Help Shape the UK’s Energy Future Technical Lead - Coatings & Corrosion Opportunity with the Civil Works Alliance (CWA), Supporting Sizewell C As part of the CWA (Civil Works Alliance), you will support the building of Sizewell C. Sizewell C will be a 3.2-gigawatt power station generating low-carbon electricity for around 6 million homes and will play a key role in our energy future, supplying reliable, clean electricity for at least 60 years. This role will be within the Main Civil Works Section. What will you do? The CWA is recruiting a Coatings & Corrosion Engineer (SME) to act as its technical authority for coatings and corrosion protection across a complex range of manufactured components. This is a highly visible specialist position with responsibility for defining the CWA’s technical approach to temporary corrosion protection, permanent coatings, surface preparation and coating surveillance. The successful candidate will provide expert advice across the IC Liner, steel structures, embedded components and the wider Coatings workstream. A key near-term priority will be leading the IC Liner temporary protection evidence programme. This includes supporting the first coating monitoring gate scheduled for March to April 2027, the corrosion final report in May 2027 and technical reconciliation activity in July 2027. The role will also provide coating surveillance across multiple manufacturing locations and technical support for coating books, technical documentation and tender assessment. The successful candidate will: Provide the CWA’s authoritative technical position on coating systems, surface preparation and corrosion protection. Assess compliance against the UK EPR Specification for Coating Work, BTS Section 7 Chapter 7.10 and the HPC Companion Document for Concrete Coatings. Review supplier coating procedures, product data, procedure qualifications and applicator records. Define coating requirements within Inspection and Test Plans, including appropriate hold and witness points. Lead the IC Liner temporary protection technical case, including coating monitoring, corrosion reporting and the storage inspection regime at Port du Verdon. Advise project teams on decisions concerning factory or site coating, sleeves, plates, embedded items and concrete surface preparation. Undertake surveillance at supplier facilities and on site, covering surface preparation, dry film thickness, adhesion, holiday testing, curing and repairs. Raise and support the effective closure of non-conformance reports, including robust root-cause analysis. Coach Quality Inspectors and help ensure that coating records are accurate and complete at assembly level. Support the Coatings Project Manager and Sizewell C Engineering and Technical teams with coating books, technical updates, strategy development and technical bid assessments. Represent the CWA as its technical lead within the Painting & Coating Working Group. Bring relevant learning from Hinkley Point C and other major infrastructure programmes into the project. Promote a strong Nuclear Safety Culture and comply with all CWA safety requirements What are we looking for? The CWA is seeking an experienced coatings and corrosion specialist who can develop clear, evidence-based technical positions and communicate them confidently to suppliers, project teams, clients and other stakeholders. The successful candidate will bring: FROSIO Level III, ICorr Level 3, AMPP/NACE CIP Level 3 coating inspector certification, or an equivalent recognised qualification. A degree in materials science, corrosion, chemistry or engineering, or equivalent relevant experience. Significant experience of protective coating systems for carbon steel, stainless steel and concrete. Practical working knowledge of EN ISO 12944, EN ISO 8501, EN ISO 8503, EN ISO 4624 and ISO 19840. Experience conducting coating surveillance within fabrication or manufacturing environments. The ability to produce clear, well-structured technical reports that can withstand detailed client and regulatory scrutiny. Strong technical judgement, with the confidence to challenge quality concerns constructively and recommend proportionate solutions. The ability to collaborate effectively across engineering, manufacturing, quality, delivery and supply-chain teams. The ability to meet the criteria for Security Vetting, which ordinarily requires UK residency for at least three of the previous five years. The following experience would be advantageous: Nuclear coating systems, including decontaminable or design-basis-accident-qualified systems. Experience gained on Hinkley Point C, another EPR programme or a comparable regulated infrastructure project. Knowledge of ETC-C, RCC-CW or BTS Section 7 Chapter 7.10. Temporary corrosion protection for large steel assemblies during extended storage. Experience managing coating quality across international manufacturing locations. Working knowledge of French. What we will offer you? The CWA is a single delivery organisation made of up of the client (Sizewell C) and three parent companies - Balfour Beatty, Bouygues and Laing O'Rourke - which offer industry leading packages including market leading salaries, generous annual leave entitlements, pension scheme and other flexible benefits. About Us The CWA celebrates the creativity and innovation that comes from a diverse workforce, and we welcome applications from people of all backgrounds — especially those from under‑represented communities. Our project is built on five core values: Humility, Positivity, Respect, Solidarity, and Clarity. By joining us, you’ll be encouraged to bring your whole self to work, speak up, and share your ideas. We encourage applications from all suitably qualified candidates, regardless of gender, race, disability, age, sexual orientation, gender reassignment, religion or belief, marital status, or pregnancy and maternity. We are committed to protecting your privacy. If you decide to apply, please avoid including sensitive personal data in your CV
Technical Lead - Coatings & Corrosion employer: CWA
As an Environment & Sustainability Manager with the Civil Works Alliance, you will be part of a pioneering project that shapes the UK's energy future through the construction of Sizewell C, a low-carbon power station. The CWA fosters a collaborative and inclusive work culture, offering competitive salaries, generous leave, and opportunities for professional growth while championing diversity and innovation. Join us to make a meaningful impact in sustainability and enjoy a supportive environment that values your contributions.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Technical Lead - Coatings & Corrosion
✨Join Construction Networks
Get yourself involved in local construction networks or industry events. They often have job boards, and networking can lead to unadvertised positions. Plus, it’s a great way to meet potential future colleagues!
✨Show Off Your Skills on Site
If you’ve done any hands-on work, whether it's through internships or personal projects, make sure you can showcase it. Consider volunteering for local construction projects or getting involved in community build days; it’s a solid way to demonstrate your skills and build connections.
✨Utilise Construction Job Sites
Don't just rely on the big job boards. Look at niche construction job sites—many companies prioritise these for full-time roles. Apply through these sites, but don’t forget to reach out directly to companies you admire, like CWA, to express your interest!
✨Tailor Your Application for Full-Time Roles
Make your application stand out by tailoring it specifically for full-time positions. Highlight how your previous projects align with the company's work. At StudySmarter, we encourage you to demonstrate your commitment and long-term interest in the industry when applying for roles like Technical Lead - Coatings & Corrosion at CWA.
Some tips for your application 🫡
Showcase Your Relevant Experience:In the construction industry, it's essential to highlight any hands-on experience you have. Whether it’s past projects you've worked on or specific roles you've held, make sure your CV emphasises your practical skills and contributions to construction sites.
Include Certifications and Qualifications:Don’t forget to list any certifications relevant to construction, like CSCS cards or other safety qualifications. These can really set you apart from other candidates and show that you’re serious about health and safety on-site.
Tailor Your Cover Letter to Construction:When writing your cover letter for a construction role, focus on your problem-solving capabilities and teamwork. Construction relies heavily on collaboration, so mention how you’ve worked successfully with others to complete projects on time and within budget.
Adapt Your CV Format to the Field:Ensure your CV is clear and easy to read, with sections dedicated to skills such as project management, technical abilities, and site supervision. Construction roles often require a blend of technical know-how and soft skills, so make sure both are highlighted effectively.
How to prepare for a job interview at CWA
✨Brush Up on Technical Knowledge
For a construction role, it's crucial we have a solid grasp of industry standards, safety protocols, and specific tools used on-site. Make sure you're familiar with relevant regulations and can talk confidently about them, as these often come up in interviews.
✨Showcase Your Projects
Since this is a full-time position, be ready to discuss any previous construction projects you've worked on. Bring a portfolio or have detailed descriptions that highlight your role, the challenges you faced, and how you overcame them—this’ll show you’re not just book-smart but also practically savvy.
✨Understand the Team Dynamics
Construction is all about teamwork, so prepare to discuss how you interact with different stakeholders like architects, engineers, and contractors. Maybe think of examples from past experiences to illustrate your ability to communicate and collaborate effectively.
✨Prepare for On-the-Spot Problem Solving
Be ready for some practical questions or scenarios where you'll need to demonstrate your problem-solving skills. Interviewers might present you with a hypothetical construction issue to solve, so practice articulating your thought process clearly and logically—this could really set you apart!
