Graphite Technology Engineer

An exciting opportunity has arisen to be part of the Graphite Team, who are responsible for managing some of the biggest technical challenges across the AGR fleet., Development of modelling approaches to predict the weightloss of graphite core components.
- Developing strategies to assess uncertainties in weightloss forecasts, through diverse modelling and inspection analysis.
- Establishing or extending limits on weight losses associated with various nuclear safety related issues.
- The technical management and scope setting of the Graphite Research and Development programme, working with university staff and EDF R&D:

- Net Zero Development (AMR and SMR)
- AGR development

The role includes undertaking technical analysis, with its associated reporting, as well as specifying and monitoring projects carried out by external partners.
The Graphite Technology Group also undertakes stress analysis, whole core modelling, core monitoring and the analysis of inspection data. There may be opportunities to develop experience in these wider areas.
Your principal accountabilities will include:

- Reporting to the Graphite Technology Group Head
- Providing technical advice on graphite weightloss and weightloss limits
- Support to model development
- Interaction with group activities on graphite safety cases, core inspection and whole core modelling.
- 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.

As a minimum, you will hold a degree (or equivalent) in a scientific, engineering or mathematical discipline.

You will have analytical, problem solving and numeracy skills and be self-motivated, with a track record of achieving results. Diligent and enquiring, with a desire for continuous improvement and have excellent communication and influencing skills with the ability to work as a team member.
Ideally you will have some knowledge of materials science and/or chemistry, numerical modelling, statistical analysis or modelling and/or software development.

You'll have experience of working with or leading technical teams and prior knowledge of graphite corrosion or irradiation-induced property changes in graphite, within the nuclear industry.

EDF Energy is a core part of the EDF Group, one of the largest energy companies in Europe with key business operations in the UK, France, Italy and Belgium. We're the UK's largest producer of low-carbon electricity, the biggest supplier of electricity by volume in Great Britain, the largest supplier to British businesses and we employ more than 13,000 people. We operate nuclear, coal and gas power stations, wind farms, and combined heat & power plants. We have a focus on safe, dependable energy generation and an ethos of service excellence. We are playing a leading role in new nuclear build in the UK to secure a bright future for the combined business and its employees.

You will form part of the Graphite Technology Group, whose remit is to manage the development and deployment of numerical modelling methods, which are designed to forecast the levels of radiolytic oxidation and degradation of the material properties of graphite core components. Current methods utilise either physically based models involving assessments of the chemistry and physics of the reactor system, or empirical methods based upon statistical analysis, with ongoing active development of hybrid approaches.

The role is both technically and organisationally demanding, requiring excellent numeracy, science and engineering abilities as well as inter-personal and leadership skills, to achieve the best results from teams which may include both EDF and external partners.

Pay, benefits and culture

We can offer a competitive salary from £54,391
- £84,892 and you'll be appointed based on the parameters outlined in the Nuclear Generation Company Agreement based on your demonstration of competences, experience, and qualifications. We offer a company pension scheme, 28 days annual holiday and a range of flexible benefits.
At EDF, everyone's welcome. We strive to create an inclusive and diverse environment where everyone has a voice and where you feel confident being yourself. We're committed to equality, diversity, and inclusion. We'd like our future workforce to have an equal gender balance, represent a broad mix of people from minority ethnic backgrounds, LGBTQ+, those with a disability and supporting social mobility. We're a disability confident employer and we'll do all we can to help with your application, adjusting as you need. We'll value the difference you bring and offer opportunities for you to thrive and succeed.

What you'll be doing

The scope of the role will involve