Lead Engineer -Nuclear Decommissioning

Decommissioning - Worksite Lead Engineer

Culham, Oxfordshire (4 days on site, 1 day flexible)

12-month contract | Full-time | Start ASAP

£56-61/hour Inside IR35

Are you an experienced engineer with a proven track record in decommissioning or complex engineering projects? This is a key technical leadership role where you'll drive safe, compliant, and efficient engineering solutions across the pre-construction and construction phases of a high-profile decommissioning programme. You'll lead technical teams, oversee worksite investigations, surveys, hazard identification, and deplanting strategies, ensuring alignment with regulatory, legal, and UKAEA processes.

Your expertise will shape engineering decisions and optimise delivery across multi-phase decommissioning projects.

As Worksite Lead Engineer, you will:

• Lead engineering optioneering, feasibility studies, and planning within worksite constraints
• Develop and maintain multi-phase decommissioning plans, including Post-Operational Clean Out (POCO) and deplanting strategies
• Oversee data collection, conditioning, and validation for accurate planning and decision-making
• Prepare engineering artefacts such as flow diagrams, throughput models, method statements, designer risk assessments, and Pre-Construction Information (PCI)
• Interface with principal contractors, temporary works designers, and other stakeholders including health physics, waste, and asbestos teams
• Mentor and support other engineers, sharing knowledge and lessons learned

Your work will directly influence safe and efficient decommissioning execution, supporting readiness reviews, hazard mitigation, and verification of compliance against project end states.

• Lead feasibility and optioneering studies to define viable decommissioning approaches
• Develop detailed plans for deplanting, size reduction, and associated engineering design
• Support hazard identification and maintain the Hazard Register in line with SHE requirements
• Plan and coordinate investigations and characterisation activities
• Prepare and present at design and gate reviews, ensuring compliance with technical and safety standards
• Provide expert advice to resolve delivery obstacles using creative solutions and lessons learned
• Collaborate with JDR Decommissioning Lead Engineer to define strategy and mentor teams
• Support project scheduling, cost estimation, and development of technical control approvals

• Engineering degree (BSc/MSc) or equivalent
• Chartered Engineer (CEng) status or equivalent experience in decommissioning roles
• Proven track record delivering engineered solutions in decommissioning, demolition, or waste management projects
• Strong understanding of design standards and UK compliance requirements
• Experience managing complex technical projects and supervising teams
• Familiarity with CDM regulations and industry-standard information management systems

• Broad engineering knowledge across mechanical, electrical, and civil disciplines
• Health and Safety at Work etc. Act 1974 and associated compliance knowledge
• Risk assessment, hazard mitigation, and safety-critical decision-making
• Strong problem-solving, communication, and stakeholder engagement skills
• Ability to influence and lead multidisciplinary teams effectively

• Lead a critical technical role in a high-profile decommissioning programme
• Work in a challenging, highly regulated environment with complex engineering deliverables
• Opportunity to mentor and develop other engineers while influencing delivery strategy
• Hybrid working with flexible on-site requirements
• Immediate start with a 12-month contract and potential for extension