About the job

Description

Great British Nuclear (GBN) is a new government arm’s length body supporting the delivery of Britain’s energy security and net zero, making sure that we can power Britain from Britain sustainably. It has been set up to turn nuclear ambition into reality.

GBN’s first step was to start the technology selection process for Small Modular Reactors (SMRs) in July. SMRs can potentially be quicker to deploy and less expensive to build than traditional nuclear power plants because they are smaller, have factory based modular manufacturing, and more flexible deployment options.

GBN is aiming to deliver fast, based on a supportive and collaborative culture which values equality and diversity and creates an inclusive workplace. It draws on deep nuclear expertise – its Executive Committee has over 100 years of nuclear experience in this country and abroad. And it can unlock billions of pounds of private and public investment from design to operation, helping to get sites ready for development, and working to grow manufacturing capacity and skills capability.

Our activities will be driven by our values, which are:

Trust - We prioritise safety, we act responsibly and with integrity.

Collaborative - We work as a team; we value diversity and expertise.

Challenge - We are curious and courageous in the way we think and act.

Care - We are thoughtful, inclusive and respectful of others.

Drive - We get things done and we make a difference.

If you have a disability and would prefer to apply in a different format or would like us to make reasonable adjustments to enable you to apply or attend an interview, please contact us at recruitment@greatbritishnuclear.uk and we will talk to you about how we can assist.

Job Profile

Your role is pivotal in shaping the civil engineering aspects of the SMR project, supporting site assessment, conceptual design, regulatory compliance, and early planning activities. You will be part of the SMR Project Client Technical Team, reporting to the Conventional Island and BOP Lead.

Key to the role will be ownership of the client’s specification and requirements, assessing change and overseeing deliverables. You will also provide a key point of interface between the Technology Provider and the client, including for the clients’ scope and deliverables. You will be supported in this role by an Owner’s Engineer.

You will form part of the establishment of a major programme. This will provide you with an opportunity to be part of a team that ensures successful delivery of a First of a Kind (FOAK) UK SMR Project. Whilst this is a fast-paced and exciting challenge, you will need to be comfortable with uncertainty, ambiguity and change.

Responsibilities

• Conduct preliminary site investigations including geotechnical, seismic, hydrological, and topographical assessments.
• Support environmental impact assessments and assist in regulatory permitting processes.
• Develop initial civil layouts for site infrastructure such as access roads, foundations, grading, utilities, and drainage systems.
• Collaborate with architects, nuclear, mechanical, and electrical engineers during the conceptual design phase.
• Provide input for project risk assessments and propose mitigation strategies for civil-related issues.
• Ensure early-stage designs and plans comply with nuclear safety standards, local codes, and environmental regulations.
• Assist with the preparation of technical documentation for licensing applications and stakeholder presentations.
• Coordinate with local authorities, utility providers, and environmental agencies as part of the site development planning.
• Contribute to cost estimating and scheduling activities related to civil works.
• Support the development of digital models (e.g., BIM) and civil design documentation.
• Maintain organized records of engineering decisions, assumptions, and design changes.
• Liaise with regulatory bodies to ensure Civil systems comply with nuclear safety standards
• Contribute to the development of long-term system integration, testing, and commissioning strategies.
• Support the development of project documentation for licensing applications and technical reviews.
• Ensure GBN requirements are achieved and approve any deviations (following suitable due process).
• Provide engineering input and expert advice into technical risks, issues, challenges and other topics related to Civil Engineering.
• Ensure interfaces with other parts of the plant are correctly managed.
• Coordinate with contractors, suppliers, and vendors to ensure the timely delivery and installation of civil systems.

Knowledge, Skills and Experience required:

• Minimum of 5 years of experience in civil engineering, ideally with exposure to infrastructure or energy sector projects.
• Familiarity with nuclear project regulations
• Strong understanding of geotechnical, structural, and environmental civil engineering principles.
• Proficiency in civil design software
• Excellent communication, documentation, and stakeholder coordination skills.
• Experience working in large, multidisciplinary project environments.
• Ability to foster a collaborative and supportive environment, whilst developing team members’ skills and capabilities.
• To have the capability to embrace change and uncertainty and welcome the emergent aspect of the job.

Qualifications

• Chartered Engineer
• Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Civil Engineering or related field.