Senior Engineer – Core Design and Performance
The Core Design team is responsible for ensuring the SMR reactor core operates within defined safety limits while delivering optimal performance and economic efficiency. This includes support for shutdown margins, DNBR limits, fault response, fuel‑cycle optimisation and load‑following capability.
Key Responsibilities
* Develop and refine neutronic and/or thermal‑hydraulic models of the reactor core.
* Deliver technical analysis across core physics, kinetics and thermal‑hydraulics disciplines.
* Assess steady‑state and transient core performance, ensuring compliance with safety limits.
* Support evaluation of core‑related fault sequences and plant behaviour under fault conditions.
* Develop and implement methodologies for core analysis and modelling.
* Establish verification, validation and uncertainty quantification requirements for analytical models.
* Produce high‑quality technical assessments supporting safety, environmental and economic performance.
* Deliver work packages in line with programme governance, including planning, risk management and reporting.
* Develop integrated task plans and manage risks, issues and opportunities.
* Monitor progress and report against technical and programme milestones.
* Engage with internal stakeholders, customers and regulators to resolve technical queries.
* Manage interfaces with other engineering functions across the SMR programme.
* Ensure compliance with nuclear safety, export control and regulatory requirements.
* Support and mentor junior engineers, providing technical guidance and coaching.
Key Skills Required
* Strong experience in reactor physics and/or thermal‑hydraulics analysis.
* Understanding of pressurised water reactor (PWR) design, plant behaviour and operating principles.
* Knowledge of nuclear safety case development, regulatory practices and E3S principles (including ALARP and BAT).
* Experience with analysis tools for core physics, kinetics or sub‑channel analysis.
* Experience developing or using analysis tools such as CMS, VIPRE, CTF, S5 or similar.
* Experience developing pre‑ and post‑processing tools, ideally using Python.
* Understanding of software development processes and quality assurance frameworks.
* Proven ability to deliver complex technical work packages to time, cost and quality.
* Strong planning and organisational skills, with ability to manage dependencies and priorities.
* Ability to identify and manage technical risks and drive resolution.
* Strong technical writing and communication skills, including engagement with stakeholders.
* Experience working collaboratively across multidisciplinary engineering teams.
* Ability to coach, mentor and support the development of junior engineers.
Qualifications
A strong academic background with a Master’s degree in Nuclear Engineering, Physics or a closely related discipline. Typically 5+ years’ experience in reactor physics and/or thermal‑hydraulics analysis, and experience in analysis scripting or data processing tools (e.g. Python).
Location and Working Arrangement
Hybrid working with one of the following as your primary site: Derby, Manchester or Warrington.
Salary and Benefits
Salary band: £53,700 – £70,500, commensurate with skills, values and experience.
* Bonus – Performance‑related target opportunity up to 12.5%
* Benefits Allowance – £2,200 per annum for a bespoke package
* Pension – 12% employer and 6% employee contributions
* Holidays – 28 days (+ public holidays) with the ability to buy or sell up to 4 days
* Private Medical Insurance – BUPA single cover
* Life Assurance – 6× pensionable pay
* Home Office Support – £250 one‑off payment for new starters
Selection Process
The closing date for this role is 7th June 2026. Initial contact will be an introductory call with the Talent Acquisition Partner, followed by interviews. All candidates will be required to complete security clearance, DBS and financial probity checks.
Equal Opportunity Employer
We are an equal opportunities employer and welcome applications from all backgrounds. As a Disability Confident organisation, we are committed to fair, supportive, and continually improving recruitment practices that ensure everyone can thrive.
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