Manufacturing Engineer Apprenticeship (Level 6 Degree)

As a Manufacturing Engineering Apprentice, you will develop the knowledge and people skills to enable the design and manufacture of a wide range of products, materials and tools to support the successful delivery of our programme of work. Our operations include precision component manufacture, fabrication, explosive formulation, fissile material production, rubbers and plastics, and warhead assembly and disassembly. The role of a Manufacturing Engineer within this area of our business is to realise product design, delivering and managing process and tooling designs / improvements. We work in a highly regulated environment so this will include the creation and configuration of manufacturing process documentation in accordance with appropriate procedures and legislation. This is to make sure that everyone operates safely, efficiently and in an environmentally sustainable way, meeting the requirements set out by AWE and those of the Professional Body Institutions. You will develop a fundamental knowledge of engineering / science principles and practices. On completion of your apprenticeship, you will be able to demonstrate discipline skills commensurate with your role that typically will include design, plant performance enhancements, operational management, project management and maintenance of safety standards utilising analytical thinking to provide innovative solutions., This role may appeal to you if you enjoy

• Understanding how things work and improving them
• Solving problems in different ways
• Working with Control Systems (Coding Raspberry PI/Arduino, hacking consumer electronics, small audio electronic projects etc.)
• Working with Mechanical Assemblies (Car/bike/clock maintenance, restoration, and modification etc.)
• Working with Electrical Systems (Home electrical maintenance, changing sockets/light fittings, vehicle electrical systems)
• Interest in learning / improving practical applications
• Applying engineering principles into real life scenarios
  
  A detailed knowledge of manufacturing techniques and processes which may include machining, presswork, inspection, moulding and metallurgy.
• Design to Manufacture (D2M) experience of tooling or equipment including requirements capture and presenting at design reviews.
• Knowledge of materials and their properties
• Knowledge of design of components, CAD tool design and manufacture
• Good knowledge of manufacturing systems and knowledge of MRP/ERP systems
• An understanding and application of UK Health and Safety Legislation in a Manufacturing or Production environment including quality standards, best practice and procedures
• Experience of applying Lean Manufacturing Techniques, Continuous Improvement, Quality Tools and Model Based Realisation
• An ability to produce or assist in the production of Manufacturing Documentation (designs, drawings, reports, specification and operating instructions)
About you
• Good communication skills (i.e. technical speaking, active listening, professional writing, professional body language and technical presentation)
• Reliability with a high level of respect for confidentiality on work related and personal matters
• Ability to work autonomously and interact effectively within a wide, multi-disciplinary project team
• Ability to understand the impact of work on others, especially where related to diversity and equality
• Good time management skills (i.e. planning and completing work to schedule)
• A supportive attitude to change and an ability to respond positively to change management processes
• Ownership for personal development
• Open attitude towards receiving feedback
• Committed to health & safety (i.e. personal, workplace, radiological and nuclear)
• Effective at following rules, procedures and principles
• Enthusiasm for the nuclear industry
• PC literate
• Excellent team working skills
• A minimum of 5 GCSE's at grade 4(C) or above, including Maths, English and a Science, Technology or Engineering related subject
• A Levels at grade C or above in both a Mathematical-based subject and a Science, Technology, Engineering or additional Maths related subject, or 90+ credits in an Engineering BTEC at level 3.
• Applicants must be aged 18 or over, as of 31st August 2025 due to security clearance requirements
• You must be a British National to apply for a role with us.
• These roles are governed by Health and Safety at Work Regulations and require all candidates to have an Occupational Health pre-employment medical held at AWE which follows the initial selection process. All 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.
  
  Start an extraordinary career at AWE; grow your skills, learn from industry experts and become part of a community at one of the most unique companies in the UK.
  
  We offer our apprentices a starting salary of £22,250, increasing annually throughout your apprenticeship
• Market leading contributory pension scheme
• Generous holiday entitlement 270 hours a year (inclusive of Bank Holidays) plus every other Friday off
• Access to employee discounts portal, everyday savings on retail, hospitality and leisure.
• Employee Assistance Programme and Occupational Health Services
Alongside these benefits you will get the opportunity to learn from some of the top leaders in their field whilst helping us to continue to deliver national nuclear security, threat reduction and counter-terrorism solutions.
• Start Date - August 2025.
• Duration - 4 years (varies depending on personal performance)