Nuclear Engineering Jobs: Build an International Career at AtkinsRéalis

Hi, I'm Lana. I hold a French engineering degree in geotechnical and civil engineering from Polytech Grenoble, which included a two-semester Erasmus+ exchange at Loughborough University. My journey started with a summer internship as a structural engineer with the Nice City Council's infrastructure team, followed by a placement at Setec International in Marseille, where I worked on HS2 quality assurance. These experiences paved the way for my first postgraduate role as a project engineer at a French construction/engineering firm based in Belgrade.

How nuclear engineering jobs can take you around the world

I've always wanted to travel and discover different cultures, so I couldn't decline an opportunity to go to Serbia! It is so close to Western Europe and yet so culturally different. Over there, we were the principal designers of two metro lines and their depots. After nearly two years in the rail industry, I transitioned to the firm's nuclear team in Bristol, where I worked on the UK's largest nuclear project, Hinkley Point C (HPC).

Two years later, I was ready for a new challenge—that's when I joined AtkinsRéalis to get my teeth into an equally exciting project. I now sit in the Civil and Structural team in the Power New Build team at AtkinsRéalis. I am part of the small modular reactor (SMR) programme supporting Rolls-Royce SMR. Discover nuclear careers at AtkinsRéalis.

What skills do you need to work in nuclear engineering?

Having lived in France for 20 years, I was obviously familiar with EDF, one of the industry's leaders, but I didn't know much about the industry. Given my experience on significant projects, I was interested in getting involved in more large-scale projects that would reshape the world and improve sustainability through low-carbon energy production. Nuclear engineering jobs require a mix of problem-solving, technical expertise, risk management, and collaboration—skills that many professionals already have, even if they haven't worked in the sector before.

What surprised me about working in nuclear

Given nuclear energy's potency, I was expecting a higher level of technology and complexity compared to rail or infrastructure. After events like those in Chornobyl and Fukushima, designing a power plant would mean having no margin for error and working at the highest standards. I wasn't prepared for the extent of it. This industry is for perfectionists. There's no place for mistakes, which AtkinsRéalis ensures through rigorous quality processes involving many stakeholders.

I also didn't expect the sector to be so multi-disciplinary. I was expecting structural engineers to design the plant and a contractor to build it on-site, nothing more. It didn't take me long to realize how wrong I was. On a project like HPC, there are also architects, system engineers, mechanical engineers, technicians and engineers developing BIM 3D models and many people tracking any changes in the design and reporting to the Office for Nuclear Regulation. Which gives you many opportunities to join the industry. Read how we innovate better together.

On the Rolls-Royce SMR, we collaborate closely with construction experts from the earliest stages to optimize the design for constructability and minimize—if not eliminate—construction risks.

Why work at AtkinsRéalis as a nuclear engineer?

AtkinsRéalis is a big organization filled with talented people, and there isn't a question no one can answer. This motivates people to accept complex challenges and continuously learn from each other. We also focus on professional development through charter ships with many professional associations, including ICE and IStructE. Working at AtkinsRéalis doesn't have to be limited to your "regular" job. There are many opportunities to get involved in other things, such as equality, diversity, and inclusion (ED&I), as well as organizing capability training sessions or social events. It is a great way to meet people outside your team and develop your professional network. Learn more about what we offer.

How does AtkinsRéalis support diversity in nuclear careers?

As a transgender person, my experience here has been positive. I've been accepted by the teams without any hesitation. The company's culture and its employees' behavior are very inclusive. The nuclear industry lacks diversity, but AtkinsRéalis is paving the way for a diverse sector. There are many opportunities to speak up and to get involved from numerous ED&I working groups and networks supporting each protected characteristic as defined in the Equality Act 2010 (gender, ethnicity, sexual orientation, religion, etc). These many groups ensure all perspectives are being considered when making decisions and that no one is left out. Read more about ED&I with us.

What's next for nuclear? My work on SMRs at AtkinsRéalis...

In light of the recent government announcements, the small modular reactor programme is the future of nuclear energy and energy in its globality if the country is to achieve Net Zero by 2050. I'm very proud to be working on this programme, and I'm very excited to see what the future holds for it and how it will impact the country and its energy independence and resilience. Here's how we're engineering net zero.

Nuclear background or not, transferable skills and passion matter at AtkinsRéalis. Join us in driving net-zero—scroll down to explore nuclear roles in our inclusive, talented team.