Nuclear Generic Design Assessment (GDA) Specialist

Description

• Support GDA programme governance: reporting, scheduling, cost control, risk management, and document traceability.
• Provide authoritative advice on the regulatory implications of design changes, risk management, and schedule impacts.
• Track and manage GDA issues, assumptions, and dependencies using formal systems (e.g., IRIS/Assurance registers).
• Coordinate internal and external technical reviews, safety assessments, and design integration studies.
• Defining and implementing our clients’ GDA strategy and roadmap in line with ONR/EA/NRW guidance.
• Managing and mentoring GDA engineers, specialists, and analysts within the delivery team.
• Supporting regulator engagement during the GDA process.
• Conduct high-level review of vendor design documentation to ensure compliance with UK legal and regulatory frameworks (NIA65, REPPIR, EPR, and ONR Safety Assessment Principles).
• Oversee and/or contribute to the preparation and submission of key documentation:
• Supporting our clients with technical and regulatory delivery of GDA phases (initiation, fundamental assessment, detailed assessment).
• Lead resolution of Regulatory Issues (RIs), Regulatory Observations (ROs), and Assessment Findings (AFs) raised during assessment.
• Provide regular updates to the Project Steering Committee and senior leadership on regulatory progress, risks, and mitigation strategies.

Requirements

• Can demonstrate ability to interpret Safety Assessment Principles (SAPs), Technical Assessment Guides (TAGs), and International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) standards.
• Project management qualification (e.g., APM PMQ or PMP).
• Pre-Construction Safety Report (PCSR)
• Experience working on advanced nuclear technologies (SMRs, AMRs, or fusion).
• Excellent stakeholder-management and communication skills — able to interface effectively with regulators, government, and vendor organisations.
• Experience in technical leadership of multi-disciplinary engineering teams.
• Strong understanding of the UK GDA framework and expectations of ONR, EA, and NRW.
• Proven track record leading nuclear regulatory submissions or design licensing processes (GDA, Site Licensing, Environmental Permitting, etc.).
• High integrity, attention to detail, and a rigorous approach to technical assurance.
• Experience of new nuclear power plant application in other territories e.g. USA NRC
• Familiarity with ALARP principles, probabilistic safety assessment, and safety justification methodologies.
• Skilled communicator, able to explain complex regulatory and technical issues to diverse audiences.
• Eligible for UK Security Clearance
• Typically, 15+ years of experience in nuclear engineering, nuclear regulatory affairs, or nuclear safety case development.
• Strategic thinker with strong leadership and influencing skills.
• Chartered Member of an Engineering Institution e.g. (IMechE, IET) or equivalent professional registration.
• Chartered Fellow of an Engineering Institution e.g. (IMechE, IET) or equivalent professional registration.
• Degree (BEng/BSc) in Nuclear Engineering, Mechanical, Civil, Electrical, or a related technical discipline.
• Experience leading or contributing to public consultation and transparency activities in regulated environments.
• Experience managing interfaces between UK and international regulatory frameworks.
• Resilient under pressure with a proactive, solution-oriented mindset.

Benefits

• Paid membership fees to a professional institution
• Happy to talk flexible working
• Life assurance
• Private healthcare membership
• Competitive salary with yearly reviews
• Company pension scheme
• Cycle to work scheme
• Enhanced parental benefits
• 25 days holiday + the opportunity to buy 5 days.
• Targeted professional development
• Season rail ticket loan
• Bonus scheme linked into company performance
• A company that has its heart in the right place and a welcoming work culture.

Training + Development

Interview process

Visa Sponsorship

Security clearance