About the Role
Thermal hydraulic analysis is critical to modelling fluid and heat transfer processes within reactor systems and ensuring safe and efficient operation. These analyses underpin key design decisions and form an essential part of the nuclear safety case, so establishing confidence in model predictions is fundamental.
This role involves leading a small technical team to develop, verify, validate, and quantify uncertainties in thermal-hydraulic models and analysis codes. You will work closely with multidisciplinary engineering teams to support reactor transient and fault analysis, core sub-channel modelling, and containment analysis.
Key Responsibilities
Validation
Lead benchmarking of analytical models against experimental data
Develop and improve modelling approaches and methodologies
Collaborate with test rig teams to define requirements and support experimental campaigns
Verification
Apply robust quality management processes to analysis and modelling activities
Support development of automated analysis workflows using Python on Linux-based HPC systems
Uncertainty Quantification
Lead sensitivity studies and apply statistical techniques to quantify model uncertainty
Link uncertainty analysis to validation and benchmarking activities
General Responsibilities
Lead development of models, methods, and tools to support design and safety case activities
Define test requirements and interpret experimental and benchmarking data
Communicate complex technical findings clearly to a range of stakeholders
Provide technical leadership and mentor junior engineers
Collaborate across multidisciplinary teams to ensure robust and integrated analysis outputs
Key Skills & Experience
Strong understanding of fluid dynamics and thermal processes
Experience applying structured and methodical analysis approaches
Hands-on experience with thermal-hydraulic tools such as RELAP, FLOMASTER, VIPRE, CTF, or GOTHIC
Experience with verification, validation, benchmarking, and uncertainty quantification (VVUQ)
Ability to develop Python-based analysis tools and work within Linux/HPC environments
Experience producing clear technical reports and contributing to safety case documentation
Knowledge of safety-critical systems within industries such as nuclear, oil & gas, aerospace, or energy
Qualifications
Degree in Engineering, Physics, Mathematics, Computer Science, or a related discipline
Chartered Engineer status (or working towards) is desirable
Location & Working Pattern
Hybrid working
Primary locations include Derby, Manchester, or Warrington
Benefits
Performance-related bonus (target 12.5%)
Flexible benefits allowance
Pension (employer and employee contributions)
Annual leave plus public holidays (with option to buy/sell)
Private medical insurance
Life assurance
Home office support allowance
Additional Information
Opportunity to work in a collaborative, multidisciplinary engineering environment
Involvement in complex, safety-critical systems and analysis
Scope to develop technical leadership and influence engineering capability