Production Operative

Company: AWE
Apply for the Production Operative
Location: Reading
Job Description:

Production Operative

Location: Aldermaston or Burghfield, on the outskirts of Reading, with free onsite parking.

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

Potential Working Patterns

Standard day shift within a 9‑day fortnight

  • Monday–Thursday: 07:40–16:35
  • Friday: 07:40–16:20
  • Every other Friday: Non‑working day

Standard 4 Day Week

  • Monday–Thursday: 07:30–17:25

Shift Rotation (Subject to Training and working area)

  • Week 1: Monday–Friday, 06:00–14:45
  • Week 2: Monday–Thursday, 06:00–14:45
  • Week 3: Monday–Friday, 14:15–23:00
  • Week 4: Monday–Thursday, 14:15–23:00

About The Role

AWE is currently recruiting Production Operatives to join our Operations Group. This role is ideal for a motivated individual who understands the importance of safety, precision, and following established processes.

You will work in an operational environment and may be required to undertake:

  • Technical assembly operations aligned with AWE’s mission
  • Logistical or support activities depending on placement

Who are we looking for?

We Do Need You To Have The Following

  • Ability to work all the above working patterns.
  • A good understanding of health and safety.
  • Good dexterity with both hands and a keen eye for detail.

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

  • A background in a production environment.

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.

Physical Requirements

These roles can be physically demanding. You will need to pass a medical assessment to confirm general fitness and suitability to work with our unique materials. A BMI under 35 is required by law for wearing respiratory protective equipment. The role also requires flexibility to move between AWE sites at short notice – primarily Aldermaston and Burghfield.

Key Accountabilities

  • Deliver a variety of hands on production and 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

  • Undertake hands on production and process operations within multiple environments such as manufacturing, science, engineering and logistics.
  • 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.

Benefits

  • 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.
  • 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.

Important Things You Need To Know

  • We encourage you to apply promptly to avoid disappointment if applications are high and the role therefore closes.
  • You will need to obtain and maintain the necessary security clearance for the role. This will be funded by AWE. The nature of our work does mean you need to be a British Citizen who has been resident in the UK for the past 5 years in order to apply for SC clearance and 10 years for DV.
  • Please let us know on your application form if you need any adjustments/accommodations during the process.
  • The role typically takes place over Teams and for most roles are a 1 stage process.
  • Please note that you must be a British Citizen to apply for a role with us.

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Posted: July 6th, 2026