Metrologist

Atomic Weapons Establishment; Aldermaston; On-site; GBP 38,000 - 42,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

9‑day working fortnight

Pension scheme (9–13%)

Maternity/Paternity leave

Career development funding

Employee Assistance Programme

Life Assurance

Job summary

Atomic Weapons Establishment in the United Kingdom seeks an experienced Metrologist to join the Target Fabrication Science Team. The role focuses on dimensional inspection of micron-scale components and millimetre-scale targets using CMM, interferometry, and optical microscopy to support plasma physics programmes on laser facilities.

The successful candidate will develop and validate test methods, deliver high-quality data, and ensure safety and quality through Safe Systems of Work in a busy

Qualifications

• NVQ level 6 in Metrology, or Foundation Degree and direct work experience.

Responsibilities

• Work with Trials Engineers to understand metrology requirements and identify methods to deliver.

Skills

Metrology knowledge

CMM (Coordinate Measuring Machines)

Interferometry

Surface metrology

Troubleshooting

Written and verbal communication

Analytical reasoning

Education

NVQ level 6 in Metrology

Tools

Optical microscopy

White light interferometry

Job description

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.

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

• 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.

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 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.
• 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.

Benefits

• 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.

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.

Please note that you must be a British Citizen to apply for a role with us.

We are at the start of a once in a generation – possibly two generations – programme to design and produce a replacement warhead for the UK’s continuous at sea deterrent. We will do this while continuing to deliver the Trident programme as well as managing ambitious state‑of‑the‑art capital and construction projects – some of which have never been done before.

Our ambition is to create workplaces where we recognise and celebrate differences, encourage diverse contributions and our employees feel able to be themselves at work. We strive to create a genuine culture of openness and inclusion and encourage diverse applicants. Any inclusion information you provide will be stored in accordance with GDPR and kept separate from your application form and CV, and the information will not be shared with anyone involved in interviewing or making hiring decisions.

We are an Armed Forces Covenant Gold Award Employer. Visit the Service Leavers page to find out more.