At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead teams to ensure environmental compliance and safety in nuclear projects.
- Company: Cavendish Nuclear, a key player in the UK's clean energy future.
- Benefits: Generous holiday, pension scheme, health support, and professional development opportunities.
- Other info: Flexible working options and a commitment to inclusivity and employee wellbeing.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on the UK's energy resilience and environmental standards.
- Qualifications: Degree in environmental or engineering discipline; experience in regulated industries.
The predicted salary is between 60000 - 80000 £ per year.
Drive Environmental Excellence at The Forefront Of The United Kingdom’s Clean Energy Future. At Cavendish Nuclear, we’re working to create a safe and secure world, together. If you join us, you can play your part as a Principal Environmental Permitting Engineer at any of our main UK locations, near Bristol, Warrington, Leicester, Newbury, or Preston.
The UK’s small and advanced modular reactor sector is entering a pivotal phase, with major programmes progressing and strong government backing. Join us as a Principal Environmental Permitting Engineer at the centre of this momentum and build your career across the nuclear and defence sector. We’re seeking a Principal Environmental Permitting Engineer to join our Advanced Nuclear Technologies team, working in a fast‑moving, innovation‑led environment with real national impact. You’ll help shape the next generation of nuclear power through cutting‑edge design, accelerated deployment and projects that strengthen the UK’s long‑term energy resilience.
This is a full‑time role, based across any of our main UK locations. Flexible working patterns are available, and travel to other customer sites will be expected.
Day‑to‑day, you’ll be required to:
- Leading and coordinating multidisciplinary teams to deliver environmental and safety outcomes aligned to programme requirements
- Overseeing environmental permitting activities and ensuring full compliance with United Kingdom regulatory frameworks
- Building and strengthening environmental capability, processes and best practice across projects
- Engaging collaboratively with regulators, clients and key stakeholders to maintain strong, trusted relationships
- Supporting licensing and approval processes by preparing high‑quality documentation and ensuring the right expertise is in place
Essential experience of the Principal Environmental Permitting Engineer:
- Demonstrating strong knowledge of United Kingdom environmental regulation, permitting or site licensing
- Leading complex engineering or infrastructure projects in highly regulated industries such as nuclear, energy or infrastructure
- Managing technical teams and delivering outcomes in challenging programme environments
- Engaging effectively with regulators and external stakeholders
- Driving continuous improvement in environmental performance and compliance
Qualifications for the Principal Environmental Permitting Engineer:
- Degree or equivalent in an environmental, engineering or scientific discipline
- Professional membership or working towards chartered status is desirable
Security Clearance: The successful candidate must be able to achieve and maintain Standard (BPSS) security clearance for this role.
What we offer:
- Generous holiday allowance
- Matched contribution pension scheme, with life assurance
- Access to a Digital GP, annual health check, and nutritional consultations through Aviva DigiCare+
- Employee share scheme
- Employee shopping savings portal
- Payment of Professional Fees
- Reservists in the armed forces receive 10‑days special paid leave
- Holiday Trading is a benefit that allows UK Cavendish employees to buy additional leave or to sell up to one working week of annual leave from their annual entitlement.
- Be Kind Day enables employees to take one working day's paid leave a year (or equivalent hours) to undertake volunteering work with their chosen organisation or registered charity
- Excellent development opportunities and benefits package including an employee assistance programme supporting physical, mental and financial wellbeing.
Cavendish: We’re Cavendish Nuclear — a team of 5,000 specialists and a core part of Babcock International Group. Here, you’ll be part of something bigger. Across clean energy, defence, and civil decommissioning, your work will contribute to projects that are critical to energy security and national protection. Together, we’re shaping a future that lasts — not only through the impact we make, but through meaningful careers that respect your work‑life balance.
Join us and discover how far we can go, together. We are a disability confident committed employer. If you have a disability or need any reasonable adjustments during the application and selection stages, please email careers@babcockinternational.com with the subject header ‘Reasonable adjustments requirement’. We’re committed to building an inclusive culture where everyone’s free to thrive. We are happy to talk about flexible working – please ask about alternative patterns of work at interview.
Closing date: 08/06/2026
Lead Environmental Permitting Engineer — Hybrid, UK in Reading employer: Nuclearinst
Cavendish Nuclear is an exceptional employer, offering a dynamic work environment that champions innovation and collaboration in the nuclear and defence sectors. With flexible working arrangements, generous benefits, and a strong commitment to employee development, you will have the opportunity to make a significant impact on the UK's clean energy future while enjoying a healthy work-life balance. Join us to be part of a supportive culture that values your contributions and fosters personal and professional growth.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Lead Environmental Permitting Engineer — Hybrid, UK in Reading
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to people in the industry, attend events, and connect on LinkedIn. You never know who might have the inside scoop on job openings or can put in a good word for you.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by researching the company and its projects. Understand their values and how your skills align with their goals. This will help you stand out and show that you're genuinely interested in the role.
✨Tip Number 3
Practice common interview questions and scenarios related to environmental permitting. This will boost your confidence and help you articulate your experience effectively during the interview.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, we love seeing candidates who are proactive about their job search.
We think you need these skills to ace Lead Environmental Permitting Engineer — Hybrid, UK in Reading
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Application:Make sure to customise your CV and cover letter for the Principal Environmental Permitting Engineer role. Highlight your experience with environmental regulations and project management in regulated industries, as this will show us you’re a great fit for the position.
Showcase Your Achievements:Don’t just list your responsibilities; we want to see your accomplishments! Use specific examples of how you've led teams or improved environmental compliance in past roles. This helps us understand the impact you've made in your previous positions.
Be Clear and Concise:When writing your application, keep it straightforward and to the point. We appreciate clarity, so avoid jargon and ensure your key points stand out. This makes it easier for us to see your qualifications at a glance.
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to submit your application through our website. It’s the best way for us to receive your details and ensures you’re considered for the role. Plus, you’ll find all the info you need about the application process there!
How to prepare for a job interview at Nuclearinst
✨Know Your Regulations
Make sure you brush up on the latest UK environmental regulations and permitting processes. Being able to discuss specific regulations and how they apply to the role will show that you're not just familiar with the basics, but that you’re ready to hit the ground running.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills
As a Principal Environmental Permitting Engineer, you'll be leading multidisciplinary teams. Prepare examples of past experiences where you've successfully managed teams or projects in regulated environments. Highlight your ability to drive outcomes and engage effectively with stakeholders.
✨Prepare for Technical Questions
Expect technical questions related to environmental permitting and compliance. Review common challenges faced in the nuclear sector and think about how you would approach them. This will demonstrate your problem-solving skills and technical expertise.
✨Engage with the Company’s Vision
Cavendish Nuclear is focused on clean energy and innovation. Familiarise yourself with their projects and values, and be ready to discuss how your goals align with theirs. Showing genuine interest in their mission can set you apart from other candidates.
