Location: Reading
Contract Length: 6 months
IR35 Status: Inside IR35
Working Pattern: Full-time, Site-Based
Shift Pattern: 11 Shifts On, 3 Shifts Off
Per Diem Allowance: £100 per day Umbrella - Payable for each day travelled to site for workers residing more than 30 miles from site.
Important: This role will initially be based on day shifts but is expected to transition to a night shift pattern during the assignment.
Security & Eligibility Requirements
Candidates must be eligible to obtain Security Clearance (SC).
Candidates may commence employment under BPSS clearance, provided SC clearance is actively in progress.
Applicants must have lived and worked in the UK continuously for the previous 5 years to satisfy security clearance requirements.
A valid CSCS or ECS card is required prior to commencement.
The Opportunity
Cavendish Nuclear is seeking experienced Mechanical Commissioning Technicians to support a major defence and nuclear programme at AWE Burghfield. The successful candidate will be responsible for executing commissioning activities on critical mechanical systems, ensuring that plant and equipment are tested, verified, and handed over in accordance with project specifications, quality requirements, and strict nuclear safety standards.
Working within a multidisciplinary commissioning team, you will play an integral role in delivering a safe and compliant commissioning programme across a highly regulated environment.
Key Responsibilities
Execute commissioning and pre-commissioning activities in accordance with approved procedures and commissioning schedules.
Carry out inspections, testing, and functional verification of mechanical systems and equipment.
Perform mechanical checks including:
Alignment
Pressure testing
Flushing and cleaning activities
Lubrication checks
Mechanical completion inspections
Support commissioning walkdowns, system turnovers, and handover activities.
Assist with diagnostic investigations, fault-finding, and resolution of commissioning issues.
Accurately complete commissioning records, test documentation, and quality assurance paperwork.
Interpret engineering drawings, P&IDs, commissioning procedures, and technical specifications.
Work collaboratively with engineers, construction teams, subcontractors, and operations personnel.
Ensure compliance with permit-to-work systems, risk assessments, and site safety procedures.
Maintain adherence to nuclear safety, quality, environmental, and security requirements.
Essential Skills & Experience
Recognised mechanical engineering qualification such as:
NVQ Level 3
City & Guilds
HNC/HND
Equivalent apprenticeship-based qualification
Previous experience in mechanical commissioning, maintenance, installation, or testing activities.
Ability to read and interpret technical drawings, P&IDs, and mechanical schematics.
Experience working with:
Pumps
Valves
Pipework systems
HVAC equipment
Rotating machinery
Mechanical plant systems
Strong understanding of safe systems of work and permit-to-work procedures.
Experience operating within highly regulated industries such as:
Nuclear
Defence
Power Generation
Petrochemical
Oil & Gas
Desirable Experience
Previous nuclear commissioning experience.
Knowledge of commissioning completion systems and turnover processes.
Understanding of nuclear quality standards and regulatory obligations.
Experience working on AWE, defence, or major infrastructure projects.
CCNSG Safety Passport, IOSH, or other relevant site safety qualifications.
Key Competencies
Strong focus on safety and quality.
Excellent problem-solving and fault-finding capability.
Attention to detail and procedural compliance.
Ability to work effectively within multidisciplinary teams.
Strong communication and documentation skills.
Flexible approach to shift working, including night shift operations.Please click to find out more about our Key Information Documents. Please note that the documents provided contain generic information. If we are successful in finding you an assignment, you will receive a Key Information Document which will be specific to the vendor set-up you have chosen and your placement.
To find out more about Progressive please visit
Progressive Recruitment, a trading division of SThree Partnership LLP is acting as an Employment Business in relation to this vacancy | Registered office | 8 Bishopsgate, London, EC2N 4BQ, United Kingdom | Partnership Number | OC(phone number removed) England and Wales
Salary description
£49.00 - £54.00 per hour