Nuclear Design Engineer
Cambridge UK
Full-Time (Part-Time considered)
Competitive Salary
Report to Design Engineering Lead
About Us
Cambridge Atomworks is developing the ODIN nuclear micro-reactor and is situated at the heart of the Cambridge innovation ecosystem. We are a high-calibre, collaborative team of experts in nuclear engineering, materials science, thermal hydraulics, and electricity generation. As we take the company forward, Cambridge Atomworks requires innovative engineering and manufacturing approaches across these fields to establish itself in emerging energy markets.
Role Overview
We are seeking an enthusiastic engineer with nuclear industry experience to join our design engineering team. In this role, you will be responsible for the concept generation, design, analysis, and documentation of mechanical and structural systems associated with the ODIN micro-reactor. The successful candidate will need to draw upon a wide range of engineering skills to progress the ODIN micro-reactor from a conceptual design through the latter stages of design to licensing and deployment. The ideal candidate will have a strong foundation in mechanical or nuclear engineering, experience in the design engineering process, and an understanding of safety, regulatory compliance, and systems integration within nuclear environments.
This role involves close collaboration with multidisciplinary teams, as well as renowned research institutions internationally. Therefore, being adept at working in a collaborative and fast-changing environment is essential.
Key Responsibilities
Design reactor components including structural components, vessels, pipework, mechanical systems, thermal management systems and instrumentation layouts.
Design reactor deployment components including fuel handling and conventional lifting equipment.
Capture and decompose requirements for reactor components.
Perform engineering calculations and simulations, e.g. structural, thermal, stress, to validate design integrity.
Perform and document optioneering and down-selection processes.
Develop 2D and 3D engineering drawings, piping and instrumentation diagrams and design documentation using CAD tools.
Collaborate with multi-disciplinary teams including reactor physics, thermal hydraulics, materials and chemistry, safety and licensing.
Communicate with consultants as the informed customer, as well as manufacturing and supply chain companies.
Ensure compliance with nuclear codes and standards and regulatory guidance (e.g. ASME, ANSI, nuclear regulatory bodies)
Contribute to design reviews, failure mode analysis, and regulatory documentation.
Required Qualifications, Experience and Skills
Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering, Nuclear Engineering or a related field.
Several years’ experience working within engineering in a highly regulated industry, preferably nuclear.
Strong understanding and experience of applying the engineering design process.
Strong problem solving and communication skills.
Team player who can work in a cross-disciplinary environment.
Preferred Experience
Master’s degree (or higher) in a relevant field.
Knowledge of nuclear reactor designs, particularly Generation IV and advanced reactor technologies.
Exposure to codes and standards and regulatory guidance.
Experience in Systems Engineering.
Knowledge of manufacturing processes and manufacturability assessments.
What We Offer
Opportunity to work with a dynamic nuclear reactor development team
Direct mentorship and technical growth opportunities
Flexible work environment and collaborative culture
Access to state-of-the-art facilities and world-leading partners
Competitive salary
Be part of an ambitious and rapidly growing organisation which is operating in a strategic position to influence this sector
Please submit your CV and covering letter to recruitment@cambridgeatomworks.com by the deadline of noon on Monday 1 June 2026
Online interviews are anticipated to be held on the week commencing 15 June. Successful applicants will be invited to an in-person interview held at our offices in Cambridge on the week commencing 29 June