Description

In this role you will lead and support system design and optioneering studies, develop optimized chemical and fluid concepts, integrate industry lessons learned, define and manage system requirements using tools such as IBM DOORS, and coordinate mechanical, control and safety inputs to deliver a safe, efficient design. You will apply expertise in fluid flow, heat exchangers and service condition control, conduct detailed analysis of fluid handling systems, and ensure designs meet safety and operational requirements through hazard reviews and risk assessments.

• Lead and support system design and optioneering studies using structured decision‑making methods (e.g., PUGH matrices).
• Develop optimized chemical and fluid system concepts balancing performance, safety and maintainability.
• Integrate industry lessons learned and best practices to deliver robust, innovative solutions.
• Define and manage system requirements to align with reactor architecture and project objectives, using IBM DOORS.
• Coordinate multidisciplinary inputs (mechanical, control, safety) to produce a functional, safe, efficient design.
• Apply expertise in fluid flow, heat exchangers and service condition control to optimise performance and safety.
• Conduct detailed analysis and design of fluid handling systems for various process and environmental conditions.
• Execute practical design tasks such as relocating and optimizing heat exchangers and defining service integration and control measures.
• Assess internal and external hazards to ensure designs meet safety and operational requirements.
• Evaluate the impact of operating conditions on system performance and interactions across the reactor architecture.
• Contribute to hazard reviews, risk assessments and design substantiation activities.
• Collaborate across engineering disciplines to deliver integrated design solutions.
• Work on a wide diversity of engineering projects across many industries.
• Participate in cycle & tech scheme.

Requirements

The Reactor System Design Engineer will join the Derby team to support activities within the nuclear sector, focusing on reactor island sampling systems and progressing the design to final concept definition (DR3 maturity). The role requires close collaboration with chemistry, systems and multidisciplinary engineering teams. The position is based in Derby with 2‑3 days on‑site, requires BPSS clearance and 5‑10 years of relevant experience.

The ideal candidate holds a degree (or higher) in chemical, process, mechanical, systems engineering or equivalent military experience, and has proven experience in chemical process design, system optioneering and integration. Strong understanding of fluid systems, heat exchangers, hazard management and requirements management (IBM DOORS desirable) is required, along with excellent analytical, problem‑solving and collaborative skills. Knowledge of system architecture, safety integration and multi‑discipline coordination is essential; experience in nuclear, energy or process industries and familiarity with systems engineering standards are a plus.

• Possess a chemical, system or process design engineering mindset with strong analytical approach.
• Demonstrate curiosity and innovation to improve performance, safety and sustainability.
• Use structured decision‑making methods confidently for complex design development.
• Hold a degree (or higher) in chemical, process, mechanical, systems engineering or equivalent military experience.
• Provide proven experience in chemical process design, system optioneering and system integration.
• Understand fluid systems, heat exchangers and hazard management thoroughly.
• Experience with requirements management and IBM DOORS (desirable).
• Exhibit excellent analytical and problem‑solving skills applying structured engineering methods.
• Knowledge of system architecture, safety integration and multi‑discipline coordination.
• Experience within nuclear, energy or process industry environments (desirable).
• Familiarity with systems engineering standards and requirements traceability (desirable).
• Exposure to hazard analysis, HAZOP or risk assessment processes (desirable).

Benefits

ALTEN offers a personalized career path, a diverse portfolio of engineering projects, private medical insurance, a cycle & tech scheme, employee assistance, life insurance and pension, a social atmosphere with regular gatherings and team‑building events, and flexible working arrangements where applicable. The company supports the Armed Forces Covenant and actively encourages applications from veterans and military families. This permanent role is based in the Midlands with a salary range of £40,000‑£60,000 per year.

• Receive a personalized career path and rewarding management style.
• Benefit from private medical insurance.
• Access employee assistance programme.
• Obtain life insurance and pension scheme.
• Enjoy a social atmosphere with regular gatherings and team‑building events.
• Flexible working arrangements where role dependent.

Training + Development

Interview process

Visa Sponsorship

Security clearance