Control & Instrumentation Engineer

About the job

AWE is looking for Control and Instrumentation Engineers to support with a wide range of challenging projects and maintenance work within the Orion Laser Facility. Our scientists use this facility to research the high energy density plasma physics phenomena, which occur at the heart of a nuclear explosion or the interior of a star. This is a fantastic opportunity to work in a facility which is one of a kind!

Location: Reading

Salary: £37,860-£56,800 p/a + allowance (dependent on skills and experience)

Closing Date: 21st August 2024

The Role?

You will work with our Craft Engineering Team, accountable for maintaining, sustaining and developing the facility control and instrumentation systems. This team is responsible for ensuring the laser control systems are fully maintained, calibrated and configured for campaign operations.

This requires practical knowledge and experience of instrumentation and control systems, SCADA systems (ideally LabVIEW based), PLCs, electronics, plant control systems (e.g. variable speed drives), as well as understanding integration of instrumentation, sensors and data systems.

This role also gives excellent opportunities for career development into more senior engineering roles in the future.

You will have the opportunity to:

• Contribute to the delivery of conceptual designs, detail designs and manufacturing specifications
• Support the team with major and minor maintenance work
• Installing, maintaining, modifying and repairing instrumentation and control systems in the facility. This includes fault finding, diagnosis and maintenance of electrical systems
• Liaison with customers and colleagues regarding current and future needs with respect to equipment and interfaces
• Organise personal training and identify development opportunities
• Carry out safety related roles

Not to be considered a checklist, experience in any of the following areas would be desirable, but not essential:

• Knowledge of, or ability to learn, IEC 61131-3: Ladder Logic, Functional block diagram, structured text, Instruction list or LabVIEW programming languages
• Understanding of electric motor drive and control systems, both open and closed loop.
• Knowledge of computer hardware / software and interfaces with commercial test equipment and sensor systems
• Understanding of Electronic and Electrical drawings and equipment assembly
• Conversant with PLCs and SCADA experience (Delta Tau experience highly valued)

Candidates will need to be able to demonstrate the following qualifications:

• Engineering Apprenticeship NVQ/Diploma Level 3 in relevant discipline or NVQ/Diploma Level 2 plus industrial experience

What will you get from us?

As part of our People Promise, AWE (one of the best 25 big companies to work for in the UK) has a range of benefits to suit you. These include:

• Time to recharge your batteries with 270 hours of annual leave (plus every other Friday off work)
• Consideration for flexible working arrangements so that your work may fit in with your lifestyle. Just let us know on your application if you wish to work part time
• Opportunities for Professional Career Development that include funding for the annual membership of a relevant professional body, access to mentors and training
• A generous defined contribution Group Personal Pension (we will pay between 9% and 13% of your pensionable pay depending on your own contribution)
• Discounts - access to savings on a wide range of everyday spending
• Maternity Leave- 39 Weeks Full Pay & Paternity Leave- 4 Weeks Full Pay!
• Special Leave Policy including paid time off for volunteering, public service (including reserve forces) and caring for your family

All Candidates must be willing and able to obtain and maintain the necessary security clearance for the role.

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