Explosives Firing Officer - (EPURE)

If you’d like to be considered for this opportunity we encourage you to apply promptly to avoid disappointment as if applications are high the role will close before the closing date given.

Role title: Explosives Firing Officer

Closing date: 6th February 2026

Location: Initial AWE Aldermaston ( located between Reading and Basingstoke, with free onsite parking - followed by assignment to CEA Valduc 45 minutes outside of Dijon, France

Package: £30,750 - £38,000 (depending on your suitability, qualifications & level of experience)

Working pattern: EPURE works a 5-day week, certain roles may require out of hours working. 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.

AWE Aldermaston 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 Aldermaston.

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 is currently recruiting for a AWE is recruiting for an Explosive Firing Officer to further develop their knowledge and experience in explosive trials. We would like someone who has experience working with explosives, this role will be looking for a candidate further their knowledge & understanding, whilst following work instructions and displaying the correct behaviours towards safety. As you develop then the role will also develop into leading different teams to field experiments and designing experimental layouts and components.

Who are we looking for?

The Trials & Experiments and Technology Development Group are looking for an Explosive Engineer to work in our Hydrodynamics Delivery Unit. The Hydrodynamics Delivery Unit (HDU) is a group of talented individuals brought together from multiple functions to deliver weapon-related explosive experiments for the AWE programme. Skilled scientists, engineers, technicians, and project managers all contribute to a figurative and literal dynamic trials environment.

Candidates must be willing to work safely within a uniquely hazardous environment for this role!

To be considered for the role you would ideally be willing to take on courses and education related to OME (Ordinance, Munitions and Explosives).

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.

Ideal Candidates will have the following skills, experience, and behaviours:

• Ensures equipment is maintained and available as scheduled for research projects and experiments
• Ensures documentation for trials and test activities and hardware is maintained and revision controlled
• Follows established technical processes and equipment operating instructions to assist in research activities
• Delivery of technical objectives to time and quality
• Maintain and promote high personal standards in environment, safety, health, security and quality and be a great team player
• Knowledge of explosives
• Knowledge in CAD systems (Seimens NX Unigraphics)
• Knowledge in electrical systems
• Woodworking and workshop skills

Whilst not to be considered a check list, candidates should be able to demonstrate some of the following:

• May be required to carry out safety related roles including but not limited to; Competent, Nominated or Authorised Person Electrical; COSHH Assessor, Manual Handling Assessor, Radiation Protection Supervisor
• The Company may require you to fulfil any other reasonable duties aligned to your position from time to time in line with business needs

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

The 'Working at AWE' page on our website is where you can find full details in the 'AWE Benefits Guide'.

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 when required

Next steps:

Everyone who works at AWE brings unique skills and perspectives to the table. We recognise that great people don’t always ‘tick every box’. That’s why we focus on your potential, your fit with our values, your transferable skills as well as your experience. Even if you don’t meet every point above, but you feel that this role and AWE are a great fit for you, please go ahead and apply, we’d love to receive your application.

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. 
• 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/accommodations during the process.
• Our interviews typically take place over Teams and for most roles are a 1 stage process.

Our ambition is to create workplaces where we recognise and celebrate differences, encourage diverse contributions and our employees feel able to be themselves at work. We strive to create a genuine culture of openness and inclusion and encourage diverse applicants. Any inclusion information you provide will be stored in accordance with GDPR and kept separate from your application form and CV, and the information will not be shared with anyone involved in interviewing or making hiring decisions.

Please note that you must be a British Citizen to apply for a role with us.