Senior Piping Engineer

Holtec; Almondsbury; Hybrid; GBP 90,000 - 150,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Private health insurance

25 days annual leave

Hybrid work opportunities

Education assistance

Employer matched pension contributions

Life insurance

Job summary

Holtec in Almondsbury (Bristol Area), UK, is seeking a Senior Piping Engineer to lead nuclear piping analysis and design for advanced reactors. The role demands deep expertise in stress analysis, fracture mechanics, and regulatory compliance with strong leadership in multidisciplinary projects.

The position offers relocation assistance and hybrid work options in the UK. You’ll mentor engineers, drive risk-informed methods, and collaborate across design, fabrication, and regulatory teams.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical, Structural, or Nuclear Engineering; MSE/PhD strongly preferred.
• 15+ years of experience in nuclear piping analysis and component integrity.
• Extensive ASME Section III Class 1, 2, 3 piping analysis expertise.
• Strong knowledge of fracture mechanics and regulatory requirements.
• Experience with AutoPIPE and Smart3D environments.

Responsibilities

• Lead nuclear piping design and stress analysis for ASME Class 1–3 systems.
• Perform fracture mechanics, fatigue, SCC crack growth, and fitness-for-service evaluations.
• Develop and implement LBB and HELB methodologies.
• Interface with Smart3D/SmartPlant models to resolve layout and flexibility issues.
• Mentor engineers and lead multidisciplinary teams; manage budgets.

Skills

Nuclear piping analysis

ASME Section III

Fracture mechanics

Stress analysis

Leadership

Education

Bachelor's degree in Mechanical, Structural, or Nuclear Engineering

15+ years nuclear piping experience

Tools

AutoPIPE

Smart3D

PV Elite

GT STRUDL

ANSYS

Job description

The Senior Piping Engineer will lead the analysis, design, and structural integrity assessment of nuclear piping systems and reactor components for advanced reactors including SMRs. This role combines deep technical expertise in piping stress analysis, fracture mechanics, and regulatory compliance with strong leadership in multidisciplinary project execution.

Location: Almondsbury (Bristol Area), UK - Relocation Assistance Available!

Primary Responsibilities:

• Lead nuclear piping design and stress analysis for ASME Section III Class 1, 2, and 3 systems
• Perform advanced fracture mechanics, fatigue, SCC crack growth, and fitness-for-service evaluations
• Develop and implement methodologies such as Leak-Before-Break (LBB) and High Energy Line Break (HELB)
• Conduct piping stress analysis using industry tools (AutoPIPE, ANSYS, ABAQUS, PIPESTRESS)
• Analyze pipe supports per ASME NF and coordinate with support design teams
• Develop and review engineering deliverables including stress reports, calculations, and line lists
• Interface with Smart3D/SmartPlant models to resolve layout and flexibility issues
• Ensure compliance with nuclear codes and standards (ASME BPVC III/XI, B31.1, B31.3, API-579, BS7910)
• Provide technical leadership in probabilistic fracture mechanics and risk-informed methodologies
• Support fabrication, construction, and field issue resolution
• Review vendor and supplier documentation for compliance
• Lead R&D programs and participate in benchmarking and regulatory initiatives
• Develop proposals, schedules, and project budgets
• Mentor engineers and lead multidisciplinary teams

Requirements:

• Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical, Structural, or Nuclear Engineering (MSE/PhD strongly preferred)
• 15+ years of experience in nuclear piping analysis and component integrity
• Extensive experience with ASME Section III Class 1, 2, 3 piping analysis
• Expertise in fracture mechanics and structural integrity assessment
• Experience with piping tools such as AutoPIPE and Smart3D environments
• Knowledge of pipe support design and integration
• Familiarity with nuclear regulatory requirements (US NRC, CSA, REGDOC)
• Strong leadership, communication, and collaboration skills

Preferred Qualifications:

• Professional Engineer (P.Eng. or PE) license
• Experience with BWR, CANDU, or SMR reactor systems
• Experience with probabilistic tools such as xLPR or PRAISE
• Experience using GT STRUDL, PV Elite, or similar tools
• Advanced research background and publication record
• Experience contributing to codes, standards, or industry working groups
• Teaching, mentoring, or academic collaboration experience
• Eligibility to work under 10 CFR Part 810

A Generation Ahead by Design™

Investing in people who power the future.

We believe great work deserves great rewards. Our benefits go beyond the basics, reflecting our commitment to supporting your whole self…your health, your future, and your career growth. This includes:

• Private health insurance for physical and mental health, 24/7 GP access, dental/optical cashback and travel insurance for you and your family
• 25 days annual leave plus bank holidays, with Christmas shutdownHybrid work opportunities available where business needs and role requirements allow
• Education assistance to support continued professional growth, reimbursement of professional membership fees
• Employer matched pension contributions, life insurance, enhanced maternity/paternity benefits

If you’re driven to solve meaningful challenges and make a lasting impact, we invite you to build your career at Holtec - a generation ahead by design™.