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@gbnuclear.gov.uk and we will talk to you about how we can assist.
Job Profile
The Design Authority Lead role for the SMR Project holds a critical role in establishing the project’s Design Authority strategy and capability. The role is not initially required to discharge the duties of a Design Authority, but the focus will be on the implementation of any project-specific technical standards, strategies and tools in support of a future Design Authority capability.
Reporting to the Technical Director, you will work closely with an Engineering Lead, Design Management Lead and Safety Case Lead to ensure that the future Design Authority capability will deliver the following responsibilities:
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:
Governance & Compliance
* Ensuring the plant design aligns with UK nuclear safety regulations.
* Maintaining compliance with Environmental Agency (EA) requirements and other statutory obligations.
* Ensuring the nuclear site license conditions are met through robust design control.
Technical Oversight
* Acting as a technical authority on design decisions.
* Approving design changes, ensuring they do not compromise safety, security, or performance.
* Play a key role in design reviews, ensuring alignment with project objectives, regulatory requirements, and industry best practices.
* Reviewing engineering solutions to confirm they meet operational and safety needs.
Risk Management
* Identifying design risks early and developing mitigation strategies.
* Ensuring design integrity is maintained throughout the project lifecycle.
* Overseeing hazard assessments, ensuring risks are within acceptable levels.
Stakeholder Management
* Coordinating with regulatory bodies (ONR, EA, HSE) to demonstrate compliance.
* Working with project teams, engineering contractors, and vendors to ensure technical coherence.
* Engaging with operations and maintenance teams to ensure the design is practical for long-term use.
Design Control & Change Management
* Implementing a robust design change process to manage modifications.
* Ensuring design documentation is accurate, controlled, and up to date.
* Play a critical role in design reviews, safety case development, and validation activities.
Lifecycle Responsibility
* Ensuring design remains valid from construction through commissioning, operation, and decommissioning.
* Supporting design substantiation and preparing for Regulatory Hold Points.
* Ensuring learning from previous projects and operational feedback is incorporated.
Knowledge, Skills and Experience required:
* Proven experience in leading and managing design teams, capable of working safely and effectively in a highly regulated environment.
* Strong knowledge of nuclear regulations, standards, and licensing processes.
* Proven record of delivering technically challenging projects.
* Experience with systems engineering, risk management, and planning in a nuclear context.
* Excellent problem-solving skills, with the ability to think critically and make informed decisions under pressure.
* Exceptional communication skills, with the ability to effectively interact with technical and non-technical stakeholders.
* Ability to foster a collaborative and supportive environment, whilst developing team members’ skills and capabilities.
* Have the capability to embrace change and uncertainty and welcome the emergent aspect of the job.
* Ability to lead in a collaborative, multi-party environment at pace.
Qualifications
* Chartered Engineer