Role: Lead Engineer – Civil and Structural (Cooling Water Island)
Locations: Hybrid working with one of the following as primary: Derby, Warrington or Manchester
Our Mission
Our mission is to deliver clean, affordable energy for all. Our Small Modular Reactor (SMR) provides a British solution to a global energy challenge. We are in pole position to become a world leader in SMRs and a leading UK green export technology, helping to shape a more sustainable future.
The Team
The Civil & Structural Engineering team sits at the core of our engineering capability, delivering complex infrastructure solutions across a highly regulated and technically demanding environment. Focused on innovation and integration, the team combines deep technical expertise with forward-thinking approaches to support the successful delivery of first-of-a-kind nuclear programmes.
The Opportunity
In this context, we are looking for a Lead Engineer – Civil and Structural (Cooling Water Island) to support our Manager – Civil & Structural within the GBE-N programme. This role provides technical leadership across a critical infrastructure scope, shaping design solutions and ensuring their successful integration into a landmark nuclear project.
What You’ll Be Helping Us Deliver
We’ll need you to:
Leading the technical development, assurance and justification of civil and structural solutions across the Cooling Water Island scope, including marine, coastal and infrastructure elements
Managing the delivery of defined engineering work packages, ensuring outputs align with programme, quality and safety expectations
Coordinating with multi-disciplinary teams, proactively managing interfaces to ensure cohesive, integrated design delivery
Resolving complex technical challenges, guiding teams to develop robust, innovative and compliant solutions
Supporting and mentoring engineers, contributing to capability growth and a strong, values-led team environment
What You’ll Bring
This is a high-impact and visible role within our organisation, where your ability to lead technically, influence stakeholders and bring clarity to complexity will be essential in driving successful outcomes.
What We’re Looking For
Chartered Civil or Structural Engineer, or equivalent demonstrable experience within a relevant engineering discipline
We’ll ask you about your experience leading civil and structural engineering delivery on large-scale or complex infrastructure programmes
Strong technical knowledge of structural analysis, loading conditions, applicable codes and standards, with experience across infrastructure types such as coastal, marine, tunnelling or water-retaining structures
Experience working within structured technical governance, with the ability to develop, justify and confidently defend engineering solutions
An understanding of safety-led design, including integration of conventional health and safety principles, with nuclear safety case experience beneficial
Location
We offer flexible working arrangements, with an expectation of regular site or office attendance to support collaboration, stakeholder engagement and programme delivery.
What’s In It For You?
We anticipate paying a salary of between £60,000-£75,000
Bonus - Performance related target opportunity 7%
Benefits Allowance – £2,200 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
You’ll be joining a forward-thinking, purpose-driven organisation where innovation, inclusion and continuous development are at the heart of how we work—offering real opportunities to grow your career while contributing to a nationally significant programme.
Selection Process
The selection process will include an initial conversation with the Talent Acquisition team, followed by staged interviews with the hiring team.
Due to the nature of our industry, successful candidates will be required to complete appropriate pre-employment screening, including security and background checks.
Our Commitment
We are an equal opportunities employer and welcome applications from all backgrounds. Inclusivity is important to us, and as a Disability Confident organisation, we are committed to fair, supportive and continually improving recruitment practices.
We are happy to discuss flexible working and will make workplace adjustments where needed to support you in performing at your best.
Confidence can sometimes hold us back from applying. There’s no such thing as a perfect candidate—if you feel you meet most of the requirements, we’d love to hear from you. We also welcome applications from those considering a career move or sector transition, particularly where transferable skills can add real value.

Pay Range:
£60,000.00-
£78,750.00
Why Join Us?
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.
We are an equal opportunities employer and welcome applications from all backgrounds. Inclusivity is important to us, and as a Disability Confident organisation, we are committed to fair, supportive, and continually improving recruitment practices that ensure everyone has the opportunity to thrive.
Confidence can sometimes hold us back from applying for a job. But we'll let you in on a secret: there's no such thing as a 'perfect' candidate. If you feel you meet 75% of the requirements for this role, we would love to hear from you.
Also, if you are considering a career move or a sector-jump, please get in touch – we welcome applications from people with transferable skills.
Our Application Process
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
#LI-SM1 #LI-Hybrid
