Technology Manager

Job Introduction

NNL is where your understanding of reactors fuels the nation. As part of our Fuel Reactor & Reprocessing capability, you’ll play a vital role in developing the UK fuel cycle in line with advances in new technology and new processes. As old reactors reach the end of their lifespan, we need experts like you, with the technical skills to virtually model scenarios that not only enable us to explore new ways of managing the inputs and outputs of reactors, but also pave the way for the implementation of smaller, cleaner revolutionary new reactors. This is a place where you can use your knowledge and expertise to do long term meaningful work for years to come. 

Coated Particle Fuels (CPF) have become an area of increased interest in recent times due to the renewed interest in HTRs (High Temperature Reactors) as a central part of future ‘Net-Zero’ fuel cycle.

The role’s purpose is to scope, lead and deliver the Coated Particle Fuel (CPF) technical projects and agree targets with our partners and BEIS, working closely with project managers, providing technical leadership and guidance as required. The role requires drive, enthusiasm, technical leadership and an ability to identify solutions to challenges or issues. The role also requires collaboration with other NNL scientific and operational teams and technical oversite of fundamental research programmes. 

The role involves developing an already solid foundation of technical expertise and credibility in the area of fuel manufacturing and technology that will support the next generation of nuclear reactors and the UK’s Net-Zero carbon targets. A combination of technical advice, scope development, bid preparation, report writing and liaising with the Capability Manager to satisfy capability demands is required.

The position also requires representation of NNL and the UK at international working groups overseas or international collaboration meetings in order to enhance NNL’s visibility at key stakeholder meetings

Main Responsibilities

Main Responsibilities for Technology Manager

• Provide specialist technical leadership to the BEIS AFCP – Coated Particle Fuels Programme and other customer projects ensuring the delivery of high-quality outputs
• As a Senior technical lead, accountable for technical oversight, planning and delivery of R&D programs including advanced fuel programs across NNL and the supply chain. 
• Provide technical direction to Account Directors, Customer Workstream Leads and Programme Managers by devising R&D programs to meet customer needs
• Ensure NNL’s technical and quality outputs meet company and international standards
• Support the Capability Leader and Manager in driving R&D programmes to grow NNL technical capability to support developments in the fuel technical capability
• Develop and maintain key relationships with national and international customers, collaborators, and the supply chain
• To have a clear forward vision of the UK nuclear landscape and to align a capability strategy to this forward vision, shaping the agenda at a senior level, engaging with Government as required
• Represent NNL and the UK at international working groups overseas or international collaboration meetings as required (e.g. Member of Gen IV International Forum, IAEA Collaborating centre etc)
• Oversee the work and develop the skills and abilities of others to improve delivery and maintain capability
• Actively support as well as lead in improvement initiatives including enabling change activities within the team and wider NNL
• Provide inputs into safety documentation such as Risk assessments, lead by example, conduct safety audits and and ensure the highest safety, environmental and security standards are being adhered to at all times

The Ideal Candidate

Essential Criteria for Technology Manager

• PhD or post-doctoral experience in a physical / material science or engineering discipline
• Demonstrable evidence of providing technical advice to customers in the area of nuclear fuels and fuel manufacturing
• Technical leadership and delivery of complex multi-disciplinary programs of work to customer requirements
• Extensive knowledge of Nuclear Fuel types and cladding materials
• Proven ability to understand and influence key stakeholders and shape and drive the agenda
• Experience of technical development of scientists and engineers
• Professional Membership / Chartership of a relevant professional body
• Ability to achieve SC Clearance 

Desirable Criteria for Technology Manager

• Extensive experience of working with universities, including supervision of students and development of strategic relationships
• Nationally recognised knowledge and experience in the area of nuclear fuels (specifically coated particle fuels)

About The Company

Grounded in robust science and decades of experience, National Nuclear Laboratory (NNL) is the authoritative voice in the UK and beyond for technological development within the nuclear power sector.

Our unparalleled understanding of the science, challenges and opportunities makes us an unrivalled authority and partner in the field, providing experts, technologies, and access to cutting-edge facilities to organisations around the world.

Harnessing potential technologies and translating them into to industry-ready solutions means our pioneering approach spearheads international improvement and technological progress.

We work on projects as small as drilling a hole to analyse underground wastes with our integrated micro drilling technology, or as large as developing state-of-the-art power systems for spacecraft, based on radioactive materials

NNL has a vision for Equality, Diversity and Inclusivity (ED&I) where NNL aims to be an inclusive workplace that attracts diverse talent through transparent and equal policies and procedures. We want you and the diverse mix of people that we employ, customers that we service and stakeholders that we influence to feel valued. We encourage a workplace culture where everyone can thrive with a sense of belonging.

Recruitment Agency Notice

We operate a strict Preferred Supplier List (PSL) for the provision of recruitment services. Only agencies on our PSL may provide CVs and only when the role is released to them by our recruitment team. We will not accept unsolicited CVs from suppliers not currently on our PSL. We explicitly reserve the right to add candidate details from unsolicited CVs from non-PSL agencies into our own candidate database and to pursue/hire such candidate(s) without any obligation, financial or otherwise, to the agency concerned.