Design Engineer – Heat Exchangers

Role: Design Engineer – Heat Exchangers

Location: Hybrid working with one of the following locations as primary: Derby, Warrington or Manchester.

Our Mission

Our mission is to deliver clean, affordable energy for all. Our Small Modular Reactor (SMR) provides a British solution to a global energy challenge. We are in pole position to become a world leader in SMRs and the UK’s premier green export technology.

The Team

The Heat Exchangers team sits within the Plant Equipment function, which forms part of the wider Components & Mechanical Equipment organisation. The team is responsible for delivering the design, development, and technical maturity of heat exchanger systems across the SMR power station.

You will join a collaborative and diverse team of engineers, combining deep technical expertise with emerging talent. The team operates across multiple UK locations and works closely with multidisciplinary stakeholders including systems, manufacturing, supply chain, and analysis teams to deliver complex engineering solutions.

The team is currently focused on supporting critical programme milestones including Generic Design Assessment (GDA), Reference Design development, and future Design Acceptance Reviews.

The Role

We are looking for a Design Engineer – Heat Exchangers to report to the Manager – Heat Exchangers. You will play a key role in the design and development of multiple heat exchanger systems across the SMR plant, contributing to both generic design development and site-specific adaptations.

You will support the maturity, integration, and delivery of heat exchanger designs, working within a structured governance and quality framework to meet challenging programme, technical, and regulatory requirements.

What We’ll Need You to Do

• Deliver the design and development of heat exchanger systems across the SMR power station

• Contribute to requirements capture, equipment selection, and thermal/mechanical sizing

• Support lifecycle activities including manufacture, verification, and safety case inputs

• Work to established governance, standards, and quality processes

• Collaborate with multidisciplinary teams across the organisation

• Support programme delivery, including key milestones such as Reference Contribute to cost and value engineering activities

• Engage with internal and external stakeholders

• Resolve technical challenges and balance competing requirements

• Demonstrate flexibility and contribute across the engineering lifecycle

What You’ll Bring

• Degree in Mechanical Engineering or related discipline

• Experience in heat exchanger or similar equipment design

• Strong preference for mechanical design experience

• Knowledge of relevant codes and standards (ASME, TEMA, EN13445, PED/PSSR)

• Experience with tools such as HTRI, Aspen EDR, or similar (desirable)

• Awareness of CFD methods (advantageous)

• Strong stakeholder engagement and communication skills

• Demonstratable experience in a similar role

Location & Ways of working:

This role offers flexible and hybrid working arrangements. You will be expected to attend a UK office location as required to support collaboration, stakeholder engagement, and programme delivery.

What’s in It for You:

We anticipate paying a salary of between £42,000 - £52,500 DOE plus:- 

• Bonus - Performance related target opportunity 12.5%  

• Benefits Allowance – £2,200 per annum, enabling you to create a bespoke package   

• Pension - 12% employer and 6% employee contributions. 

• Holidays - 28 days holiday (+ public holidays) and the ability to buy or sell up to 4 days.   

• Private Medical Insurance - BUPA single cover health care   

• Life Assurance - 6x pensionable pay  

• £250 - One-off payment for new starters for home office purchases  

You’ll be joining a rapidly growing organisation at a critical stage of its development, offering excellent opportunities for learning, professional development, and long-term career progression within a purpose-driven and innovative environment.

Selection Process

The selection process will consist of staged interviews. Due to the nature of the role, successful candidates will be required to complete:

• Baseline Personnel Security Standard (BPSS) clearance

• Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check

• Basic financial probity checks

Inclusion & Diversity

We are an equal opportunities employer and welcome applications from all backgrounds. Inclusivity is central to our culture, and we are committed to creating a workplace where everyone feels valued, respected, and supported.

We are happy to discuss flexible working arrangements and will make reasonable workplace adjustments where required to support individuals in performing at their best.

Confidence can sometimes hold us back from applying, but there’s no such thing as a ‘perfect’ candidate. If you feel you meet around 75% of the requirements, we would love to hear from you.

We also welcome applications from individuals considering a sector move, particularly those with transferable experience from other regulated or safety-critical industries.

Pay Range:

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Why Join Us?

You’ll be joining a forward-thinking organisation that values transparency, fairness, and innovation. We offer:

•    A flexible, inclusive, and supportive working environment.
•    Opportunities for career growth in a rapidly scaling business.
•    A culture that values diversity, innovation, and continuous learning.

We are an equal opportunities employer and welcome applications from all backgrounds. Inclusivity is important to us, and as a Disability Confident organisation, we are committed to fair, supportive, and continually improving recruitment practices that ensure everyone has the opportunity to thrive.

Confidence can sometimes hold us back from applying for a job. But we'll let you in on a secret: there's no such thing as a 'perfect' candidate. If you feel you meet 75% of the requirements for this role, we would love to hear from you.

Also, if you are considering a career move or a sector-jump, please get in touch – we welcome applications from people with transferable skills.

Our Application Process

Due to the safety regulations within the nuclear industry, applicants will be required to participate in additional screening. These are:

•    Obtaining Baseline Personnel Security Standard (BPSS) clearance
•    Satisfactory completion of a Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check
•    Satisfactory completion of a basic financial probity check
 

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