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NTR Communications and IT Specialist

AWE
Full-time
On-site
United Kingdom
πŸ“£ Marketing Communications (MarCom)

πŸ“Œ Core Information

πŸ”Ή Job Title: NTR Communications and IT Specialist

πŸ”Ή Company: AWE

πŸ”Ή Location: Aldermaston, Reading area, RG7 4PR

πŸ”Ή Job Type: Full-time

πŸ”Ή Category: Defense and Space Manufacturing

πŸ”Ή Date Posted: April 4, 2025

πŸ”Ή Experience Level: 5-10 years

πŸ”Ή Remote Status: On-site (with potential travel)

πŸš€ Job Overview

Key aspects of this role include:

  • Managing and maintaining secure communications and IT systems for AWE staff
  • Supporting training, exercises, and real deployments
  • Ensuring compliance with security requirements
  • Collaborating with internal stakeholders and government departments

ASSUMPTION: This role requires a high level of responsibility and may involve working in high-pressure situations. It also requires a strong understanding of security protocols and accreditor requirements.

πŸ“‹ Key Responsibilities

βœ… Manage and maintain secure communications and IT systems used by AWE staff

βœ… Support training, exercises, and real deployments

βœ… Ensure compliance with security requirements and accreditor needs

βœ… Contribute to specifying user and systems requirements

βœ… Support procurement, implementation, training, maintenance, and disposal of systems

βœ… Establish excellent working relationships with key internal stakeholders

ASSUMPTION: This role involves a high degree of autonomy and requires strong communication skills to work effectively with various stakeholders.

🎯 Required Qualifications

Education: Relevant degree or equivalent experience

Experience: Extensive operational experience using secure systems (5-10 years)

Required Skills:

  • Knowledge of through life management
  • Detailed understanding of security requirements for secure systems
  • Understanding of accreditor requirements and their practical application
  • Knowledge of requirements and restrictions for compartmented systems
  • Ability to develop company policy and procedure to ensure compliance

Preferred Skills:

  • Ability to work efficiently with minimal guidance
  • Proven communication skills (written and verbal)
  • Experience establishing excellent working relationships with key stakeholders
  • Ability to work comfortably in high-pressure environments
  • Knowledge to influence decisions
  • Willingness to undertake continuous improvement activities
  • Driving licence

ASSUMPTION: Due to the nature of the work, candidates must be British Citizens who have been resident in the UK for the past 5 years (for SC clearance) or 10 years (for DV clearance).

πŸ’° Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range: Β£38,000 - Β£57,000 (depending on suitability, qualifications, and level of experience)

Benefits:

  • 9-day working fortnight
  • Market-leading contributory pension scheme
  • Family-friendly policies (maternity/paternity leave)
  • Opportunities for professional career development
  • Employee Assistance Programme and Occupational Health Services
  • Life assurance
  • Discounts
  • Special leave policy

Working Hours: 37 hours per week (with flexible working requests considered)

ASSUMPTION: The salary range provided is an estimate based on industry standards for this role and experience level. The final offer may vary depending on the candidate's qualifications and level of experience.

πŸ“Œ Applicant Insights

πŸ” Company Context

Industry: Defense and Space Manufacturing. AWE is a government agency responsible for designing and manufacturing warheads and providing nuclear services to meet the needs of defense.

Company Size: 5,001-10,000 employees. AWE is a large organization with a significant presence in the defense industry.

Founded: 1950. AWE has a long history and extensive experience in its field.

Company Description:

  • Protects the UK through nuclear science and technology
  • Designs and manufactures warheads and provides nuclear services
  • Offers national nuclear security and counter-terrorism solutions

Company Specialties:

  • Plasma Physics
  • Design Physics
  • Supply Chain
  • Systems Engineering
  • Materials Science
  • Manufacturing
  • Construction
  • Nuclear Threat Reduction
  • Hydrodynamics
  • High Performance Computing
  • Human Resources
  • Project Controls
  • Finance
  • Planning
  • Project Management
  • STEM
  • Defence
  • National Security
  • Nuclear Physics

Company Website: http://www.awe.co.uk

ASSUMPTION: AWE is a large, established organization with a clear mission and a wide range of specialties. It offers a comprehensive benefits package and opportunities for professional development.

πŸ“Š Role Analysis

Career Level: Experienced professional

Reporting Structure: This role reports to the NTR Operations team and works closely with internal stakeholders and government departments.

Work Arrangement: On-site, with potential travel across the UK and abroad. The role operates on a 9-day working fortnight with flexible working requests considered.

Growth Opportunities:

  • Professional career development opportunities
  • Potential to influence decisions and drive continuous improvement
  • Opportunities to work on high-profile projects and gain experience in a unique field

ASSUMPTION: This role offers opportunities for professional growth and development within a large, established organization. It also provides the chance to work on high-profile projects and gain experience in a unique field.

🌍 Location & Work Environment

Office Type: On-site, with free on-site parking

Office Location(s): Aldermaston, Reading area, RG7 4PR

Geographic Context:

  • Located between Reading and Basingstoke
  • Easy access to major transportation links
  • Surrounded by natural beauty and outdoor recreation opportunities

Work Schedule: 37 hours per week, with flexible working requests considered

ASSUMPTION: The location offers easy access to major transportation links and is surrounded by natural beauty and outdoor recreation opportunities. The work schedule is flexible, with the opportunity to work every other Friday off.

πŸ’Ό Interview & Application Insights

Typical Process:

  • Online application submission
  • Phone or video screening
  • Face-to-face interview (likely conducted over Teams)
  • Job offer and security clearance process

Key Assessment Areas:

  • Technical knowledge of secure systems and through life management
  • Understanding of security requirements and accreditor needs
  • Communication skills and ability to work with stakeholders
  • Problem-solving and decision-making abilities

Application Tips:

  • Highlight relevant experience and skills in your resume
  • Tailor your cover letter to demonstrate your fit for the role and company
  • Prepare for interview questions related to your technical knowledge, communication skills, and ability to work in high-pressure environments

ATS Keywords: Secure systems, through life management, security requirements, accreditor needs, compartmented systems, policy development, communication skills, stakeholder management, high-pressure environment, continuous improvement, driving licence

ASSUMPTION: The application process is likely to involve an online application submission, followed by a phone or video screening and a face-to-face interview. The interview will focus on assessing the candidate's technical knowledge, communication skills, and ability to work in high-pressure environments.

πŸ› οΈ Tools & Technologies

  • Secure communications and IT systems
  • Through life management tools
  • Security and accreditor management tools
  • Project management software

ASSUMPTION: The tools and technologies required for this role are specific to the secure communications and IT systems used by AWE staff. Candidates should have experience with these systems and be able to demonstrate their ability to manage and maintain them.

πŸ‘” Cultural Fit Considerations

Company Values:

  • Safety and security
  • Integrity and respect
  • Excellence and innovation
  • Collaboration and teamwork
  • Accountability and responsibility

Work Style:

  • High-pressure, deadline-driven environment
  • Collaborative and team-oriented
  • Autonomous and self-driven
  • Adaptable and flexible

Self-Assessment Questions:

  • Do you have experience working in high-pressure environments and meeting tight deadlines?
  • Are you comfortable working autonomously and making decisions with minimal guidance?
  • Do you have strong communication skills and the ability to work effectively with stakeholders?
  • Are you adaptable and able to work comfortably in a dynamic and changing environment?

ASSUMPTION: AWE values safety and security, integrity and respect, excellence and innovation, collaboration and teamwork, and accountability and responsibility. Candidates should be able to demonstrate their fit with these values and be comfortable working in a high-pressure, collaborative, and autonomous environment.

⚠️ Potential Challenges

  • Working in high-pressure environments with tight deadlines
  • Managing and maintaining secure systems with minimal guidance
  • Dealing with complex and evolving security requirements
  • Traveling across the UK and abroad as required
  • Working extended periods away from home

ASSUMPTION: This role involves working in high-pressure environments with tight deadlines and managing and maintaining secure systems with minimal guidance. Candidates should be comfortable working in these conditions and be able to manage their time and priorities effectively.

πŸ“ˆ Similar Roles Comparison

  • This role is unique in its focus on managing and maintaining secure communications and IT systems for AWE staff
  • Similar roles in other organizations may not have the same focus on security and accreditor requirements
  • Career progression in this role may involve moving into more senior management or specialist positions within AWE

ASSUMPTION: This role is unique in its focus on managing and maintaining secure communications and IT systems for AWE staff. While similar roles may exist in other organizations, they may not have the same focus on security and accreditor requirements. Career progression in this role may involve moving into more senior management or specialist positions within AWE.

πŸ“ Sample Projects

  • Managing the implementation of a new secure communications system
  • Developing and delivering training on secure systems to AWE staff
  • Conducting a security review of existing systems and making recommendations for improvement

ASSUMPTION: These sample projects demonstrate the range of responsibilities and tasks involved in this role. Candidates should be able to provide examples of their own experience that align with these project descriptions.

❓ Key Questions to Ask During Interview

  • Can you describe a typical day or week in this role?
  • How does this role support the wider mission of AWE?
  • What are the key priorities for this role in the first 30, 60, and 90 days?
  • How does AWE support the professional development of its employees?
  • What are the most challenging aspects of this role, and how can they be managed effectively?

ASSUMPTION: These interview questions are designed to provide insight into the day-to-day responsibilities, priorities, and challenges of the role, as well as AWE's commitment to professional development and employee support.

πŸ“Œ Next Steps for Applicants

To apply for this position:

  • Submit your application through this link
  • Highlight your relevant experience and skills in your resume
  • Tailor your cover letter to demonstrate your fit for the role and company
  • Prepare for interview questions related to your technical knowledge, communication skills, and ability to work in high-pressure environments
  • Follow up with AWE after submitting your application to confirm receipt and inquire about next steps

⚠️ This job description contains AI-assisted information. Details should be verified directly with the employer before making decisions.