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Principal Civil Engineer (Nuclear)

WSP · United Kingdom

Posted September 18, 2026·Closes November 19, 2026

About the Role

What if you could shape a career as unique as you?

At WSP, you can always find opportunities to grow and do what matters to you. Make the most of our global reach to discover new challenges and chances to work with diverse, talented individuals who will help you expand your horizons.

A little more about the role…

Our Civil Nuclear team supports the full nuclear lifecycle, delivering infrastructure for major new build programmes, emerging SMR and AMR technologies, defence nuclear facilities, and decommissioning and waste management projects. These nationally significant programmes contribute to the UK's energy security, national resilience, net-zero ambitions, and the safe stewardship of its nuclear legacy.

As part of a multidisciplinary team, you'll work alongside experts in civil, structural, geotechnical, environmental, process and energy engineering to solve complex infrastructure challenges. You'll contribute to projects from early feasibility and concept development through to detailed design and delivery, helping deliver infrastructure that supports clean energy, national security, and the long-term management of the UK's nuclear estate.

Backed by the expertise and resources of over 12,500 colleagues across the UK, you'll have the opportunity to work on nationally significant programmes while developing your technical skills, broadening your experience and building your career within one of the UK's fastest-growing sectors.

You will

  • Lead the technical delivery of civil engineering projects and multidisciplinary workstreams across nuclear programmes including nuclear new build, asset management, decommissioning, advance reactor technologies (SMR &AMR) and defence .
  • Define civil engineering solutions for site development, roads and access infrastructure, drainage, earthworks, utility networks and reinforced concrete and steel structures.
  • Provide technical leadership and assurance, ensuring designs meet client requirements, relevant standards, quality expectations and regulatory obligations.
  • Lead feasibility studies, optioneering, site assessments and concept design activities that inform project development.
  • Resolve complex technical challenges and provide guidance to project teams, clients and delivery partners.
  • Coordinate civil engineering requirements across structural, geotechnical, mechanical, electrical and process engineering disciplines.
  • Oversee the preparation and review of calculations, specifications, technical reports, design risk assessments and health and safety documentation.
  • Build trusted relationships with clients and stakeholders, acting as a senior technical point of contact.
  • Support proposals, fee development and work-winning activities, identifying opportunities for new and repeat business.
  • Mentor and develop civil engineering teams, supporting technical excellence, knowledge sharing and professional growth.
  • Contribute to the strategic development, technical capability and continued growth of WSP’s Civil Nuclear business.

 

What we are looking for you to demonstrate…

  • Degree qualified in Civil Engineering or a related discipline.
  • Chartered Engineer (CEng MICE) 
  • Experience delivering civil engineering projects throughout the nuclear asset lifecycle, including new build, operations, asset care and maintenance, life extension, decommissioning, waste management and environmental remediation, with an understanding of UK nuclear programmes, including SMRs, AMRs and associated infrastructure.
  • Experience in leading the design and delivery of civil engineering solutions, including site development, earthworks, drainage, highways, utilities and reinforced concrete structures.
  • Strong understanding of relevant design codes and standards including British Standards, Eurocodes, and nuclear-specific standards
  • Experience leading feasibility studies, optioneering, concept design and detailed design activities.
  • Ability to lead and coordinate with multidisciplinary teams across complex engineering projects.
  • Demonstrable understanding of design risk management, CDM Regulations and the principles of safe-by-design, with experience applying health, safety and environmental requirements across the full asset lifecycle, including new build, operational facilities, asset care, life extension and decommissioning projects.
  • Excellent technical report writing, analytical and problem-solving skills.

 

Imagine a better future for you and a better future for us all.

Work on landmark projects around the world and embrace opportunities to make an even bigger impact in the communities you care about. What if you could do the best work of your life and create a legacy for yourself?

With us, you can. Apply today.

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