Nuclear Generic Design Assessment; GDA Specialist

Position: Nuclear Generic Design Assessment (GDA) Specialist

Title

Nuclear Generic Design Assessment (GDA) Specialist

Salary Range

£85,000 to £100,000 per annum

Location

Bristol, Gloucester, Leatherhead, Burton, Glasgow or Manchester

Working Pattern

We operate a flexible hybrid working pattern at Frazer‑Nash, with time split between the office, client sites and working from home.

Closing Date

16th January 2026 (early application encouraged)

About the Role

Do you want to play a key role in advancing new nuclear technology, applying your GDA expertise within a leading nuclear company that values your insight and impact? Frazer‑Nash delivers innovative engineering and regulatory solutions that help ensure nuclear technologies are safe, secure, and ready to support a sustainable future. With the nuclear industry accelerating towards Net Zero 2050, we are playing a key role across the full lifecycle of reactor development – including supporting clients through the demanding General Design Assessment (GDA) process.

We’re seeking a GDA specialist who is passionate about advancing new nuclear technologies to join our diverse team and help guide reactor designs through robust regulatory scrutiny. Your expertise will be pivotal in shaping the next generation of nuclear facilities.

Role Purpose

The GDA Specialist provides strategic and technical leadership to the delivery of Generic Design Assessment (GDA) programmes and packages of work. You will act as the principal interface for the GDA topic between clients and internal teams, supporting them with the implementation of GDA arrangements and production of safety, security, environmental, and waste cases.

Leadership & Strategy

• Supporting our clients with technical and regulatory delivery of GDA phases (initiation, fundamental assessment, detailed assessment).
• Defining and implementing our clients’ GDA strategy and roadmap in line with ONR/EA/NRW guidance.
• Supporting regulator engagement during the GDA process.
• Managing and mentoring GDA engineers, specialists and analysts within the delivery team.

Technical & Regulatory

• Oversee and/or contribute to the preparation and submission of key documentation such as the Pre‑Construction Safety Report (PCSR).
• Prepare Security and Safeguards Cases, Environmental Permits & Waste Management Cases, Design Safety and Justification Reports.
• Lead resolution of Regulatory Issues (RIs), Regulatory Observations (ROs) and Assessment Findings (AFs) raised during assessment.
• Conduct high‑level review of vendor design documentation to ensure compliance with UK legal and regulatory frameworks (NIA
  65, REPPIR, EPR and ONR Safety Assessment Principles).
• Coordinate internal and external technical reviews, safety assessments and design integration studies.
• Provide authoritative advice on the regulatory implications of design changes, risk management and schedule impacts.

Programme & Governance

• Support GDA programme governance: reporting, scheduling, cost control, risk management and document traceability.
• Track and manage GDA issues, assumptions and dependencies using formal systems (e.g., IRIS/Assurance registers).
• Provide regular updates to the Project Steering Committee and senior leadership on regulatory progress, risks and mitigation strategies.

Person Specification Essential Qualifications & Experience

• Degree (BEng/BSc) in Nuclear Engineering, Mechanical, Civil, Electrical or a related technical discipline.
• Typically 15+ years of experience in nuclear engineering, nuclear regulatory affairs or nuclear safety case development.
• Chartered member of an Engineering Institution (e.g. IMechE, IET) or equivalent professional registration.
• Proven track record leading nuclear regulatory submissions or design licensing processes (GDA, Site Licensing, Environmental Permitting, etc.).
• Strong understanding of the UK GDA framework and expectations of ONR, EA and NRW.
• Demonstrated ability to interpret Safety Assessment Principles (SAPs), Technical Assessment Guides (TAGs) and IAEA standards.
• 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.
• Eligible for UK Security…