Senior Layout Engineer – Fuelling Block

Role: Senior Layout Engineer – Fuelling Block

Locations: 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 uniquely positioned to become a world leader in SMR technology, helping to strengthen energy security whilst creating one of the UK's most significant clean energy export opportunities.

The Team

The Reactor Island team is responsible for developing the heart of our SMR power station. Bringing together expertise from across engineering disciplines, the team is pioneering innovative approaches to plant integration, modularisation and delivery that will transform how nuclear power stations are designed, built and commissioned.

The Role

In this context, we are looking for a Senior Layout Engineer to join our Fuelling Block team, reporting to the Fuelling Block Layout Manager. Working within a highly collaborative engineering environment, you'll play a central role in shaping the layout, modularisation and installation strategy for one of the most complex and safety-critical areas of the Reactor Island, helping to turn our ambitious vision into a deployable reality.

You will be responsible for progressing the design and delivery of a defined Layout scope within the SMR Fuelling Block, developing integrated solutions across mechanical, electrical and plumbing (MEP) systems and installation assemblies. Working across the full engineering lifecycle, you'll influence everything from concept development and design optimisation through to manufacturing, installation, commissioning and long-term operation.

Getting layout, modularisation and installation design right is fundamental to the success of our programme and a critical part of our innovative approach to deploying nuclear power at scale.

We'll Need You To:

• Leading the development of integrated layout and installation solutions across the Fuelling Block, ensuring designs balance safety, operability, maintainability, constructability and delivery efficiency.

• Coordinating multidisciplinary engineering activities and managing interfaces across Mechanical Handling, Components, Systems Engineering, Civil, Architecture, Operations, Human Factors, CAD and Supply Chain teams.

• Driving technical decision-making through design reviews, trade-off studies and robust engineering methodologies to resolve complex integration and routing challenges.

• Developing and maintaining engineering delivery plans, ensuring key programme milestones are achieved to agreed cost, quality and schedule objectives.

• Identifying, managing and mitigating technical risks, assumptions and issues, whilst capturing lessons learned to support continuous improvement.

• Supporting modular construction and installation strategies, helping define efficient assembly, transportation, installation and commissioning methodologies.

• Producing, reviewing and approving high-quality technical documentation, reports and engineering deliverables that support design substantiation and regulatory engagement.

• Presenting engineering solutions during internal governance reviews and external stakeholder engagements, building confidence in design maturity and delivery readiness.

• Working closely with Nuclear Safety and Licensing teams to support the UK Generic Design Assessment (GDA) programme through the development of robust technical evidence and regulatory submissions.

• Whilst the role does not have direct line management responsibility, you will be expected to lead and influence a broad network of stakeholders across engineering and project functions to successfully deliver your scope.

Why This Role?

As you can see, this is a pivotal role within our engineering organisation. You'll bring a systems-thinking mindset, strong technical judgement and the ability to influence across multiple disciplines, thriving in an environment where collaboration, innovation and delivery excellence are critical to success.

What We're Looking For

• Degree qualified in Mechanical Engineering or a related discipline, with Chartered Engineer status or actively working towards Chartership.

• We'll ask about your experience leading complex layout, integration or installation design activities through concept, developed and detailed design phases within highly regulated environments.

• Strong understanding of requirements management, engineering governance, technical risk management and multidisciplinary design review processes.

• Experience developing engineering solutions that consider commissioning, maintenance, operability, fault scenarios, constructability and through-life performance.

• Proven ability to manage interfaces and align stakeholders across multiple engineering disciplines and project functions.

• Experience in mechanical systems integration including piping, cable routing, ventilation, HVAC or mechanical handling systems.

• Knowledge of Nuclear Fuel Route systems, Reactor Island integration, modular construction approaches or nuclear plant design would be particularly advantageous.

• Familiarity with UK nuclear regulatory expectations, including Generic Design Assessment (GDA) activities, safety case development or equivalent design substantiation processes would be beneficial.

Location

We offer hybrid working and expect regular attendance at one of our offices in Manchester, Warrington or Derby, alongside occasional travel to support project activities, stakeholder engagement and technical reviews.

What's In It For Me?

The salary for this role is competitive and will reflect the skills, knowledge and experience you bring. We also offer an attractive benefits package including bonus opportunity, pension, healthcare and generous annual leave.

You'll be joining a forward-thinking organisation that values transparency, inclusion and innovation. As we continue to scale, you'll have the opportunity to influence nationally significant engineering programmes, develop your career alongside leading industry experts and help shape the future of clean energy.

Selection Process

• We anticipate paying a salary of between £50,650-£66,500 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 5 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  

Inclusion & Diversity

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.

We are happy to discuss flexible working. We will also make workplace adjustments for disabled employees if these are needed to help them perform at their best in the role, and we are happy to discuss this once a job offer has been made.

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 and diverse experiences that can help us achieve our ambitions.

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