Graphite Core Components Engineer

The Opportunity An exciting opportunity has arisen to be part of the Graphite Team, who are responsible for managing the biggest technical challenges across the AGR (Advanced Gas Reactor) fleet and whose work will determine the lifetimes of most of the AGRs.The candidate will form part of the graphite weight loss technical team whose remit is to manage the development and deployment of numerical modelling tools, in order to predict the level of radiolytic oxidation in graphite components. Current methods utilise either physically based models involving assessments of the chemistry and coolant gas flow in reactors, or empirical methods based upon Bayesian statistical analysis, with ongoing active development of a hybrid approach. The role is both technically and organisationally demanding, requiring an excellent numeracy, science and engineering background as well as inter-personal and leadership skills, which will achieve the best results from the internal and external teams.Delivery of modelling analyses is through collaboration with some of the leading engineering consultancy organisations in the UK, with active links to several of the top UK universities. The team works in close collaboration with the Graphite Safety Case Group to manage this potential life-limiting issue for the AGR fleet. The scope of the role will involve: * Development of modelling approaches to predict the degradation of graphite core components. * Developing strategies to minimise uncertainties in component degradation predictions, through inspection and analysis. * Working with and managing a diverse range of external teams, including engineering consultancies and universities, to deliver work in support of these aims. * The role includes undertaking technical analysis, with its associated reporting, as well as specifying and monitoring projects carried out by external teams. * Key stakeholders include the Chief Nuclear Officer, EDF peer groups and the Office for Nuclear Regulation (ONR). The Skills The ideal candidate for this role will have the following; Essential * As a minimum a BSc (or equivalent) in a scientific (e.g. chemistry, physics), engineering or mathematical discipline. * Analytical, problem solving and numeracy skills * Self-motivated, with a track record of achieving results * Diligent and enquiring, with a desire for continuous improvement * Excellent communication and influencing skills * Ability to work as a team member. Desirable * Materials science * Numerical modelling * Statistical analysis or modelling * Software development * Working with or leading technical teams * Programming language skills * Prior knowledge of irradiation-induced property changes in graphite * Prior experience in the nuclear industry. The Person Suitably qualified candidates will become part of the Graphite Technology Group to undertakestress analysis, whole core modelling, core monitoring and the analysis of inspection data. There may be opportunities to develop experience in these wider areas. Principal Accountabilities: * Reporting to the Graphite Technology Group Head * Providing technical advice on the condition of graphite core components * Interaction with group activities on graphite core inspection, whole core modelling and safety cases * Seeking out and implementing best practice from across industry and academia * Management of suppliers * Maintenance of quality standards * Delivery to planned time and budget * Participation in training for the role. Competitive Salary & Benefits The position is a Personal Contract role which attracts a competitive salary dependent on your existing salary, competence and qualifications. You will receive 25 days annual holiday plus bank holidays, a company pension, flexible benefit scheme and bonus. Why EDF? EDF Energy is a core part of the EDF Group and is one of the largest energy companies in Europe with key business operations in France, the UK, Germany and Italy. In the UK we have approximately 15,000 employees. We are the UK's leading generator and supplier of low carbon energy. We produce about one-fifth of the nation's electricity from our nuclear, coal and gas power stations, wind farms, and combined heat and power plants. We have a focus on safe, dependable energy generation and an ethos of service excellence. We intend to play a leading role in new nuclear build in the UK and secure a 'bright' future for the combined business and its employees.