Quality Inspector at AWE in Reading, MA

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.

Quality Inspector (R29879)

Closing Date: 12th August 2026

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

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 Burghfield.

Package: From £39,280 per annum (depending on your suitability, qualifications, and 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.

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 has an excellent opportunity for a skilled Quality Inspector to support the delivery of critical engineering and manufacturing programmes.

As a Quality Inspector at AWE, you’ll play a vital role in ensuring inspection activities are delivered to the highest standards. You’ll contribute expert insight, ensure compliance with Quality requirements, and support the continuous improvement of inspection processes across a diverse range of projects and programmes.

You’ll have the opportunity to take ownership of diverse, mission-critical project/programmes.

Depending on the role, your responsibilities may include:

• Contributing subject matter expertise in areas relevant to inspection and Quality.
• Supporting technical assessments using appropriate methodologies.
• Assisting with the development and validation of Quality methodologies.
• Participating in experimental trials, improvement activities, and audits.
• Engaging with stakeholders across AWE and internationally.
• Preparing and improving inspection instructions, reports, and related documentation.
• Undertaking other reasonable duties aligned to the role and business needs.

We’re looking for people with exceptional attention to detail, strong technical understanding, and a passion for maintaining world‑class quality standards in a unique, highly regulated environment.

If you enjoy solving complex quality improvement areas and thrive in collaborative, fast‑paced settings, we’d love to hear from you.

Who are we looking for?

Whilst not to be considered a tick list, we’d like you to be able to demonstrate some of the following:

• Ability to develop solutions in a specialised manufacturing environment.
• Skilled in interpreting engineering drawings, specifications, and standards.
• Essential experience programming CMMs, ideally using PC‑DMIS.
• Capable of creating and improving inspection documentation.
• Knowledge of basic quality tools and world‑class manufacturing approaches.
• Hands‑on workshop experience with inspection tools, techniques, and production processes.
• Experience reporting product status and managing non‑conformance issues.
• Skilled in managing route cards, non‑conformities, concessions, and work permits.
• Experience with CMMs, surface roughness measurement, or first foundational measurement techniques.

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.

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'.

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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.