Future Technologies Lead

Amentum; Aston-on-Trent; On-site; GBP 60,000 - 80,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading technology firm in the UK seeks a specialist in nuclear propulsion technology to support the Naval Nuclear Propulsion Programme. The role requires strong technical expertise, innovative thinking, and collaboration across disciplines to influence business strategy and drive growth. Candidates must possess a Master's degree or equivalent experience, alongside essential skills in relationship building and problem solving. A competitive salary and comprehensive benefits await those passionate about this complex field.

Benefits

Free single medical cover

Enhanced parental leave pay

Reimbursement for professional development

Flexible working hours

Paid volunteering time

Qualifications

• Strong technical expertise in nuclear and reactor technologies and propulsion systems.
• Ability to obtain security clearance without caveats.
• Membership of a professional institution is desirable.

Responsibilities

• Provide innovative thinking to influence change in the industry.
• Collaborate across technical areas to drive growth.
• Maintain a strong understanding of submarine nuclear propulsion technology.

Skills

Innovative and forward‑thinking

Strong relationship‑building skills

Effective problem‑solving abilities

Resilient and adaptable in dynamic environments

Committed to continuous learning and growth

Education

Master's degree in a relevant scientific or engineering subject

Job description

Overview

Our Research & Technology (R&T) team has been leading the way in supporting some of the world's most complex engineering challenges and ensuring the continued safe delivery of the UK's Naval Nuclear Propulsion Programme for over 15 years. This role is central to establishing our position in supporting the future technology demands of the nuclear propulsion programme.

Responsibilities

• Provide innovative thinking and insights that influence positive change and advancement in the industry.
• Apply broad and comprehensive expertise in leading‑edge theories, techniques, and technologies within your field.
• Influence business strategy to address internal or external challenges, vendor relationships, and regulatory requirements.
• Proactively identify and solve complex problems that impact the management and direction of the business.
• Work as part of the R&T management team to establish and deliver a strong research programme on future technologies.
• Use knowledge of wider NNPP requirements, challenges, and future direction to develop, lead, and deliver the future strategy.
• Engage with MoD DNO, MoD SDA, Tier 1 industry partners, academia, and technology partners to inform and define future direction.
• Anticipate internal and external business challenges and wider programme issues; recommend process, product, or service improvements.
• Make unbiased technical decisions in the best interests of the Naval Nuclear Submarine Propulsion Research Programmes while sustaining and developing technology capability.
• Collaborate across technical areas and the broader organisation to drive growth and enhance customer offerings.
• Maintain a strong understanding of submarine nuclear propulsion technology, using the concept of "neutron to thrust" to guide future research and technology strategy.
• Ensure compliance with health, safety, environment, security and quality standards.

Job Requirements

The position requires strong technical expertise in nuclear and reactor technologies, propulsion systems, and awareness of trends and advancements across relevant sectors. You'll also need an understanding of nuclear propulsion requirements to deliver competitive military technology into the future, and how to support this through research and technology activities.

You will foster collaboration across multiple technical disciplines, contribute to senior committees, and help shape the future of nuclear technology within Defence. Success in this role demands excellent communication skills, technical and programme understanding, and a creative mindset to identify new opportunities that deliver value to both the customer and the business. We welcome individuals who are passionate about R&T and the NNPP, with a desire to work on one of the most complex, challenging, and important projects within the UK.

Qualifications and Experience

• Recognized for expertise and influence within a strategic organisational function or discipline.
• Master's degree (Level 7 or equivalent) in a relevant scientific or engineering subject, or equivalent experience.
• Membership of a professional institution (e.g., Chartered Engineer) is desirable.
• This role requires UK nationality and the ability to obtain security clearance without caveats.

Essential Skills

• Innovative and forward‑thinking
• Strong relationship‑building skills
• Effective problem‑solving abilities
• Resilient and adaptable in dynamic environments
• Committed to continuous learning and growth

Benefits and Perks

We'll inspire and empower you to deliver your best work so you can evolve, grow and succeed – today and into tomorrow. We offer an exciting range of opportunities to develop your career within a supportive and diverse team who always strive to do the right thing for our people, clients and communities. People are our greatest asset, and we offer a competitive package to retain and attract the best talent.

In addition to the benefits you'd expect, UK employees also receive free single medical cover and digital GP service, family‑friendly benefits such as enhanced parental leave pay and free membership of employee assistance and parental programmes, plus reimbursement towards relevant professional development and memberships. We also give back to our communities through our Collectively programme which incorporates matched‑funding, paid volunteering time and charitable donations. Work‑life balance and flexibility is a key focus area for us. We're happy to discuss hybrid, part‑time and flexible working hours, patterns and locations to suit you and our business.