Electrical Controls and Instrumentation Engineer

Great British Nuclear (GBN) is a new government arm’s length body supporting the delivery of Britain’s energy security and net zero, making sure that we can power Britain from Britain sustainably. It has been set up to turn nuclear ambition into reality.

GBN’s first step was to start the technology selection process for Small Modular Reactors (SMRs) in July. SMRs can potentially be quicker to deploy and less expensive to build than traditional nuclear power plants because they are smaller, have factory based modular manufacturing, and more flexible deployment options.

GBN is aiming to deliver fast, based on a supportive and collaborative culture which values equality and diversity and creates an inclusive workplace. It draws on deep nuclear expertise – its Executive Committee has over 100 years of nuclear experience in this country and abroad.

And it can unlock billions of pounds of private and public investment from design to operation, helping to get sites ready for development, and working to grow manufacturing capacity and skills capability.

Our activities will be driven by our values, which are:

Trust - We prioritise safety, we act responsibly and with integrity.

Collaborative - We work as a team; we value diversity and expertise.

Challenge - We are curious and courageous in the way we think and act.

Care - We are thoughtful, inclusive and respectful of others.

Drive - We get things done and we make a difference.

If you have a disability and would prefer to apply in a different format or would like us to make reasonable adjustments to enable you to apply or attend an interview, please contact us at recruitment@greatbritishnuclear.uk and we will talk to you about how we can assist.

Job Profile

Your role is pivotal in overseeing and assuring the design of the Electrical, Controls and Instrumentation aspects of the SMR project. You will be part of the SMR Project Client Technical Team, reporting to the Conventional Island and BOP Lead.

Key to the role will be ownership of the client’s specification and requirements, assessing change and overseeing deliverables. You will also provide a key point of interface between the Technology Provider and the client, including for the clients’ scope and deliverables. You will be supported in this role by an Owner’s Engineer.

You will form part of the establishment of a major programme. This will provide you with an opportunity to be part of a team that ensures successful delivery of a First of a Kind (FOAK) UK SMR Project. Whilst this is a fast-paced and exciting challenge, you will need to be comfortable with uncertainty, ambiguity and change.

Responsibilities

• Develop C&I requirements and specifications for nuclear systems, including safety instrumentation, reactor protection, and control systems.
• Support development of I&C architecture (DCS, PLCs, SCADA, hardwired systems) aligned with project safety case and licensing requirements.
• Provide input to system-level design documents, such as P&IDs, control narratives, and functional requirements.
• Evaluate and select instrumentation and control equipment vendors and technology platforms.
• Liaise with regulatory bodies to ensure C&I systems comply with nuclear safety standards (e.g., IAEA, IEC, IEEE, NRC-equivalent standards).
• Participate in risk assessments, hazard analysis (e.g., HAZOP, FMEA), and cybersecurity planning for control systems.
• Contribute to the development of long-term system integration, testing, and commissioning strategies.
• Support the development of project documentation for licensing applications and technical reviews.
• Ensure GBN requirements are achieved and approve any deviations (following suitable due process).
• Provide engineering input and expert advice into technical risks, issues, challenges and other topics related to Electrical, Controls and Instrumentation.
• Ensure interfaces with other parts of the plant are correctly managed.
• Coordinate with contractors, suppliers, and vendors to ensure the timely delivery and installation Electrical, Controls and Instrumentation systems.
• Oversee the testing and validation of Electrical, Controls and Instrumentation systems, ensuring they meet all performance and safety criteria.
• Serve as the primary point of contact for Electrical, Controls and Instrumentation - related matters, providing regular updates to senior management, project stakeholders, and regulatory bodies.
• Promote continuous improvement initiatives within the Electrical, Controls and Instrumentation team and other area leads, focusing on increasing efficiency, reducing costs, and improving safety.
• Stay informed of the latest developments in nuclear technology and incorporate best practices into Electrical, Controls and Instrumentation-related projects.

Knowledge, Skills and Experience required

• Minimum 5 years of experience in control and instrumentation engineering, preferably in nuclear, conventional power, or other safety-critical industries.
• Familiarity with nuclear regulatory requirements, codes, and standards
• Experience with safety-class instrumentation, DCS, and process control systems.
• Excellent problem-solving abilities, with a focus on identifying and mitigating risks in complex systems.
• Strong communication skills, with the ability to effectively interact with technical and non-technical stakeholders.
• Ability to foster a collaborative and supportive environment, whilst developing team members’ skills and capabilities.
• To have the capability to embrace change and uncertainty and welcome the emergent aspect of the job.

Qualifications

• Chartered Engineer
• Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Electrical Engineering, Control Engineering, Instrumentation, or related field.

Salary: GBP 36000 - 60000 per year

Experience: 5 years required