Assistant Chief Design Engineer – Installations
Locations: Hybrid working with one of the following locations as primary: Derby, Manchester, Warrington
Our Mission
Our mission is to deliver clean, affordable energy for all. Our Small Modular Reactor (SMR) provides a British solution to a global energy crisis, positioning the UK at the forefront of global low‑carbon power generation and long‑term energy security.
The Team
The Installations Engineering team is central to translating design into reality, integrating complex mechanical systems across the nuclear island. Combining deep technical authority with pace and collaboration, the team enables safe, buildable and operable power station solutions at scale.
Role Summary
We are seeking an Assistant Chief Design Engineer – Installations, reporting to the Chief Design Engineer – Layout and Installations. Acting as the CDE’s direct delegate, this senior role provides leadership and technical authority across the installations scope, helping shape integrated engineering solutions critical to successful power station delivery.
Key Duties & Accountabilities
We’ll need you to:
Acting as delegated authority for the Chief Design Engineer, providing leadership and oversight across Reactor Island layout and mechanical installations
Governing engineering delivery across the full lifecycle, from concept development through substantiation, manufacture, delivery and installation
Coordinating multidisciplinary teams and complex cross‑programme dependencies to resolve technical and delivery challenges
Leading engineering change, risk and opportunity management, ensuring issues are identified, prioritised and mitigated effectively
Driving improvements in capability, ways of working and technical governance to support predictable, scalable delivery
This is a visible, high‑impact leadership role where you’ll bring strategic thinking, calm authority and collaborative influence, combining technical depth with confident decision‑making, as well as:
Skills, Knowledge & Experience
Degree‑qualified in a relevant engineering discipline, with Chartered Engineer (CEng) status or equivalent experience
We’ll ask about your experience leading complex mechanical installations or layout programmes within regulated or safety‑critical environments
Strong knowledge of mechanical engineering, design governance, and integration across large, multidisciplinary engineering programmes
Locations
This role offers hybrid working, with regular attendance expected at one of our offices in Derby, Manchester or Warrington, and occasional travel between sites as required.
What’s In It For You
We anticipate paying £85,600 to £108,400 depending on skills and experience
28 days’ leave, a 12% employer pension contribution, BUPA cover and more. You'll join an innovative organisation offering development, progression and a culture of openness and inclusion.
Bonus - Performance related target opportunity 30%
Benefits Allowance – £8,500 per annum, enabling you to create a bespoke package
Pension - 12% employer and 6% employee contributions.
Holidays - 28 days holiday (+ public holidays) and the ability to buy or sell up to 4 days.
Private Medical Insurance - BUPA single cover health care
Life Assurance - 6x pensionable pay
£250 - One-off payment for new starters for home office purchases
Selection Process
The recruitment process will include an initial conversation with the Talent Acquisition Partner, followed by interview stages. Due to the nature of our industry, offers are subject to BPSS clearance, DBS checks and basic financial probity screening.
Our Commitment
We are an equal opportunities employer and welcome applications from all backgrounds. As a Disability Confident organisation, we are committed to inclusive recruitment and are happy to discuss flexible working or reasonable adjustments.
You may not feel you meet every requirement — that’s okay. If you meet around 75% of what we’re looking for, we would love to hear from you. We also welcome applications from those considering a sector move and bringing strong transferable skills.
Why Join Us?
You’ll be joining a forward-thinking organisation that values transparency, fairness, and innovation. We offer:
• A flexible, inclusive, and supportive working environment.
• Opportunities for career growth in a rapidly scaling business.
• A culture that values diversity, innovation, and continuous learning.
We are an equal opportunities employer and welcome applications from all backgrounds. Inclusivity is important to us, and as a Disability Confident organisation, we are committed to fair, supportive, and continually improving recruitment practices that ensure everyone has the opportunity to thrive.
Confidence can sometimes hold us back from applying for a job. But we'll let you in on a secret: there's no such thing as a 'perfect' candidate. If you feel you meet 75% of the requirements for this role, we would love to hear from you.
Also, if you are considering a career move or a sector-jump, please get in touch – we welcome applications from people with transferable skills.
Our Application Process
Due to the safety regulations within the nuclear industry, applicants will be required to participate in additional screening. These are:
• Obtaining Baseline Personnel Security Standard (BPSS) clearance
• Satisfactory completion of a Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check
• Satisfactory completion of a basic financial probity check
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