highest standards of safety, quality and compliance through the use of Safe Systems of Work.
• Work collaboratively with customers, stakeholders and technical specialists to deliver scientific solutions.
• Drive continuous improvement in laboratory processes, methods and capabilities.
• Support the delivery of technical programmes by balancing priorities and meeting challenging timescales.

Who are we looking for?

We Do Need You To Have The Following

• NVQ level 6 in Metrology, or Foundation Degree and direct work experience
• Ability to follow design requirements/drawings.
• Knowledge and experience with metrology processes, especially co-ordinate measuring machines and white light interferometry.
• Knowledge or experience of surface metrology evaluation using tactile or optical instruments.
• Experience of introducing new metrology/inspection equipment.

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

• Planning and implementing challenging projects, project management principles, techniques, and tools.
• Working in a multi-disciplinary, customer facing team that delivers technically complex services in an area with robust technical requirements.
• Understanding of Safe Systems of Work, including Risk Assessments, COSHH Assessments and Operating Instructions.
• Strong analytical, problem-solving and troubleshooting skills, with the ability to interpret scientific, technical and operational data.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to communicate complex technical information to a range of audiences.

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:

• 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'.