Programme Director Opportunities (Defence & Nuclear)

kbr; Glasgow; On-site; GBP 120,000 - 180,000; Full time

Job summary

KBR invites experienced Programme Directors to lead defence and nuclear engineering programmes across FEED and detailed design. You will govern programmes, ensure technical excellence, manage risk, and interface with clients at executive level in a safety-focused environment.

Locations include Glasgow and other UK sites; permanent roles with leadership responsibility and a strong emphasis on collaboration, governance and delivering high-quality outcomes.

Qualifications

• Proven leadership delivering large-scale engineering/EPC programmes.
• Experience leading multi-disciplinary engineering teams.
• Strong background in programme cost, schedule, and risk management.
• Experience in regulated or safety-critical industries (e.g. energy, nuclear, defence, infrastructure).

Responsibilities

• Lead delivery of complex defence and nuclear programmes across FEED and detailed design.
• Drive programme governance and ensure technical excellence across teams.
• Interface with clients and partners at executive level to shape direction and manage risk.

Skills

Leadership

Executive stakeholder engagement

Cost & schedule management

Risk management

Team leadership

Education

Engineering degree

CEng chartered

Job description

Title:

Programme Director Opportunities (Defence & Nuclear)

A career at KBR can change the world - and change your life. If you're ready, let's get started.

The KBR team of teams delivers future-forward science, technology and engineering solutions and mission-critical services that help governments and companies around the world accomplish their most important objectives, while also helping achieve their sustainability goals.

About the Role

Programme Director - Engineering

Locations: Glasgow, Warrington, Reading, Bristol, Plymouth

Job Type: Permanent

We are seeking experienced Programme Directors to lead the delivery of complex, large-scale defence and nuclear engineering programmes across FEED and detailed design phases.

This is a high-impact leadership role where you will drive programme governance, ensure technical excellence, and oversee delivery performance across multidisciplinary teams. Acting as a key interface with clients and partners, you will shape strategic direction, manage risk, and deliver predictable, high-quality outcomes within a structured and safety-focused environment.

About You

You are a senior engineering leader with a strong track record of delivering complex programmes in regulated or safety-critical environments. You bring strategic thinking, commercial awareness, and the ability to lead high-performing teams while managing client expectations at an executive level.

Essential Experience

• Proven leadership delivering large-scale engineering or EPC programmes.
• Experience managing multi-disciplinary engineering teams and workstreams.
• Strong background in programme cost, schedule, and risk management.
• Experience in regulated or safety-critical industries (e.g. energy, nuclear, defence, infrastructure).
• Experience engaging and influencing senior stakeholders and executive clients

Qualifications

• Degree in Engineering or a related discipline.
• Chartered Engineer (CEng) status or equivalent professional accreditation.

Why Join KBR?

At KBR, we are driven by our shared values:

We Value Our People

We create inclusive environments where everyone feels respected, supported, and empowered to thrive.

We Deliver

We are trusted partners, committed to delivering innovative, high-quality, and technology-led solutions.

We Are People of Integrity

We act with honesty, courage, and accountability-always doing what's right.

We Empower

We trust our people to take ownership, be proactive, and rise to challenges.

We Are a Team of Teams

Collaboration is at the heart of our success, enabling us to deliver excellence for our customers.

If you're ready to lead complex engineering programmes and make a meaningful impact within a global organisation, we'd love to hear from you.

Security Requirements

SC Clearance

Due to the secure nature of this project, restrictions in relation to UK residency and nationality will apply.

KBR Benefits & More

Belong. Connect. Grow.

At KBR, we are passionate about our people and our Zero Harm culture. These inform all that we do and are at the heart of our commitment to, and ongoing journey toward being a People First company. That commitment is central to our team of team's philosophy and fosters an environment where everyone can Belong, Connect and Grow.

Equal Opportunity

KBR is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, colour, religion, disability, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, age, national origin, veteran status, genetic information, union status and/or beliefs, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state, or local law.