Permitting & Consents Engineer

Company Description: UK Government has established UK Fusion Energy (UKFE) Ltd., a subsidiary of UK Atomic Energy Authority (UKAEA), to lead the charge in delivering fusion energy through design and delivery of the Spherical Tokamak for Energy Production (STEP) prototype fusion plant. UKFE is establishing itself, setting up the company, attracting talent, engaging with industry, developing a supply chain, and planning and constructing of the STEP prototype. Fusion energy, crucial for combating climate change and ensuring energy independence, is expected to be commercially viable by mid-century. The UK, led by UKFE, aims for a prototype fusion plant, targeting first operations around 2040. UK Fusion Energy Ltd. will lead delivery, collaborating with industrial partners and building a fusion supply chain with an estimated global sector value of £7tn per year. Join UKFE and the STEP programme to be involved in this ground-breaking journey.

Onsite working is expected for 3 days each week; however, we actively support requests for Flexible Working. A full list of our benefits can be found here Employee Benefits.

• Outstanding defined benefit pension scheme, details of which can be found at the end of this advert.
• Corporate bonus scheme up to 7% and a Relocation allowance (if eligible).
• Flexible working options including family friendly policies and the right to request flexible working from the start of your employment.
• Employee Assistance Programme and trained Mental Health First Aiders.
• Generous annual leave allowance starting with 25 days, plus 3 days Christmas closure and 2.5 privilege days, in addition to UK bank holidays.
• Wide range of career development opportunities.
• A vibrant culture committed to being fully inclusive.

The salary for this role is £51,317 + excellent benefits including outstanding pension. The closing date to apply for this position is the 15th Sept 2026. This UKFE vacancy will be based at West Burton, Nottinghamshire.

Job Description: As Permitting & Consents Engineer, you will support the development and execution of consenting strategies across a complex and highly regulated programme. Working closely with engineering, environmental, legal and project delivery teams, you will help ensure that regulatory and statutory requirements are understood, planned for and successfully achieved. You will engage with regulators, local authorities and key stakeholders, providing expert guidance on permitting and consent requirements throughout the project lifecycle.

Key Responsibilities:

• Support the development and implementation of permitting and consenting strategies.
• Identify statutory, regulatory and environmental approvals required for project delivery.
• Coordinate the preparation and submission of permit and consent applications.
• Liaise with regulators, government bodies and stakeholders to facilitate approvals.
• Work collaboratively with project, engineering and environmental specialists to ensure compliance requirements are integrated into project plans.
• Monitor consent obligations and support compliance throughout project delivery.
• Maintain consent registers, trackers and supporting documentation.
• Contribute to risk assessments and mitigation strategies relating to permitting and approvals.
• Support the development of processes, standards and best practice for consenting activities.

Qualifications:

We're interested in hearing from candidates with experience in permitting, environmental consenting, planning, regulatory compliance or infrastructure delivery. You may come from sectors such as energy, nuclear, utilities, major infrastructure, environmental consultancy, transportation, construction or other regulated industries.

Essential Requirements:

• Degree qualification (or equivalent experience) in an engineering, environmental, planning or related discipline.
• Experience supporting the delivery of permits, licences, consents or regulatory approvals.
• Understanding of UK environmental and regulatory frameworks.
• Strong stakeholder engagement and communication skills.
• Ability to manage multiple activities and work effectively across multidisciplinary teams.
• Strong organisational skills with a keen attention to detail.

Desirable Experience:

• Experience working on major infrastructure or nationally significant projects.
• Knowledge of environmental permitting, planning or development consent processes.
• Experience engaging with UK regulators and statutory consultees.
• Membership of a relevant professional institution.
• Understanding of nuclear, energy or highly regulated environments.

We welcome applications from under-represented groups, particularly women in STEM and individuals from British black and ethnic minority backgrounds, and individuals with disabilities. Our Executive team, supported by our 'Equality, Diversity and Inclusion' (EDI) Partner and Inclusion Ambassadors, actively promotes EDI and takes steps to increase diversity within our organisation. We reinforce best practices in recruitment and selection and evaluate approaches to remove barriers to success. UKFE is committed to being accessible. Please email talent@ukifs.uk if you have any questions or require help or adjustments to compete on a fair basis, for example, changes to the way we interview or share information.

This role requires employees to complete an online Baseline Personnel Security Standard (BPSS), including the Disclosure & Barring Service (DBS) checks for criminal convictions. Whilst not required at this time, there is a possibility of an SC Clearance being required in the future. If a candidate already holds an SC clearance, that clearance can be transferred to UKFE.

As we work towards our mission and goals, guided by our principles, STEP has six behaviours that are intended to capture the spirit of how we work:

• We champion safety
• We all matter
• We act as one
• We embrace change
• We are pioneering
• We deliver

For applicants applying from outside the United Kingdom or those who have spent time outside the UK in the last five years, please visit the following link for information on criminal records checks: Criminal Records Checks for Overseas Applicants. If your country of residence or previous residence is not listed on the website or if the UK Government does not have information on obtaining a criminal records check from that state, we regret to inform you that we cannot process your application.