Metrology Engineer - Dimensional Inspection

AWE; Reading; On-site; GBP 35,000 - 43,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

9-day fortnight

Pension 9-13%

Maternity/Paternity leave

Professional development funding

EAP & OH services

Life Assurance 4x salary

Employee discounts

Special leave

Job summary

AWE in Burghfield (between Reading and Basingstoke) is seeking a Metrology Engineer specializing in dimensional inspection to help certify the quality of nuclear weapon products. The role emphasises first-principles measurement and CMM-based inspection in a precision manufacturing setting.

You will develop and implement metrology methods, work with product development teams, and apply GD&T knowledge to complex drawings.

Qualifications

• Experience with first-principles measurement and CMMs.
• Strong manufacturing background with precision engineering experience.
• HNC level in mechanical engineering or manufacturing technology.
• Knowledge of GD&T and engineering drawings.

Responsibilities

• Identify metrology methods with development teams for product verification.
• Evaluate inspection technologies to select best options.
• Develop and implement metrology/dimensional inspection processes.
• Apply inspection quality tools in workshop settings with production teams.
• Set up components/assemblies using inspection equipment.
• Understand measurement uncertainty analyses.
• Interpret engineering drawings/ GD&T and technical specs.

Skills

CMM programming

Quindos/PC-DMIS

GD&T understanding

First principles metrology

Education

HNC level in mechanical engineering

Tools

CMMs

Quindos

PC-DMIS

Job description

Metrology Engineer - Dimensional Inspection

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?

We have an exciting opportunity to be part of a team that develops the inspection processes to certify the quality of nuclear weapon products.

We are recruiting a Dimensional Inspection Engineer specialist to join the dynamic friendly team that ‘make amazing happen’.

Ideally, you will have a strong manufacturing background preferably with an emphasis on precision engineering and have experience using a first-principal measurement and a range of measuring equipment including coordinate measuring machines (CMMs).

Preferred candidates may have served a recognised Engineering Apprenticeship and hold qualifications to HNC level in mechanical engineering or manufacturing technology.

Closing Date: 7th October 2026

Location

Burghfield (RG30 3RR), located between Reading and Basingstoke, with free onsite parking.

Package

From £39,280 per annum (depending on your suitability, qualifications, and level of experience)

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.

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'.

Duties To Include

• Work with product development teams to identify metrology methods to suit product verification needs.
• Evaluate differing inspection technologies to identify those most suited.
• Develop and implement metrology / dimensional inspection methods and processes.
• Sound workshop experience in the application of inspection quality tools and techniques, production activities and processes.
• Inspection practices, use of inspection equipment, setting up of components/assemblies.
• Basic understanding of measurement uncertainty analysis
• Experience of and ability to interpret engineering drawings (GD&T) and technical specifications.

Who are we looking for?

We Do Need You To Have The Following

• Experienced in Quindos and/or PC-DMIS programming software; however, we welcome all candidates with CMM technology experience.
• Experience of measurement from 1st Principles using manual instruments.
• Experience of defining measurement processes and conducting inspection of first articles or one-off components.

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

• Knowledge or experience of surface metrology evaluation using tactile or optical instruments.
• Experience of introducing new metrology/inspection equipment.
• Experience of conducting Measurement System Analysis studies.
• Background in high-precision manufacturing industry (ideally machining or similar production methods).
• Basic understanding of problem resolution and continuous improvement tools and techniques. e.g. accredited by Yellow Belt and Green Belt programmes.
• Knowledge of practical applications of 6-sigma methodology.

Important Things You Need To Know

• We encourage you to apply promptly to avoid disappointment if applications are high and the role therefore closes.
• 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.
• We want you to feel comfortable and able to shine during our recruitment process. Please let us know on your application form if you need any adjustments/accommodations during the process.
• Our interviews typically take place over Teams and for most roles are a 1 stage process.

Next Steps

Everyone who works at AWE brings unique skills and perspectives to the table. We recognise that great people don’t always ‘tick every box’. That’s why we focus on your potential, your fit with our values, your transferable skills as well as your experience. Even if you don’t meet every point above, but you feel that this role and AWE are a great fit for you, please go ahead and apply, we’d love to receive your application.

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.

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