Production Operative

Job description

Decommissioning Production Operative (Pressurised Breathing Air Suits)

Location: Tadley, with free onsite parking

About the Role

AWE is currently recruiting Production Operatives to join our Liabilities directorate. The role will involve hands on work linked to the active decommissioning of radioactive facilities and working in active facilities processing legacy radioactive waste. The role is physically demanding and requires elevated levels of mobility and fitness whilst working in Respiratory Protective equipment such as Respirators, powered air hoods, breathing apparatus and Pressurised Breathing Air Suits (PBAS). The role is ideal for a motivated individual who understands the importance of safety, precision, working in high hazard environments and following established processes.

Salary: Starting at £26,553 (negotiable if a skilled PBAS operative), with progression opportunities up to £35,000+ depending on training and deployment into operational environments.

Some roles may attract allowances which will be discussed at interview

Working Pattern: dependant on area deployment it could be two patterns and you may be required to move between the areas with suitable notice

• 40-hours a week; 7:30-5:30 Monday to Thursday
• 37-hour week split over 9-day fortnight 7:40-16:35 every other Friday off
• The 37-hour role requires you to be on call 1 week in 3 and be able to attend site within 1 hour
• Working from home is not available for these roles

Who are we looking for?

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.

Able to follow written and verbal instructions to ensure safety is maintained

Manual dexterity is essential as you will be using hand and power tools as well as operating plant and equipment, whilst wearing protective equipment

Someone who is flexible and adaptable to meet the programmes demands, and willing to move around the business if required

Excellent communication skills

We do need you to have the following:

A good understanding of health and safety.

Dexterity with both hands and a keen eye for detail.

Able to train on and off site and willing to do routine on the job assessments to prove competence

Work in Radioactive areas in protective equipment

Able to wear PBAS (medical and training provided), this can feel very claustrophobic

Manual driving licence (desirable)

Able to be on call 1 week in 3 (desirable)

Willing to become a first aider (desirable)

Willing to do high risk confined space training (desirable)

Able to work at heigh, scaffolding, ladders working platforms

The role also requires flexibility to move between AWE sites at short notice - primarily Tadley and Burghfield

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

A background high hazard environments

Mechanical, construction or decommissioning knowledge

Experience wearing Respiratory Protective Equipment

Please note; That there may be a requirement to carryout numeracy, literacy and or manual dexterity testing.

Physical Requirements:

These roles are physically demanding. You will need to pass a medical assessment to confirm general fitness and suitability to work with our unique materials. A BMI of under 30 for wearing PBAS is required (considerations given for muscle mass) along with lung functions test.

During your employment you must maintain your fitness and ability to work in controlled environments

Able to wear respiratory protection which requires you to be clean shaven

Key Accountabilities:

Deliver a variety of hands-on process operations in support of the programme.

Deliver safe operations by working in accordance with the Safe System of Work documentation and follows approved operating and company procedures.

Maintain and promote high personal standards in environment, safety, health, security, and quality and be a great team player.

Key Responsibilities:

Compliance with job specific training requirements.

Responsible for operating safely and complying with all local relevant facility safety, operating and company procedures.

Reporting any malfunctions, abnormal conditions, or issues.

Support and participate in continuous improvement activities.

Carry out 6s activities in line with business area requirements.

To complete all training and maintain level of competence required for core job, linked disciplines and specific assignments.

Work with others to form high performing teams.

Adopt a 'See It, Own It, Solve It' mind-set, by identifying obstacles to success and taking ownership to find solutions to those problems.

Responsible for undertaking other duties as reasonably required from time to time by line and task management, including work at other places within the UK or overseas; this will be done in consultation with you, and in accordance with any requirements contained in your Contract of Employment.

The Company may require you to fulfil any other reasonable duties as aligned to your position from time to time in line with business needs; this may include additional roles as set out below (these are subject to your area of work, and where formally agreed by the individual):

e.g. First Aider; Ballistic First Aider; RA First Aider

Some reasons we think you'll love it here:

AWE has wide range of benefits to suit you. These include:

9-day working fortnight or 4-day week - meaning you get every other Friday off or every 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.

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'.

Extra information

Status

Open

Education Level

Secondary School

Location

Reading

Type of Contract

Full-time jobs

Published at

14-07-2026

Profession type

Manufacturing / Industrial

Full UK/EU driving license preferred

No

Car Preferred

No

Must be eligible to work in the EU

No

Cover Letter Required

No

Languages

English