Metrology Engineer - Dimensional Inspection

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

Benefits offered by this job

9-day fortnight

270 hours annual leave

Pension 9–13%

Maternity/Paternity leave

Career development funding

Employee assistance programme

Life assurance 4x salary

Discounts

Special leave policy

Job summary

AWE is seeking a Metrology Engineer - Dimensional Inspection to join the team at Burghfield (between Reading and Basingstoke). You will help develop inspection processes to certify nuclear weapon product quality, leveraging first-principles measurement and CMM technologies.

Ideal candidates will have Quindos/PC-DMIS experience, GD&T knowledge, and a background in precision manufacturing. Training is provided; role is onsite with a 9-day working fortnight and extensive benefits.

Qualifications

• Experience with Quindos and PC-DMIS programming software.
• Experience of measurement from 1st Principles using manual instruments.
• Experience defining measurement processes and inspecting first articles or one-off components.

Responsibilities

• Identify metrology methods to suit product verification needs with development teams.
• Evaluate inspection technologies to select the most suitable options.
• Develop and implement metrology/dimensional inspection methods and processes.
• Apply inspection tools and techniques in workshop environments and production activities.
• Set up components/assemblies and interpret GD&T drawings and specifications.
• Apply measurement uncertainty analysis fundamentals.

Skills

Quindos/PC-DMIS

CMM programming

GD&T knowledge

Education

HNC in mechanical engineering or manufacturing technology

Tools

CMMs

Job description

Metrology Engineer - Dimensional Inspection

Job Details

Closing Date: 5th October 2026

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

Due to the classified nature of the work involved, there are limited opportunities to work from home in this role. It is anticipated that the successful candidate will spend the majority of their time working on site at AWE Burghfield.

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.

Ready to play your part?

At AWE, it's not just a job, it's far more than that. 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.

All training will be provided as well as a career path as a professional metrologist. We encourage and support personal growth in a broad range of skills to enable you to fulfil your potential. You will take up the challenge to deliver the inspection service with a friendly team working across AWE.

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.

You’ll need to have the ability to work calmly and constructively in a priority changing environment and be able to manage your own workload. You will also have initiative, enthusiasm, a flexible approach, and ability to work to tight deadlines.

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'.