Head of Design at Last Energy UK, leading the design of a micro PWR reactor, ensuring compliance with UK regulations while fostering innovation and rapid deployment.
Last Energy UK is seeking a Head of Design for our PWR-20 micro pressurised water reactor. This individual will report directly to the CEO of Last Energy UK and will be part of the UK Design Authority, ensuring the design meets all expectations of the Office for Nuclear Regulation (ONR) and the Environment Agency (EA).
The successful candidate will balance a strong understanding of safety and regulatory compliance with pragmatism and agility, driving the rapid deployment of passively safe nuclear energy in the UK. This role will evaluate, accept, and advocate for the design within the UK regulatory framework, while minimising design iteration and enabling rapid progress towards licensable, operable units. Previous experience in the nuclear industry is highly valued but not essential; we welcome applications from individuals who bring fresh perspectives and challenge conventional thinking.
Last Energy's microreactor design is engineered to be universally sitable, with no reliance on active safety systems, and aims to simplify deployment without compromising safety.
Key Duties & Responsibilities
- Serve as the UK Design Lead for Last Energy’s micro PWR reactor, assuming accountability for the design from a UK prospective licensee perspective, and working closely with Last Energy US (as the responsible designer) and the Last Energy Global Head of Licensing
- Act as the main interface between Last Energy UK and UK regulators on design-related matters
- Lead the assessment, justification and acceptance of the US-developed reactor design against UK regulatory requirements, using a pragmatic and risk-informed approach
- Provide strategic guidance to minimise design rework while ensuring compliance with UK safety, security, environmental and radioactive waste regulations
- Evaluate and approve technical substantiation from the Responsible Designer, balancing regulatory expectations with an efficient path to deployment
- Support the preparation of safety case submissions, environmental permits and other regulatory deliverables by aligning design acceptance with UK site licensing and permitting processes
- Provide leadership across design and licensing workstreams to ensure regulatory readiness while maintaining delivery momentum
Qualifications
- Bachelor’s degree in nuclear engineering, mechanical engineering or a related technical discipline; advanced degree preferred
- 15+ years of experience in design roles
- Experience acting as a Chief Engineer or similar in a safety-critical capacity; nuclear experience is valued but not mandatory, with other relevant backgrounds considered (e.g. aerospace, defence, medical devices, high-hazard industries)
- Proven ability to pragmatically assess and defend designs against regulatory or industry requirements and standards while driving practical and timely deployment
- Strong decision-making capability, underpinned by sound engineering judgement and regulatory insight
- Excellent communication skills, with the ability to clearly articulate complex technical arguments to a range of stakeholders
- Demonstrated leadership and independence in a regulated engineering environment
- Recognised credibility within UK nuclear regulatory, utility or design communities
- Alignment with Last Energy’s values of simplicity, accountability and delivery-focused innovation
Top Skills
Mechanical Engineering
Nuclear Engineering
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