Mechanical Engineering Inspector

Nuclearinst; Cheltenham, Greater London; Hybrid; GBP 83,000 - 100,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

London weighting allowance

Relocation package

Hybrid working options

Job summary

Office for Nuclear Regulation (ONR) is seeking a Mechanical Engineering Inspector to assess safety cases and inspect licensees’ arrangements on site across Great Britain, with hybrid working options and relocation assistance available.

You’ll apply your expertise in mechanical systems to nuclear safety, lead technical assessments and mentor colleagues, while developing in a diverse, high-hazard environment focused on safety, regulation and national defence goals.

Qualifications

• In-depth knowledge of nuclear safety significant mechanical systems across lifecycle.
• Knowledge of the nuclear industry or another high-hazard sector.
• Strong technical judgment and risk-based recommendations.
• A good honours degree in a relevant subject, or equivalent performance and experience.
• Chartered membership of a relevant professional institution, or equivalent experience.

Responsibilities

• Assess safety cases or inspect licensees' arrangements on site.
• Conduct investigations and research projects; engage in international collaboration and mentoring.
• Provide authoritative advice; lead technical assessments and evidence-based judgments.

Skills

Nuclear safety

Mechanical systems

Technical judgment

Honours degree

Chartered membership

Education

Honours degree in relevant subject

Chartered membership of a professional institution

Job description

Mechanical Engineering Inspector

£83,292 - £100,032 (plus a London Weighting allowance of £4,194 if applicable) with a Civil Service Pension with an average employer contribution of 27%

Bootle, Cheltenham or London (plus hybrid working options)

Relocation package of up to £15,000 may be available

Put your mechanical engineering expertise at the heart of nuclear safety

The UK's nuclear industry is changing rapidly as it supports energy security, decarbonisation, national defence, new technologies and the safe decommissioning of older facilities. At the Office for Nuclear Regulation (ONR), we're looking for an experienced Mechanical Engineering specialist to help ensure this transformation is delivered safely and securely.

The role

You'll bring your expertise in nuclear safety significant mechanical systems to the regulation of the nuclear industry across Great Britain. Working with colleagues in Mechanical Engineering and Structural Integrity, as well as specialists from other technical disciplines, you'll primarily assess safety cases or inspect licensees' arrangements on site.

Your work could also include investigations, research projects, international collaboration and mentoring colleagues. You'll provide authoritative advice in your specialism, lead technical assessments and make proportionate, evidence-based judgements about the adequacy of safety cases and site-based interventions.

The systems you encounter could span ventilation and containment, lifting and fuel handling, power reactors, chemical and process plant, heat transfer, pressure systems and transport packages. This breadth makes the role both technically challenging and genuinely varied.

About you

You'll bring:

• In-depth technical knowledge of nuclear safety significant mechanical systems across their lifecycle, from design and installation through to operation, maintenance and decommissioning.
• Knowledge of the nuclear industry or another high-hazard sector.
• Strong technical judgement and decision-making skills, with the ability to make logical, proportionate and risk-based recommendations.
• A good honours degree, or equivalent, in a relevant subject - or equivalent professional performance and experience.
• Chartered membership of a relevant professional institution - or equivalent professional performance and experience.

Why join ONR?

ONR regulates a diverse and fascinating sector - from advanced reactor designs and the existing fleet to the nuclear fuel cycle, decommissioning and defence facilities. You'll work alongside highly experienced specialists, broaden your expertise and contribute directly to protecting workers, the public and the environment.

As the UK's independent nuclear regulator, we offer a supportive, inclusive and flexible working environment where expertise is valued, development is encouraged, and colleagues are empowered to make a meaningful impact.

You'll join a supportive, inclusive organisation where public service, technical excellence and collaboration are central. Extensive training is provided on the legal and regulatory aspects of the role, with ongoing opportunities to deepen your specialist knowledge.

Closing date: 30th September 2026