Mechanical Commissioning Technician

Nuclearinst; Reading; On-site; GBP 32,000 - 46,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Per Diem £100/day Umbrella

Job summary

Cavendish Nuclear is seeking experienced Mechanical Commissioning Technicians for a major defence and nuclear programme at AWE Burghfield. The role focuses on executing commissioning activities on critical mechanical systems, ensuring tests and handovers meet project specifications and nuclear safety standards.

The position is site-based in Reading, with a 6-month contract, initially day shifts with a transition to night shifts.

Qualifications

• Must have strong reading of technical drawings, P&IDs and mechanical schematics.
• Experience with pumps, valves and pipework systems in mechanical commissioning.
• Strong understanding of safe systems of work and permit-to-work procedures.
• Experience in regulated environments such as nuclear/defence.
• Nuclear safety standards knowledge is a plus.

Responsibilities

• Execute commissioning and pre-commissioning activities per procedures and schedules.
• Carry out inspections, testing, and functional verification of mechanical systems.
• Perform mechanical checks: alignment, pressure testing, flushing and cleaning, lubrication, handover inspections.
• Support system turnovers and handovers; assist fault-finding and investigations.
• Complete commissioning records and QA paperwork; interpret drawings and specifications.

Skills

Read drawings & P&IDs

Safe systems of work

Nuclear/regulatory experience

Pumps

Valves

Pipework systems

HVAC equipment

Rotating machinery

Mechanical plant systems

Problem solving & fault finding

Education

NVQ Level 3

City & Guilds

HNC/HND

Equivalent apprenticeship qualification

Job description

Mechanical Commissioning Technician (Contract)

Location: Reading
Contract Length: 6 months
IR35 Status: Inside IR35
Working Pattern: Full-time, Site-Based
Shift Pattern: 11 Shifts On, 3 Shifts Off

Per Diem Allowance: £100 per day Umbrella - Payable for each day travelled to site for workers residing more than 30 miles from site.

Important: This role will initially be based on day shifts but is expected to transition to a night shift pattern during the assignment.

Security & Eligibility Requirements

• Candidates must be eligible to obtain Security Clearance (SC).
• Candidates may commence employment under BPSS clearance, provided SC clearance is actively in progress.
• Applicants must have lived and worked in the UK continuously for the previous 5 years to satisfy security clearance requirements.
• A valid CSCS or ECS card is required prior to commencement.

The Opportunity

Cavendish Nuclear is seeking experienced Mechanical Commissioning Technicians to support a major defence and nuclear programme at AWE Burghfield. The successful candidate will be responsible for executing commissioning activities on critical mechanical systems, ensuring that plant and equipment are tested, verified, and handed over in accordance with project specifications, quality requirements, and strict nuclear safety standards.

Working within a multidisciplinary commissioning team, you will play an integral role in delivering a safe and compliant commissioning programme across a highly regulated environment.

Key Responsibilities

• Execute commissioning and pre-commissioning activities in accordance with approved procedures and commissioning schedules.
• Carry out inspections, testing, and functional verification of mechanical systems and equipment.
• Perform mechanical checks including:
• Alignment
• Pressure testing
• Flushing and cleaning activities
• Lubrication checks
• Mechanical completion inspections
• Support commissioning walkdowns, system turnovers, and handover activities.
• Assist with diagnostic investigations, fault-finding, and resolution of commissioning issues.
• Accurately complete commissioning records, test documentation, and quality assurance paperwork.
• Interpret engineering drawings, P&IDs, commissioning procedures, and technical specifications.
• Work collaboratively with engineers, construction teams, subcontractors, and operations personnel.
• Ensure compliance with permit-to-work systems, risk assessments, and site safety procedures.
• Maintain adherence to nuclear safety, quality, environmental, and security requirements.

Essential Skills & Experience

• Recognised mechanical engineering qualification such as: NVQ Level 3
• Recognised mechanical engineering qualification such as: City & Guilds
• Recognised mechanical engineering qualification such as: HNC/HND
• Recognised mechanical engineering qualification such as: Equivalent apprenticeship-based qualification
• Previous experience in mechanical commissioning, maintenance, installation, or testing activities.
• Ability to read and interpret technical drawings, P&IDs, and mechanical schematics.
• Experience working with: Pumps
• Experience working with: Valves
• Experience working with: Pipework systems
• Experience working with: HVAC equipment
• Experience working with: Rotating machinery
• Experience working with: Mechanical plant systems
• Strong understanding of safe systems of work and permit-to-work procedures.
• Experience operating within highly regulated industries such as: Nuclear
• Experience operating within highly regulated industries such as: Defence
• Experience operating within highly regulated industries such as: Power Generation
• Experience operating within highly regulated industries such as: Petrochemical
• Experience operating within highly regulated industries such as: Oil & Gas

Desirable Experience

• Previous nuclear commissioning experience.
• Knowledge of commissioning completion systems and turnover processes.
• Understanding of nuclear quality standards and regulatory obligations.
• Experience working on AWE, defence, or major infrastructure projects.
• CCNSG Safety Passport, IOSH, or other relevant site safety qualifications.

Key Competencies

• Strong focus on safety and quality.
• Excellent problem-solving and fault-finding capability.
• Attention to detail and procedural compliance.
• Ability to work effectively within multidisciplinary teams.
• Strong communication and documentation skills.
• Flexible approach to shift working, including night shift operations.