Assistant Chief Design Engineer in Derby

Locations: Hybrid working with one of the following locations as primary: Derby, Warrington or Manchester.

Our mission is to deliver clean, affordable energy for all. Our Small Modular Reactor (SMR) provides a British solution to a global energy challenge, positioning the UK to become a world leader in SMRs and a premier exporter of green nuclear technology.

The high performing Civil & Structural Engineering team underpins the physical delivery of the SMR, owning all of the above and below ground structures and infrastructure that define the power station. The team balances regulatory rigour with innovation, developing repeatable, modular design solutions that enable safe, scalable nuclear deployment across the UK and internationally.

In this context, we are seeking an Assistant Chief Design Engineer – Civil & Structural Engineering, reporting to the Chief Design Engineer and acting as a senior leader and technical authority within the civil and structural discipline. Leading and influencing a team of 75+ engineers, this role is responsible for the team delivering on time, on budget, to the highest possible technical standards - all of this whilst holding the team's wellbeing as the number one priority. This is a high profile role within our business and the successful candidate will operate across the full engineering lifecycle — from concept design through substantiation, manufacture, construction, assembly, operation, and decommissioning. The role plays a central part in delivering integrated civil and structural solutions across both the generic SMR development programme and site‑specific projects, working closely with senior delivery leaders to manage technical risk, resolve strategic challenges, and coordinate complex cross‑functional interfaces across the wider nuclear design and delivery organisation.

We’ll need you to:

• Provide senior‑level technical leadership and governance for all civil and structural engineering activities, chairing reviews and acting as a decision‑making authority on complex, high‑risk issues.
• Lead, inspire, motivate and develop large teams, ensuring safe, high‑quality delivery against programme, cost, and schedule commitments.
• Drive integration across engineering and non‑engineering disciplines, managing interfaces between structures, plant systems, construction, and site development.
• Work across our business to drive initiatives related to procurement, supply chain, legal industrialisation and more relating to civil and structural engineering.
• Shape and support civil and structural safety cases, engaging confidently with nuclear and environmental regulators, industry bodies, clients, and suppliers to secure design acceptance and implementation.

This is a highly visible and influential leadership role, requiring strategic judgement, credibility, and resilience. You’ll be comfortable operating in a developing business, navigating ambiguity, evolving requirements, and international growth, while setting direction and standards for a critical engineering capability.

What you’ll bring:

• A degree in Civil and/or Structural Engineering and Chartered Engineer (CEng) or Fellow status, or equivalent, with ICE or IStructE.
• Significant experience delivering civil and structural engineering within highly regulated industries and major infrastructure or energy programmes.
• Deep technical expertise across reinforced concrete and steel design, ideally including nuclear applications and exposure to international codes and standards.

We offer flexible working arrangements with travel supported as necessary. Our offices are in Derby, Manchester and Warrington but we want to hear from candidates from all locations, as we have a number of ways to support hybrid working. Regular travel to UK offices and project locations will be required to support collaboration and delivery.

We anticipate paying a salary of £85,600 to £108,400. Bonus - Performance related target opportunity 30%. Benefits Allowance – £8,500 per annum, enabling you to create a bespoke package. Pension - 12% employer and 6% employee contributions. Holidays - 28 days holiday (+ public holidays) and the ability to buy or sell up to 4 days. Private Medical Insurance - BUPA single cover health care. Life Assurance - 6x pensionable pay. £250 - One-off payment for new starters for home office purchases.

Our process includes an initial conversation with Talent Acquisition, followed by technical and leadership interviews. Due to the nature of our work, all offers are subject to BPSS clearance, DBS checks, and financial probity screening. We are an equal opportunities and Disability Confident employer. Flexible working is supported, and reasonable adjustments are available throughout the recruitment process and employment.

Confidence can sometimes hold us back — but there’s no such thing as a perfect candidate. If you meet around 75% of the requirements, or are considering a move from a related sector with transferable skills, we’d love to hear from you.

You’ll be joining a forward-thinking organisation that values transparency, fairness, and innovation. We offer:

• A flexible, inclusive, and supportive working environment.
• Opportunities for career growth in a rapidly scaling business.
• A culture that values diversity, innovation, and continuous learning.

Due to the safety regulations within the nuclear industry, applicants will be required to participate in additional screening. These are:

• Obtaining Baseline Personnel Security Standard (BPSS) clearance.
• Satisfactory completion of a Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check.
• Satisfactory completion of a basic financial probity check.