Design Manager

Help us to make a world of difference. Urenco is a global leader in low-carbon energy production, driving the transition to a sustainable, net-zero world. We are seeking a Design Manager to join our team at the Capenhurst site, where you’ll lead multidisciplinary design teams (in a matrix structure) to deliver between 2-5 design projects concurrently. You’ll provide Front End Engineering Design (FEED), including feasibility studies, conceptual and basic design, to support both site and group-level projects in alignment with agreed investment proposals and user requirements.

At Urenco, we’re committed to your growth and development. Even if you don’t meet every requirement, we encourage you to apply. We believe in the passion and potential of our people, offering industry-leading training, development opportunities, and mentorship from some of the brightest minds in the field.

What you’ll do:

• Project Management: Manage and coordinate multidiscipline design teams to ensure successful delivery of 2-5 simultaneous design projects.
• Design Delivery: Oversee FEED activities for various projects, conducting feasibility studies, Best Available Technology assessments, and developing conceptual and basic designs that adhere to Urenco’s best practices and cutting-edge technologies.
• Stakeholder Collaboration: Work closely with site and group stakeholders, as well as project managers, to ensure alignment with project objectives and internal customer requirements, focusing on defining design scope and intent.
• Design Assurance & Governance: Provide oversight and assurance in supplier-led design processes, especially for detailed designs of core plant systems and facilities, safeguarding Urenco technology and intellectual property.

What do you need to thrive in this role?

• Educational Background: Essential: Bachelor’s degree in advanced or nuclear process technology, mechanical or electrical engineering, automation science, or a related specialisation in Nuclear Science, or a Professional Engineer (PE) license obtained through an accredited examination in related fields. Preferred: Master’s or PhD in Physics, Mathematics, Nuclear Science, or Advanced Technology from an accredited institution.
• Experience and Expertise: Extensive experience managing multidisciplinary teams in the design of medium to large-scale plant projects, with a proven track record in leadership on complex design and engineering initiatives. Senior-level experience in defining and maintaining plant designs across the asset lifecycle, including a solid foundation in design and safety basis principles. Proficiency in leading complex projects with cross-functional teams of Senior Engineers.
• Technical Skills: Deep knowledge of plant design principles, including interfaces and boundary limits. Strong problem-solving abilities, particularly in addressing complex issues that require scientific insight to meet customer, regulatory, and legislative requirements. Ability to translate company and customer requirements into clear User Requirement Specifications, business case requirements, and specific design and engineering solutions.
• Industry Knowledge: Recognised expertise in key technology areas relevant to enrichment, deconversion, and decommissioning within the nuclear industry.

What can you expect from us?

More than just a job, we offer a future. More than just a place to work, we provide an opportunity to prosper. As an employee of Urenco you will receive:

• Generous Annual Leave: Starting at 25 days, increasing by one day every two years (up to 30 days), plus 13 additional flexible days. Option to buy or sell up to 5 holiday days.
• Family-Friendly Policies: A wide range of policies to support work-life balance and family needs.
• Bonus Scheme: A competitive bonus scheme based on company and individual performance.
• Pension Scheme: Defined contribution plan with up to 16% employer contribution.
• Private Medical & Dental Cover: Single coverage with the option to purchase additional benefits.
• Flexible Benefits: Life assurance, income protection, and other options tailored to your lifestyle, with tax and National Insurance savings.
• Training & Development: A focus on continuous learning, with personalised training packages to support your career growth, including mandatory health and safety courses.

Security vetting: Due to the nature of the industry that Urenco operates in, all personnel regardless of employment status working for Urenco are required to obtain security clearance at the level required for their role. Security clearances are assessed in accordance with regulations and official guidance issued by the relevant competent authorities for national security vetting. In certain circumstances, additional enhanced security clearance considerations apply to roles within Urenco owing to the particular activities that the Urenco Group undertakes in relation to uranium enrichment. Successful candidates will need to satisfy security requirements, and all offers of appointment are made subject to the successful approval of all checks initiated.

Creating a diverse and inclusive workforce: As a truly global company with a presence in the UK, USA, Germany, and the Netherlands, we know that our individual differences make us stronger. Putting people at the heart of our business, we strive to create an open and inclusive workplace that allows every voice to be heard and diversity to thrive. If you require any reasonable adjustments to the recruitment process, please let our talent acquisition team know.

Because together, we are one Urenco. We are enriching the world. And enriching your future.