Balance of Plant Engineering Lead

Great British Energy - Nuclear; England; Hybrid; GBP 90,000 - 130,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

National Security Vetting support

Inclusive, collaborative culture

Job summary

Great British Energy - Nuclear is seeking a Balance of Plant Engineering Lead to oversee BOP design and ensure alignment with the client’s requirements in a fast-paced SMR program. You will interface between the technology provider and client, supported by an Owner's Engineer, and contribute to establishing the Design Authority for the future site licensee and environmental permit holder.

The role requires leading multi-disciplinary teams in a regulated environment, with responsibility for

Qualifications

• Experience leading multi-disciplinary teams in highly regulated industries.
• Design/construction/commissioning/operation of nuclear plants or similar processes.
• Experience with design processes in nuclear/high hazard industries.
• Experience deploying safety analysis techniques.
• Good understanding of UK nuclear regulations, safety, security and environmental standards.
• Effective problem-solving abilities with risk focus.
• Strong communication with technical and non-technical stakeholders.
• Ability to foster collaboration and develop team members.
• Ability to adapt to uncertainty and changing priorities.
• Experience in start-up or innovative environments is desirable.

Responsibilities

• Oversee and assure the delivery of the Balance of Plant (BOP) designs as part of GBE-N's Intelligent Client role.
• Ensure GBE-N requirements are met and approve deviations through due process.
• Provide engineering input into risks, issues, and challenges related to BOP.
• Manage interfaces with other plant parts and ensure proper configuration.
• Represent the client at Design Reviews, HAZOP/HAZID, and Constructability Reviews for BOP.
• Interface with safety case manager to align design with safety, security and environmental cases.
• Support establishment of nuclear safety capability and prepare for future licensee responsibilities.
• Work with Engineering Lead and regulators to ensure compliance with standards.
• Ensure integration of all systems with BOP per safety, performance and compliance standards.
• Contribute to delivery strategies, processes, and ways of working across project supply chain.
• Ensure BOP activities comply with nuclear and conventional regulations and standards.

Skills

Leadership

Nuclear design

Safety analysis

Regulatory knowledge

Communication

Problem solving

Stakeholder management

Adaptability

Start-up exposure

Collaborative work

Education

Engineering degree

Job description

Originally named, Great British Nuclear, Great British Energy - Nuclear is an arm's length body of the Department for Energy Security and Net Zero, dedicated to supporting the development and deployment of new nuclear technologies in Great Britain. We play a crucial role in advancing nuclear new build, ensuring the UK's energy security and achieving net-zero carbon emissions. Great British Energy - Nuclear focuses on fostering innovation, facilitating investment, and coordinating efforts across the nuclear industry to build a resilient and sustainable energy future.

Great British Energy - Nuclear's first step was to start the technology selection process for Small Modular Reactors (SMRs) in 2023. 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. In June 2025, Great British Energy - Nuclear announced that Rolls-Royce SMR had been selected as the preferred bidder to build the UK's first SMRs, following a technology selection process that began in 2023.

Great British Energy - Nuclear is aiming to deliver fast, based on a supportive and collaborative culture which values equality and diversity and creates an inclusive workplace.

The Balance of Plant Engineering Lead is pivotal in overseeing and assuring the design of the Balance of Plant (BOP), including the Cooling Water Island system (CWI). You will be part of the SMR Project Client Technical Team, reporting to the Head of Engineering, which is comprised of leads to cover the primary plant areas of the SMR Project.

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. This role will form part of the Design Authority for the future Nuclear Site Licence Holder, Environmental Permit Holder and other related duties.

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. This is a fast-paced and evolving environment, requiring the ability to adapt effectively to uncertainty, ambiguity and change.

A full job description is available and attached to the job advert.

Accountabilities & Responsibilities:

• Oversee and assure the delivery of the Balance of Plant (BOP) designs as part of GBE-N's role as the Intelligent Client.
• Ensure GBE-N 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 and BOP.
• Ensure interfaces with other parts of the plant are correctly managed.
• Be the client's representative at Design Reviews, HAZOP / HAZID, Constructability Reviews etc. relevant to the BOP systems, structures and components.
• Liaise with the safety case manager to ensure that there is a clear alignment between the design and safety, security and environmental cases, including provision of site-specific information to support the plant design.
• Support the establishment of the necessary nuclear safety capability throughout the project organisation, with a view to being a future nuclear licensee.
• Working with the Engineering Lead and regulatory authorities to ensure all BOP activities comply with applicable regulations and standards.
• Responsible for ensuring the effective integration of all systems with the BOP, in accordance with required standards of safety, performance, and compliance.
• Support the establishment of necessary technical delivery strategies processes, systems, ways of working and ensure these are flowed into the project supply chain.
• Ensure that all BOP systems comply with relevant nuclear and conventional power regulations, codes, and safety, security and environmental standards.

Knowledge, Skills and Experience required:

• Considerable experience of leading multi-disciplinary teams in highly regulated industry.
• Experience of design/construction/commissioning/operation of nuclear generating plants or similar process industries.
• Experience of design processes and arrangements in nuclear/high hazard industries.
• Experience of deployment of safety analysis techniques.
• Good understanding of UK nuclear regulations, safety, security and environmental standards, and licensing processes.
• Effective problem-solving abilities, with a focus on identifying and mitigating risks in complex systems.
• Good 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.
• To have the ability to adapt effectively to uncertainty and welcome the emergent aspect of the job.
• Ability to lead in a collaborative, multi-party environment while managing changing priorities.
• Experience working within a start-up or similar innovative environment, showcasing adaptability and comfort with uncertainty is desirable.
• Proven experience of leading by example, demonstrating integrity, professionalism, and ethical behaviour.

Qualifications

• Degree-level education in science, engineering or a related discipline, or equivalent relevant experience.

Please note, this role may require candidates to obtain and maintain the appropriate level of National Security Vetting.

We recognise that candidates may not meet every requirement listed. If your experience is not an exact match but you believe you have the skills, knowledge and potential to succeed in the role, we encourage you to apply.

At GBE-N, we are committed to building an inclusive workplace where everyone can thrive. We value diversity and encourage applications from all backgrounds, including underrepresented groups. If you require any support or adjustments to help you with your application, please contact us at [e-mail] , and we will be happy to provide assistance.