Principal Safety & Licensing Engineer

URENCO UK Ltd; Capenhurst; On-site; GBP 90,000 - 120,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Generous Annual Leave

Bonus Scheme

Pension Scheme

Private Medical & Dental Cover

Flexible Benefits

Training & Development

Job summary

Urenco, a global leader in low-carbon nuclear fuel solutions, seeks a Principal Safety & Licensing Engineer for our Capenhurst site. You will provide technical leadership in safety case development, licensing (nuclear safety and environmental permitting), and safety-in-design assurance across major capital programmes.

You will lead a team of Safety & Licensing Engineers, ensuring designs meet regulatory requirements, safety objectives, and Urenco standards throughout the project lifecycle.

Qualifications

• Experience delivering safety cases and licensing activities within regulated environments.
• Experience leading teams and supporting major engineering or infrastructure projects.
• Demonstrable expertise in safety and licensing.
• Strong understanding of safety, licensing, and regulatory compliance.
• Strong leadership, stakeholder management, and problem-solving skills.

Responsibilities

• Lead Safety & Licensing Delivery across major capital programmes.
• Provide technical leadership in safety case development, licensing documentation, and safety strategies.
• Support project delivery by embedding safety objectives in designs and supplier work.
• Drive continuous improvement of safety methodologies and design assurance processes.

Skills

Leadership

Safety & Licensing Expertise

Regulatory Compliance

Stakeholder Management

Analytical Thinking

Education

Degree in Engineering, Science, or related discipline

Professional accreditation desirable

Job description

Help us to make a world of difference

Urenco is a global leader in the production of low-carbon energy, playing a critical role in delivering secure, reliable nuclear fuel solutions worldwide. We are focused on enabling the sustainable generation of electricity for customers around the world while operating to the highest environmental, social, and regulatory standards.

In addition, as part of a strategically important industry, Urenco is now required to support the UK Government in exploring options to re-establish nuclear fuel capabilities to produce reactor fuel for defence purposes.

To support this new project, we are seeking a Principal Safety & Licensing Engineer to join our Capenhurst site/Birchwood. In this role, you will work within our Government Services function as a key interface between site teams and Group stakeholders to ensure effective planning, coordination, and delivery across complex programmes.

At Urenco, we're committed to helping you be your best. If you feel you meet some, but not all, of what we're looking for, we still encourage you to apply. We believe in embracing the passion and potential of our people and offer market-leading training, development, coaching, and mentoring opportunities from some of the brightest minds in the industry.

About the Role

As a Principal Safety & Licensing Engineer, you will provide technical leadership in safety case development, licensing (nuclear safety and environmental permitting), and safety-in-design assurance across major capital programmes. Leading a team of Safety & Licensing Engineers, you will ensure designs meet regulatory requirements, safety objectives, and Urenco standards throughout the project lifecycle.

You will play a key role in developing safety strategies, overseeing safety assessments, supporting licensing activities, and acting as an Intelligent Customer and Design Authority for Safety & Licensing disciplines across UGS projects.

What You'll Do

Lead Safety & Licensing Delivery

• Lead and develop a team of Safety & Licensing Engineers.
• Deliver safety cases and licensing activities in line with Urenco standards and project requirements.
• Define delivery strategies and coordinate resources across multiple projects.
• Ensure consistency and alignment of safety-in-design activities.

Provide Technical Leadership

• Lead the development and review of safety cases, licensing documentation, and safety strategies.
• Conduct and oversee safety studies including HAZID, HAZOP, SWIFT, and FMEA.
• Provide technical oversight and guidance on radiological, criticality, chemical, and environmental safety assessments.
• Act as the technical authority for safety-in-design activities.

Support Project Delivery

• Provide safety case oversight throughout design and project execution phases.
• Support design teams and suppliers to ensure safety objectives are embedded throughout project delivery.
• Review technical documentation, engineering calculations, and safety reports.
• Ensure design solutions comply with regulatory and licensing requirements.

Drive Continuous Improvement

• Promote a proactive safety culture and learning-from-experience approach.
• Develop and maintain SQEP capability within the Safety & Licensing team.
• Support the continuous improvement of safety methodologies, standards, and design assurance processes.
• Maintain strong relationships with regulators, stakeholders, and project teams.

What Do You Need to Thrive in This Role?

Qualifications

• Degree in Engineering, Science, or a related discipline.
• Professional accreditation or specialist safety qualifications desirable.

Experience

• Experience delivering safety cases and licensing activities within regulated environments.
• Experience leading teams and supporting major engineering or infrastructure projects.
• Demonstrable expertise in safety and licensing.

Technical & Leadership Capability

• Strong understanding of safety, licensing, and regulatory compliance.
• Strong leadership, stakeholder management, and problem-solving skills.

Behavioural Attributes

• Collaborative and customer-focused approach.
• Strong analytical and decision-making capability.
• Commitment to safety, quality, and continuous improvement.

What Can You Expect From Us?

More than just a job, we offer a future. More than just a place to work, we provide an opportunity to prosper.

As a valued member of our team, you will receive:

• Generous Annual Leave: Starting at 25 days, increasing by one day every two years (up to 30 days), plus 13 additional flexible days. Option to buy or sell up to 5 holiday days.
• Family-Friendly Policies: A wide range of policies to support work-life balance and family needs.
• Bonus Scheme: A competitive bonus scheme based on company and individual performance.
• Pension Scheme: Defined contribution plan with up to 16% employer contribution.
• Private Medical & Dental Cover: Single cover, with the option to purchase additional benefits.
• Flexible Benefits: Life assurance, income protection, and benefits tailored to your lifestyle, with potential tax and National Insurance savings.
• Training & Development: Personalised learning and development opportunities to support your career growth.

Security Vetting

Due to the nature of the industry in which Urenco operates, successful candidates will be required to obtain and maintain the appropriate level of security clearance for the role. All offers of employment are subject to satisfactory completion of the required vetting and screening checks.

Creating a Diverse and Inclusive Workforce

As a truly global organisation with operations in the UK, USA, Germany, and the Netherlands, we know that our differences make us stronger. We are committed to creating an inclusive workplace where everyone feels valued, respected, and empowered to succeed.

If you require any reasonable adjustments during the recruitment process, please let our Talent Acquisition team know.

Because together, we are One Urenco. We are enriching the world. And enriching your future