Assistant Chief Design Engineer

Role

Assistant Chief Design Engineer – Civil & Structural Engineering

Location

Hybrid working with primary locations in Derby, Warrington or Manchester; flexible arrangements for other locations.

Our Mission

Deliver clean, affordable energy for all. The 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 Team

The high performing Civil & Structural Engineering team underpins the physical delivery of the SMR, owning all 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.

The Role

Senior leader and technical authority in civil and structural discipline; reports to the Chief Design Engineer; leads and influences a team of 75+ engineers. Responsible for delivering projects on time, on budget, to the highest technical standards, while prioritising team wellbeing. Operates across the full engineering lifecycle and coordinates cross‑functional interfaces across the nuclear design and delivery organisation.

What We’ll Need You To Do

• Provide senior‑level technical leadership and governance for all civil and structural engineering activities; chair reviews and act as 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 the business to drive initiatives related to procurement, supply‑chain, legal industrialisation and other civil and structural engineering matters.
• 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.

Why This Role Matters

This highly visible leadership role requires strategic judgement, credibility and resilience. You will navigate 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.
• Experience in safety case development, regulatory engagement, programme governance and senior stakeholder influence.

Location & Flexibility

Flexible working arrangements with travel supported as necessary. Regular travel to UK offices and project locations will be required to support collaboration and delivery.

What’s In It For You

• Salary: £85,600 – £108,400
• Performance‑related bonus target: 30%
• Benefits Allowance: £8,500 per annum
• Pension: 12% employer and 6% employee contributions.
• Holidays: 28 days + public holidays, with option to buy or sell up to 4 days.
• Private medical insurance – BUPA single cover
• Life assurance – 6 × pensionable pay
• £250 one‑off payment for new starters for home‑office purchases

EEO Statement

We are an equal opportunities and Disability Confident employer. Flexible working is supported, and reasonable adjustments are available throughout the recruitment process and employment. We welcome applications from all backgrounds.

Clearance Requirements

All offers are subject to BPSS clearance, DBS checks and financial probity screening.

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