Mechanical Engineer

Job Title: Mechanical Engineer - Nuclear

Location: Cambridge, UK

Job Type: Full-Time (Part-Time would be considered)

Salary: Competitive

Reporting to: Design Engineering Lead & CEO

About Us

Cambridge AtomWorks is the design authority for the ODIN nuclear micro-reactor and is situated at the heart of the Cambridge innovation ecosystem. We are building a high-calibre, collaborative team of experts in nuclear engineering, materials science, thermal hydraulics, and electricity generation. As we take the company forward, Cambridge AtomWorks will require innovative engineering and manufacturing approaches across these fields to establish itself in emerging energy markets.

Role Overview

We are seeking an enthusiastic and experienced mechanical engineer to join our design engineering team. In this role, you will be responsible for the concept generation, design, analysis, and documentation of mechanical and structural systems associated with the ODIN microreactor. The successful candidate will need to draw upon a wide range of engineering skills to progress the ODIN microreactor from a conceptual design through the latter stages of design to licensing and deployment. The role involves close collaboration with multidisciplinary teams and the opportunity to lead work packages. The ideal candidate will have a strong foundation in mechanical or nuclear engineering, experience with CAD and simulation tools, and an understanding of safety, regulatory compliance, and systems integration within nuclear environments.

Key Responsibilities

• Design reactor components including structural components, vessels, pipework, mechanical systems, thermal management systems and instrumentation layouts.
• Design reactor deployment components including fuel handling and conventional lifting equipment.
• Capture and decompose requirements for reactor components.
• Perform engineering calculations and simulations, e.g. structural, thermal, stress, to validate design integrity.
• Perform and document optioneering and down-selection processes.
• Develop 2D and 3D engineering drawings, P&IDs and design documentation using CAD tools.
• Collaborate with multi-discipline teams including reactor physics, thermal hydraulics, materials and chemistry, safety and licensing.
• Communicate with consultants as the informed customer, as well as manufacturing and supply chain companies.
• Ensure compliance with nuclear codes and standards and regulatory guidance (e.g. ASME, ANSI, nuclear regulatory bodies)
• Contribute to design reviews, failure mode analysis, and regulatory documentation.

Required Qualifications, Experience and Skills

• Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering, Nuclear Engineering or a related field.
• Several years' experience working within engineering in a highly regulated industry, e.g. nuclear, defence, aerospace.
• Proficiency with CAD software and FEA tools.
• Strong problem solving and communication skills.
• Team player who can work in a cross-disciplinary environment.

Preferred Experience

• Master's degree (or higher) in a relevant field.
• Knowledge of nuclear reactor design, particularly Generation IV and advanced reactor technologies.
• Exposure to codes and standards and regulatory guidance.
• Experience in Systems Engineering.

What We Offer

• Challenging Work: Contribute to the development of a compact nuclear micro-reactor.
• Professional Growth: Direct mentorship from leading experts and close relationships with academia and industry.
• Flexible Work
• Competitive Benefits: Competitive salary, pension scheme and 25 days annual leave.
• Strategic Impact: Be part of a rapidly growing organization shaping the future of the nuclear sector.

Please submit your CV and covering letter to by the deadline of noon on Friday 14 November 2025.

Online interviews are anticipated to be held on the week commencing 24 November. Successful applicants will be invited to an in-person interview held at our offices in Cambridge on the week commencing 8 December.

Job Types: Full-time, Permanent

Benefits:

• Company pension
• Cycle to work scheme

Work Location: In person

Application deadline: 14/11/2025