Chief Nuclear Engineer

Chief Nuclear Engineer

Full-Time 72000 - 108000 £ / year (est.) Home office (partial)
K

At a Glance

  • Tasks: Lead the engineering development of cutting-edge Small Modular Reactor technology.
  • Company: Join an innovative UK company revolutionising clean energy with advanced nuclear solutions.
  • Benefits: Enjoy flexible working, competitive salary, and equity participation in a collaborative environment.
  • Why this job: Make a real impact on the future of clean energy while leading a talented engineering team.
  • Qualifications: Chartered Engineer with experience in nuclear reactor design and strong leadership skills required.
  • Other info: Opportunity to engage with regulators and industry partners, shaping the technical vision.

The predicted salary is between 72000 - 108000 £ per year.

Kennedy Fox Associates are working with an innovative UK-based company at the forefront of Small Modular Reactor (SMR) technology, dedicated to delivering safe, scalable, and sustainable nuclear energy solutions. Their mission is to revolutionise clean energy generation through advanced reactor design and deployment.

Location: UK (flexible with travel to key sites)

Reports to: Chief Executive Officer

The Chief Engineer will provide technical leadership across all engineering and design aspects of our SMR programme. This role is critical in shaping the company’s technical direction, ensuring compliance with regulatory standards, and delivering world-class engineering solutions that drive the successful commercialisation of our technology.

Responsibilities:

  • Lead the end-to-end engineering development of the company’s SMR technology, from conceptual design through to commercial deployment.
  • Define and maintain engineering standards, processes, and quality assurance frameworks aligned with nuclear regulatory requirements (ONR, IAEA, etc.).
  • Provide technical authority and oversight for all reactor systems, including core design, safety systems, thermal hydraulics, control systems, and balance of plant.
  • Build and manage a high-performing multi-disciplinary engineering team, including internal talent and specialist contractors/consultants.
  • Engage with external stakeholders, including regulators, industry partners, academic institutions, and government bodies, representing the company’s technical vision.
  • Oversee engineering risk management, including safety case development and hazard analysis.
  • Support funding bids, strategic partnerships, and business development activities by articulating the company’s technical strengths.
  • Champion innovation and continuous improvement, ensuring the company remains at the cutting edge of SMR technology.
  • Lead technical input into procurement, manufacturing readiness, and supply chain strategies.
  • Ensure the integration of engineering activities with project delivery, programme management, and commercial goals.

Experience Needed:

  • Chartered Engineer with a degree in nuclear engineering, mechanical engineering, electrical engineering, or a related discipline.
  • Experience in nuclear reactor design, development, or operational engineering—preferably including advanced or small modular reactor technologies.
  • Strong understanding of UK and international nuclear regulatory frameworks and safety standards.
  • Proven track record in leading complex engineering teams and programmes in a highly regulated environment.
  • Excellent leadership, communication, and stakeholder engagement skills.
  • Commercial awareness and ability to align engineering outcomes with business objectives.
  • Passion for innovation and clean energy technology.

Company Perks:

  • Opportunity to help shape the future of clean energy in the UK and globally.
  • Collaborative, entrepreneurial environment with real impact.
  • Competitive salary and equity participation.
  • Flexible working arrangements and locations.

If this sounds of interest then please apply now!

Chief Nuclear Engineer employer: Kennedy Fox Associates

Kennedy Fox Associates offers an exceptional opportunity for the Chief Nuclear Engineer to join a pioneering UK-based company at the forefront of Small Modular Reactor technology. With a commitment to innovation and sustainability, employees benefit from a collaborative work culture that encourages professional growth and impactful contributions to clean energy solutions. The company provides competitive salaries, equity participation, and flexible working arrangements, making it an attractive employer for those passionate about shaping the future of energy.
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Contact Detail:

Kennedy Fox Associates Recruiting Team

StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫

We think this is how you could land Chief Nuclear Engineer

✨Tip Number 1

Network with professionals in the nuclear engineering field, especially those involved with Small Modular Reactor technology. Attend industry conferences and seminars to meet potential colleagues and learn about the latest advancements, which can give you an edge in discussions during interviews.

✨Tip Number 2

Familiarise yourself with the specific regulatory frameworks mentioned in the job description, such as ONR and IAEA. Understanding these regulations will not only prepare you for technical discussions but also demonstrate your commitment to compliance and safety in nuclear engineering.

✨Tip Number 3

Showcase your leadership experience by preparing examples of how you've successfully managed engineering teams or projects in the past. Be ready to discuss your approach to building high-performing teams and how you align engineering outcomes with business objectives.

✨Tip Number 4

Research the company’s current projects and innovations in SMR technology. Being knowledgeable about their work will allow you to engage meaningfully during interviews and show that you're genuinely interested in contributing to their mission of revolutionising clean energy.

We think you need these skills to ace Chief Nuclear Engineer

Chartered Engineer status
Nuclear Engineering expertise
Mechanical Engineering knowledge
Electrical Engineering proficiency
Advanced Reactor Design
Small Modular Reactor (SMR) technology experience
Understanding of UK nuclear regulatory frameworks
Knowledge of international nuclear safety standards
Leadership and team management skills
Stakeholder engagement and communication skills
Engineering risk management
Safety case development
Hazard analysis
Commercial awareness
Innovation in clean energy technology
Project delivery integration

Some tips for your application 🫡

Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV highlights relevant experience in nuclear engineering, particularly in reactor design and development. Emphasise your leadership roles and any experience with regulatory compliance to align with the job requirements.

Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Write a cover letter that showcases your passion for clean energy technology and your understanding of SMR systems. Discuss how your background and skills make you the ideal candidate for leading engineering teams and driving innovation.

Highlight Relevant Achievements: In your application, include specific examples of past projects where you led engineering teams or contributed to successful reactor designs. Quantify your achievements to demonstrate your impact in previous roles.

Showcase Stakeholder Engagement Skills: Since the role involves engaging with various stakeholders, mention any experience you have in collaborating with regulators, industry partners, or academic institutions. Highlight your communication skills and ability to represent technical visions effectively.

How to prepare for a job interview at Kennedy Fox Associates

✨Showcase Your Technical Expertise

As a Chief Nuclear Engineer, it's crucial to demonstrate your deep understanding of nuclear reactor design and the regulatory frameworks. Be prepared to discuss specific projects you've led, focusing on your technical contributions and how they align with safety standards.

✨Highlight Leadership Experience

This role requires strong leadership skills. Share examples of how you've built and managed high-performing engineering teams. Discuss your approach to fostering collaboration and innovation within your team, as well as any challenges you've overcome in a regulated environment.

✨Engage with Stakeholders

The ability to engage with various stakeholders is key. Prepare to talk about your experience working with regulators, industry partners, and academic institutions. Highlight how you've represented technical visions and navigated complex discussions to achieve project goals.

✨Demonstrate Commercial Awareness

Understanding the business side of engineering is essential. Be ready to discuss how your engineering decisions have aligned with commercial objectives. Share insights on how you can contribute to funding bids and strategic partnerships that drive the company's success.

Chief Nuclear Engineer
Kennedy Fox Associates
K
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