About the role

GDA Specialist providing leadership in delivering Generic Design Assessment programmes for regulatory compliance in the nuclear sector. Engaging with clients to guide reactor designs through regulatory processes.

Responsibilities

The GDA Specialist provides strategic and technical leadership to the delivery of Generic Design Assessment (GDA) programmes and packages of work
Act as the principal interface for the GDA topic between clients and internal teams
Support clients with the implementation of GDA arrangements and production of safety, security, environmental, and waste cases
Leadership in supporting technical and regulatory delivery of GDA phases, defining and implementing clients’ GDA strategy
Manage and mentor GDA engineers, specialists, and analysts within the delivery team
Oversee preparation and submission of key documentation: Pre-Construction Safety Report (PCSR), 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
Coordinate internal and external technical reviews, safety assessments, and design integration studies
Provide authoritative advice on regulatory implications of design changes, risk management, and schedule impacts
Support GDA programme governance: reporting, scheduling, cost control, risk management, and document traceability
Track and manage GDA issues, assumptions, and dependencies using formal systems

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
Can demonstrate ability to interpret Safety Assessment Principles (SAPs), Technical Assessment Guides (TAGs), and International Atomic Energy Agency (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 Clearance