Senior Engineering Geologist in Cheshire, Warrington

Great British Energy - Nuclear is an arm’s length body of the Department for Energy Security and Net Zero, dedicated to supporting the development and deployment of new nuclear technologies in Great Britain. We play a crucial role in advancing nuclear new build, ensuring the UK’s energy security and achieving net-zero carbon emissions. Great British Energy - Nuclear focuses on fostering innovation, facilitating investment, and coordinating efforts across the nuclear industry to build a resilient and sustainable energy future.

Great British Energy - Nuclear’s first step was to start the technology selection process for Small Modular Reactors (SMRs) in 2023. SMRs can potentially be quicker to deploy and less expensive to build than traditional nuclear power plants because they are smaller, have factory based modular manufacturing and more flexible deployment options. In June 2025, Great British Energy - Nuclear announced that Rolls-Royce SMR had been selected as the preferred bidder to build the UK’s first SMRs, following a technology selection process that began in 2023.

Great British Energy - Nuclear is aiming to deliver fast, based on a supportive and collaborative culture which values equality and diversity and creates an inclusive workplace. Our activities will be driven by our values, which are:

• Trust - We prioritise safety, we act responsibly and with integrity.
• Collaboration - We work as a team; we value diversity and expertise.
• Challenge - We are curious and courageous in the way we think and act.
• Care - We are thoughtful, inclusive and respectful of others.
• Drive - We get things done and we make a difference.

If you have a disability and would prefer to apply in a different format or would like us to make reasonable adjustments to enable you to apply or attend an interview, please contact us at recruitment@greatbritishnuclear.uk and we will talk to you about how we can assist.

Job Profile: GBE-N are currently specifying both terrestrial and marine investigation campaigns inclusive of non-intrusive (geophysical, bathymetry, hydrological), and intrusive elements (ground investigation) for site characterisation definition of the selected SMR deployment site and will manage execution and reporting moving forwards. Your role is pivotal and shall provide technical oversight of the investigation campaigns and will assist in providing technical oversight of geotechnical and geoenvironmental concept design for foundations and enabling works activities to ensure the selected site meets the geological, geophysical, hydrological and environmental criteria required for safe and efficient operation of the SMR project. You will be part of the SMR Project Client Technical Team, reporting to the Engineering Site Characterisation Lead. You will form part of the establishment of a major programme. This will provide you with an opportunity to be part of a team that ensures successful delivery of a First of a Kind (FOAK) UK SMR Project. Whilst this is a fast-paced and exciting challenge, you will need to be comfortable with uncertainty, ambiguity and change.

Responsibilities:

• Technical oversight of investigation programmes including interface with archaeological and environmental programmes, inclusive of weekly site visits.
• Coordination with regulatory bodies to facilitate consents and permits for investigation phases.
• Technical oversight of data management for incoming data from the investigation phases.
• Review and acceptance of factual and interpretative reporting.
• Review and technical input into concept design studies for earthworks, foundations, dewatering and seismicity.

Knowledge, Skills and Experience required:

• Experience in site characterisation, geotechnical, or environmental investigations, for high-value and complex projects/programmes.
• Understanding of geological and hydrological principles to assess site suitability and potential hazards.
• Proficiency and experience in identifying, evaluating, and mitigating risks associated with site hazards.
• Proven track record of leading by example, demonstrating integrity, professionalism, and ethical behaviour.
• Understanding of environmental impact assessments and sustainability practices.
• Familiarity of UK nuclear regulations, investigation standards, safety standards, and licensing processes is ideal.

Qualifications:

• Chartered Engineering Geologist or Chartered Geotechnical Engineer with a minimum of 5 years experience within the UK infrastructure or nuclear sector.