Manager – Core Design & Performance

Role Overview

• Lead and drive development of reactor core performance across the SMR programme
• Manage and develop a team of performance engineers (typically 5–10 people)
• Define and deliver programme plans, milestones and schedules for core performance activities
• Provide technical leadership across reactor physics, thermal hydraulics and fuel performance
• Ensure the robustness and validity of analysis methods, models and tools
• Deliver performance analysis and support safety case development
• Define and manage verification, validation and uncertainty quantification approaches
• Establish and maintain quality assurance processes for analysis methodologies
• Manage risks, opportunities and technical issues across your scope
• Develop product cost estimates and manage technical performance attributes
• Apply robust governance processes aligned to programme requirements
• Engage with internal stakeholders, industry bodies and regulators
• Promote a strong safety culture and ensure compliance with HSE and regulatory standards

Requirements

• Strong experience in reactor core performance, reactor physics or thermal hydraulics
• Deep understanding of pressurised water reactor (PWR) design, plant behaviour and operations
• Knowledge of nuclear safety case development and UK regulatory practices, including E3S principles (ALARP, BAT)
• Experience developing and applying advanced analysis methods and numerical tools
• Experience with core physics and thermal‑hydraulic modelling, including coupling of multi‑physics tools
• Experience developing analysis methodologies aligned to recognised good practice
• Familiarity with software development processes and quality assurance frameworks
• Proven track record of delivering complex technical programmes to time and budget
• Strong planning, organisation and risk‑management capability
• Excellent technical communication and stakeholder engagement skills
• Experience leading teams, developing people and managing delivery
• Ability to influence and collaborate across multidisciplinary engineering teams

Benefits

• Bonus – Performance‑related target opportunity up to 12.5%
• Benefits Allowance – £2,200 per annum for a bespoke package
• Pension – 12% employer and 6% employee contributions
• Holidays – 28 days (+ public holidays) with the ability to buy or sell up to 4 days
• Private Medical Insurance – BUPA single cover
• Life Assurance – 6× pensionable pay
• Home Office Support – £250 one‑off payment for new starters