At NIRO we welcome a diverse range of knowledge, skills and expertise into the team.
Why join us?
At NIRO we are committed to providing Government with independent, expert advice and guidance on all matters concerning nuclear power, in aim that the benefits of nuclear can be wholly realised in a safe, cost-effective manner. We are working to ensure that we have an inclusive workplace, that attracts, retains and develops diverse talent.
Because of our ethos and status we are in a special position to support and provide career development to a wide range of people, that not only contributes to government policy but to the nuclear sector more widely.
We champion advanced nuclear skills and offer opportunities across a wide range of discipline areas.
If you are interested in becoming a member of the team please contact us via the 'Contact Us' page
Here's what some of our alumni had to say about their experience:
Meet Paul Nevitt, NNL, Science and Technology Director
What did you enjoy about working at NIRO?
Everything! But two things in particular. Firstly, being at the forefront of supporting and driving forward policy supporting nuclear science and innovation. Second, the brilliant people in NIRO and Government that get to work so closely with.
Do you think working at NIRO has helped you in any way professionally?
Most definitely. Developing an in depth understanding of how Government works, how policy is developed, how good Government business cases constructed and learning how to produce a compelling brief for Ministers are all skills that have and continue to benefit me professionally. The nature of the work of NIRO also means you build a diverse network of contacts, I still stay in touch with many now and have worked closely with many on a number of areas after leaving NIRO.
Have you made any lasting relationships at or through NIRO?
Yes. I am part of the NIRO alumni Whatsapp. 😊 Once NIRO, always NIRO!
Did you enjoy the work structure at NIRO?
Yes! NIRO is a fast paced and dynamic working environment. Working with others at the top of their professional game in a flat structure is a refreshing and energising work environment. All this while working at the cutting edge of new policy and nuclear innovation.
Meet Fiona Rayment OBE PhD FREng CChem FRSC CEng FNucI, Nuclear Advisor and Non Executive Director, President The Nuclear Institute, Patron Women in Nuclear UK
What did you enjoy about working at NIRO?
I thoroughly enjoyed bringing together industry and government colleagues to enable the creation of more substantive technical nuclear knowledge that assisted in the development and underpinning of both current and new nuclear energy policy. As the creator of NIRO in its current form I’m very proud of what we have created and how far it has come. I feel the organisation is making a difference and everyone who has been part of NIRO has said individually that they feel they are making / made a difference while in NIRO. I know I definitely feel that I did.
Do you think working at NIRO has helped you in any way professionally?
I found working at NIRO extremely helpful in understanding the workings / machinery of government and how policy decisions are made. I also found it extremely helpful in understanding the different roles of the civil servant, government and members of parliament. I have taken this learning and used it in all of my future roles.
Have you made any lasting relationships at or through NIRO?
I’m still in contact with most people who have been part of NIRO over the years. It’s a fabulous group of talented people with such diverse backgrounds.
Did you enjoy the work structure at NIRO?
Difficult to comment on this without bias as I was the leader who created this initially.
Meet Simon Franklin, Technical Director, Amentum
What did you enjoy about working at NIRO?
The chance to explore more deeply the ways that innovation can enable or create risk to the roll out of new nuclear.
Do you think working at NIRO has helped you in any way professionally?
It has certainly helped me think and act more strategically and helped me identify how I could best engage in net zero. It has allowed me to further develop my role.
Have you made any lasting relationships at or through NIRO?
I have expanded my network working at NIRO and built some firm relationships at NIRO and much broader.
Did you enjoy the work structure at NIRO?
I enjoyed the chance to work on a wide variety of topics, and to be able to engage with the working of Government, civil service and also funding bodies.
Meet Sonya Pemberton FIMMM, Principal Consultant, Amentum
What did you enjoy about working at NIRO?
I enjoyed providing technical assurance for very large government funded nuclear research programmes, supporting continued growth of the UK nuclear industry, and ensuring value for money for UK taxpayers. It was fascinating to engage in site visits to view cutting edge materials science research facilities and developments in advanced manufacturing and modularisation approaches.
Do you think working at NIRO has helped you in any way professionally?
Working at NIRO provided me with an understanding of the inner workings of government and how nuclear policy is devised. It has strengthened and expanded my network within the nuclear industry having engaged with national and international working groups, reactor vendors and technology providers, research councils, UK academia and technology catapults, and national laboratories. NIRO has enabled me to broaden my technical knowledge base beyond my expertise in materials science, furthering my understanding of nuclear regulation, the nuclear fuel cycle, advanced modelling, and new reactor technologies.
Have you made any lasting relationships at or through NIRO?
I'm proud to be part of the NIRO alumni network. The NIRO team are very supportive, and I remain in touch with several current members.
Did you enjoy the work structure at NIRO?
It was exciting to work with others in NIRO who collectively have a vast and comprehensive knowledge of the nuclear industry, ranging from reactor operations to materials test reactors and reactor physics, to nuclear skills development. It is a unique working environment with the opportunity to work alongside people who have operated at executive board and director level for nuclear organisations.
Meet Peter Tarren, Nuclear Power Consultant
What did you enjoy about working at NIRO?
The broad range of topics that the team is asked to take on and the variety of immediate tasks and longer-term projects.
Do you think working at NIRO has helped you in any way professionally?
Certainly, NIRO’s close working relationship with government departments and of course research and innovation were all new fields to me. The team’s wide-ranging experience in these elements was hugely helpful and influential in how I tackled work in these areas and would be very useful in any future roles interfacing with government or arms-length bodies.
Have you made any lasting relationships at or through NIRO?
Of course: I am so pleased to be part of the NIRO alumni group and keep in touch with previous colleagues. I know that I could reach out to any of them and get a positive response should I ever feel the need.
Did you enjoy the work structure at NIRO?
It is certainly different to much of my previous experience but having worked remotely in the recent past was a big help, as was familiarity with remote working tools. I enjoyed seeing the team operate as an integrated unit even though the work covers an exceptionally wide range of topics, and I always felt that help and advice was at hand should it be needed.
Meet Matt Bingham, Design Engineer, Rolls Royce
What did you enjoy about working at NIRO?
Working at NIRO has been a great learning opportunity – in terms of both the work and the experiences of those in the team. At NIRO a large spread of topic areas are worked on, helping improve one’s industry knowledge. The role can be very social, there’s lots of chances to go to events and the team is both sociable and helpful – always willing to provide support.
Do you think working at NIRO has helped you in any way professionally?
Working at NIRO has improved my technical and strategic knowledge base, developed my understanding of how government works and provided a CV experience that most at Rolls Royce won’t have the opportunity to experience.
Have you made any lasting relationships at or through NIRO?
Yes – numerous contacts that I would be happy reaching out to or connecting with in the future.
Did you enjoy the work structure at NIRO?
Yes, the workday is very varied, with solo research, group workshopping, and face to face work with the customer.
