Structural Integrity Inspector

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

Benefits offered by this job

Relocation package

Hybrid working

London weighting allowance

Job summary

Office for Nuclear Regulation (ONR) is seeking a Structural Integrity Inspector to regulate the nuclear industry across Great Britain. You will assess safety cases, inspect licensees' arrangements on site, and provide authoritative advice in structural integrity.

The role involves investigations, research projects, mentoring colleagues, and making risk-based, proportionate judgments about safety cases and interventions. Hybrid working options and relocation support may be available.

Qualifications

• Degree (honours) in a relevant subject or equivalent professional experience.
• Chartered membership of a relevant professional institution or equivalent experience.

Responsibilities

• Assess safety cases and inspect licensees' arrangements on site.
• Lead technical assessments and provide evidence-based judgements.
• Mentor colleagues and collaborate with engineers and specialists.
• Carry out investigations and research projects as needed.

Skills

Technical judgement

Decision-making

Risk-based recommendations

Logical reasoning

Education

Honours degree in a relevant subject

Chartered membership of a relevant professional institution

Job description

Structural Integrity 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 structural integrity 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 Structural Integrity specialist to help ensure this transformation is delivered safely and securely.

The role

You'll bring your structural integrity expertise 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.

You'll consider the integrity of pressure vessels, pipework, tanks and their supporting structures across reactors, chemical plants and advanced technologies. Central to the role is understanding how stresses, materials, defects and degradation interact - and how these factors contribute to a robust structural integrity safety case.

About you

You'll bring:

• In-depth technical knowledge of the integrity of pressure vessels, pipework, tanks and supporting structures used in nuclear safety significant systems.
• Specialist knowledge in one or more areas of structural integrity, supported by an understanding of the wider safety case.
• 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.

Relevant expertise may include materials behaviour and degradation; non-destructive examination; manufacturing and fabrication; advanced reactors; stress analysis; fracture mechanics; or graphite core integrity. Knowledge of the nuclear industry or another high-hazard sector would be valuable. Candidates from other backgrounds may also be considered through ONR's structured nuclear equivalence process, with an alternative salary range during development.

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