Mechatronic Engineer

Closing Date:  25/10/2024

Locations: Manchester / Gloucester 

About newcleo

Since launching in 2021 newcleo has quickly established itself as innovator in the field of nuclear energy. newcleo is working to design, build, and operate Gen-IV Advanced Modular Reactors (AMRs) that are cooled by liquid lead and fueled by reprocessed nuclear waste.

Through an innovative combination of existing and proven technologies, and by reviving a nuclear industry model based on the manufacture and multi-recycling of Mixed Oxide fuel, newcleo aims to close the nuclear fuel cycle while safely producing clean, affordable, and practically inexhaustible energy required for low carbon economies.  
With a EUR 50m group turnover in 2024, more than EUR 400m of private funding and over 70 partnerships and collaborations across the nuclear industry, the growth of the newcleo group is supported through the targeted acquisition of key companies with strong capabilities in nuclear engineering, manufacturing, and waste management.
 
Through its workforce of over 800 highly qualified employees across France, the UK, Italy, Switzerland, and Slovakia, newcleo is not only developing and delivering the skills and services required for the group’s own ambitious project timelines, but also supporting the development of Small Modular Reactor supply chains in Europe and beyond.
 
Overview of the role:

Due to continued expansion, we are looking to speak with Mechatronic Engineers at all levels of seniority (Principal / Senior / Engineer / Junior) to join our team! 

newcleo is developing the design of both the AS-30 Lead-cooled Fast Reactor (LFR), a 30 MWe demonstrator reactor to be deployed in France, and the AS-200 LFR, a 200 MWe reactor which will be the first commercial unit deployed in the UK. Your role will focus on developing the design of the process systems within “Balance of Plant” (BoP) for both the AS-30 and AS-200, but you will also have the opportunity to contribute to the design of the nuclear auxiliary systems, the steam / condensate cycle, utilities and water treatment.

This is an exciting opportunity to join an ambitious nuclear company, joining the project at an early stage and actively contributing to the design of the next generation of nuclear reactors.

To collaborate to the Lead Fast Reactor (LFR) design activities and experimental facilities, focusing-on design concepts development for pressure-retaining and special/bespoke components with particular reference, but not limited to, operation in molten lead. 

Reporting to our Head of Unit, the key duties of the role include:

• Ensuring the execution of design activities for the remote handling in the field of LFR, in accordance with best engineering practices, also exploring innovative solutions to technical challenges and problems.
• Participating in the definition of the operative sequence of operations.
• Developing the design of bespoke components/mechanism, from basic to detail facing the mechanical, electrical, and automation aspects in an integrated way.
• Reviewing the 3D model internal and external interfaces within a BIM context and PLM system.
• Participating in the definition of the methodologies for stress analysis of bespoke mechanical components/mechanism according to the applicable construction code by using Finite Element Modelling.
• Contributing to the purchasing of technical documentation for component supply, including automation software.
• Confirming the technical accuracy of engineering documents when delegated by the Line Manager.
• Preparing and participating in kick-off meetings, review meetings, design meetings and studies.
• Ensuring that equipment manufacturers are delivering in accordance with the defined design and manage non-conformities. Supervising the expediting.
• Ensuring the accuracy of engineering documents when delegated by the Line Manager, confirming their technical correctness.
• Contributing to the development and update of newcleo’s General Specifications and standard procedures in the discipline.
• Collaborating with multi-disciplinary engineering teams.

This role will offer opportunities for development & progression towards management or expert activities depending on your career motivations. But don’t just take our word for it, below is a testimonial from one of our employees around their experience since joining newcleo:

“Two things attracted me to newcleo – I was excited to get involved with a new nuclear development from its early stages and to use my previous experience to help shape the culture and direction of the organisation, and having spent my career working on Pressurised Water Reactor designs I was intrigued by the LFR technology and the opportunity to work on something truly novel in the nuclear energy sector. Since joining, I’ve had the opportunity to work with some really talented people on a range of technical challenges associated with making our LFR technology a reality and also bringing it to market. I’ve also had the opportunity to learn a huge amount from the vast range of experience that newcleo has brought together to deliver its LFR and MOX projects. For me, I really believe newcleo offers a fantastic opportunity for experienced nuclear professionals to build their existing skills on a project which is unique in the UK nuclear industry and to be at the forefront of the design and licensing of Generation IV nuclear technology in the UK.”

The role can be based in our Manchester or Gloucester offices, where we have a hybrid & flexible working policy of 3 days per week in the office. There is also travel opportunities to our offices in Turin (Italy) and Lyon (France), in order to collaborate and build strong working relationships across our Global Engineering Team.

Is this role right for you?

We would like to speak to people who have:

• Experience of engineering aspects related to design, prototyping, fabrication and assembly of bespoke components/mechanism and complex machines (including electrical on-board design and automation aspects).
• Knowledge of the commercially available components that will be part of the bill of materials (e.g. motors, gears, sensors, etc.), with reference to extreme environments (high temperature, presence of radiations).
• Typically a degree in Mechatronics/Mechanical/Automation/Robotics Engineering or equivalent.
• Experience in the application of specific codes and standards for lifting equipment (e.g., NUREG, FEM, KTA and/or EURO codes).
• Knowledge of ANSYS Mechanical and Multiphysics for Structural Analysis purpose, SolidWorks for 3D/2D Modelling and electrical CAD are also an asset.
• Knowledge and/or experience of fabrication aspects, understanding of welding and non-destructive testing topics on complex machines is a plus.
• Experience in a nuclear or other highly regulated environment and good understanding of safety aspects would be a definite advantage.
• Extensive knowledge of QA systems and their practical application.
• Demonstrable experience in an Engineering Unit at any industrial mechanical design company or at any mechanical workshop in one or more of the following fields:
  • Mechanical components design and manufacturing
  • Manufacturing and assembly of large mechanical components / equipment
  • Design components/mechanism for industrial applications. 

Please note if you meet some but not all the requirements above, we would still been really keen to hear from you!

If you are not ready to apply just yet, or have a few questions? Contact Cameron Emerson at Cameron.emerson@newcleo.com

What We Offer:

A competitive salary and benefits package including performance related share option scheme, private medical insurance, group life insurance, chartered membership funding & more!

The opportunity to be part of a revolutionary clean energy company working with a dynamic, international work environment with a team of experts.

The chance to make a significant impact on the future of nuclear energy and the environment.

All applications will need to be made via our online portal.