Trials, Experiments & Technology Development Senior Coating Engineer

Closing date: 22nd April 2026

Location: RG7 4PR located between Reading and Basingstoke, with free onsite parking

Package: £49,480 - £55,000 (depending on your suitability, qualifications & level of experience)

Working pattern: AWE operates a 9-day working fortnight. We will consider flexible working requests so that your work may fit in with your lifestyle. Just let us know your preferred working pattern on your application. 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.

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?

AWE have an exciting opportunity for a Senior Coating Specialist to join the Target Fabrication Team, supporting the TT&E Business Unit with the delivery of their Radiation Physics programme. They will act as the lead in polymer and metallic coatings, working with technicians to develop and deliver coating techniques to specialist substrates. This position may appeal to a chemist or chemical engineer with experience in coating micron/sub-micron layered components for high power laser experiments.

Who are we looking for?

The successful candidate will lead the development and delivery of our in-house coating capability. You will develop and optimise polymer and metallic coating techniques to meet customer requirements, and oversee the work of technicians, providing guidance, training and mentorship to support their growth. Working in close collaboration with machining, assembly, and characterisation teams, you will lead the delivery of a comprehensive, end-to-end service for our customers

Whilst not to be considered a check list, some of the things you will be doing are:

• Performing research and development activities to establish in-house coating capabilities
• Developing safe, standardised operating procedures for routine coating procedures
• Investigating methods to meet novel customer requirements
• Identifying and facilitating improved working practices to aid delivery
• Maintaining all chemical and manufacturing processes in line with statutory requirements

We do need you to have the following:

• Strong proven experience as a Coating Specialist or a similar role within the coatings industry
• Good knowledge of different coating types, applications, and associated equipment
• A Degree or equivalent in a STEM discipline including chartership with relevant professional body
• Ideally, experienced in either polymer or metal coatings, however, on the job experience may be considered in place of this

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

You must be willing and able to obtain and maintain the security clearance required for the role (more information on this can be found on our website) and be willing and able to travel within the UK and overseas if required

Important things you need to know:

• 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 during the process. xbpsjku

Candidates must be willing and able to obtain and maintain the necessary security clearance for the role and be willing and able to work in designated areas.

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