Chief Nuclear Engineer

JR United Kingdom; Manchester; Hybrid; GBP 80,000 - 120,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading company at the forefront of Small Modular Reactor technology seeks a Chief Engineer to provide technical leadership. This role involves overseeing engineering development, ensuring compliance with regulatory standards, and building a high-performing team to drive innovative clean energy solutions. The ideal candidate will possess a chartered engineering status and strong experience in nuclear reactor technologies, combined with leadership and communication skills.

Benefits

Opportunity to shape the future of clean energy

Collaborative, entrepreneurial environment

Competitive salary and equity participation

Flexible working arrangements

Qualifications

• Chartered Engineer with a degree in nuclear engineering, mechanical engineering, electrical engineering, or a related discipline.
• Experience in nuclear reactor design and operational engineering, preferably SMR technologies.
• Strong understanding of nuclear regulatory frameworks and safety standards.

Responsibilities

• Lead end-to-end engineering development of SMR technology from conceptual design to commercial deployment.
• Define engineering standards and quality assurance aligned with regulatory requirements.
• Build and manage a high-performing multi-disciplinary engineering team.

Skills

Leadership

Communication

Stakeholder Engagement

Innovation

Commercial Awareness

Education

Degree in Nuclear Engineering

Degree in Mechanical Engineering

Degree in Electrical Engineering

Job description

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Kennedy Fox Associates are working with an innovative UK-based company at the forefront of Small Modular Reactor (SMR) technology, dedicated to delivering safe, scalable, and sustainable nuclear energy solutions. Their mission is to revolutionise clean energy generation through advanced reactor design and deployment.

Location: UK (flexible with travel to key sites)

Reports to: Chief Executive Officer

The Chief Engineer will provide technical leadership across all engineering and design aspects of our SMR programme. This role is critical in shaping the company’s technical direction, ensuring compliance with regulatory standards, and delivering world-class engineering solutions that drive the successful commercialisation of our technology.

Responsibilities:

• Lead the end-to-end engineering development of the company’s SMR technology, from conceptual design through to commercial deployment.
• Define and maintain engineering standards, processes, and quality assurance frameworks aligned with nuclear regulatory requirements (ONR, IAEA, etc.).
• Provide technical authority and oversight for all reactor systems, including core design, safety systems, thermal hydraulics, control systems, and balance of plant.
• Build and manage a high-performing multi-disciplinary engineering team, including internal talent and specialist contractors/consultants.
• Engage with external stakeholders, including regulators, industry partners, academic institutions, and government bodies, representing the company’s technical vision.
• Oversee engineering risk management, including safety case development and hazard analysis.
• Support funding bids, strategic partnerships, and business development activities by articulating the company’s technical strengths.
• Champion innovation and continuous improvement, ensuring the company remains at the cutting edge of SMR technology.
• Lead technical input into procurement, manufacturing readiness, and supply chain strategies.
• Ensure the integration of engineering activities with project delivery, programme management, and commercial goals.

Experience Needed:

• Chartered Engineer with a degree in nuclear engineering, mechanical engineering, electrical engineering, or a related discipline.
• Experience in nuclear reactor design, development, or operational engineering—preferably including advanced or small modular reactor technologies.
• Strong understanding of UK and international nuclear regulatory frameworks and safety standards.
• Proven track record in leading complex engineering teams and programmes in a highly regulated environment.
• Excellent leadership, communication, and stakeholder engagement skills.
• Commercial awareness and ability to align engineering outcomes with business objectives.
• Passion for innovation and clean energy technology.

Company Perks:

• Opportunity to help shape the future of clean energy in the UK and globally.
• Collaborative, entrepreneurial environment with real impact.
• Competitive salary and equity participation.
• Flexible working arrangements and locations.

If this sounds of interest then please apply now!