Commissioning Manager

Commissioning Manager - Nuclear Defence Project

Location: AWE Site, Reading, Berkshire
Contract Type: Full-time, Site-Based
Duration: Until end of 2026, with likely extension
Rate: £600 per day + expenses
IR35 Status: Outside IR35
Security Clearance: SC required, with willingness to progress to DV

We are recruiting for 2 experienced Commissioning Managers to join a major Nuclear Defence programme at AWE in Reading.

This is an opportunity to work on one of the UK's most complex defence projects, supporting the commissioning of specialist equipment, building services and control systems.

We are looking for:

1 Mechanical-biased Commissioning Manager
1 Control Systems-biased Commissioning Manager

The Role

You will manage and deliver commissioning activities across complex work packages, ensuring they are planned, coordinated and completed safely in line with AWE procedures and regulatory requirements.

Key Responsibilities

Advise on safety requirements for commissioning activities
Manage commissioning work packages across the project
Support the overall commissioning strategy
Ensure compliance with AWE procedures and ONR Licence Condition 21
Review and approve supplier test documentation
Coordinate commissioning tests with suppliers
Integrate commissioning activities into the project programme
Monitor commissioning readiness and supplier progress
Witness FAT and SAT testing
Manage test failures and lessons learned
Coordinate commissioning with installation and completion works
Lead commissioning meetings and stakeholder reviews
Prepare regular commissioning progress updates

About You

You will have:

Strong experience commissioning large-scale facilities
A track record delivering complex projects in defence, nuclear or similar sectors
Experience leading commissioning teams
Strong stakeholder management and communication skills
Good knowledge of commissioning methodologies
The ability to work independently and within wider project teams
Strong organisational and reporting skills
Microsoft Office skills and a full UK driving licence

Desirable

Previous AWE experience
Mechanical or Control Systems bias
Available to start ASAP

Qualifications & Clearance

Degree qualified or equivalent
Current SC clearance essential
Able and willing to obtain DV clearanceIf you are an experienced Commissioning Manager looking for a long-term contract on a major defence programme, we would like to hear from you