Jess
Principal Safety Assessment Specialist
30 years of nuclear experience
"It's incredibly rewarding to know that the work we do helps provide essential services that people rely on every day."
At a glance
Previous role
Former British Gas Exploration and Production Employee.
Current role
Principal Safety Assessment Specialist at AWE
In nuclear since
1994
20 years at AWE
Career progression
Several promotions across technical, safety, and leadership.
Jess’ journey to nuclear safety
Thinking about a career in nuclear, but not sure it's the right fit? Jess' route into the industry wasn't entirely planned.
After visiting an oil and gas refinery, an experience she said was meant to put her off the energy industry, but had the opposite effect, Jess went on to study Chemical Engineering and German at university, before completing a Master's degree in Process Safety and Loss Prevention. It was during her studies that a conversation with someone from AEA Technology first opened her eyes to the opportunities available in the nuclear sector.
Jess talks us through her expectations of nuclear before joining the industry, the key milestones over the past 30 years of her career, and the advice she’d give to someone considering joining the sector.
What is a career in nuclear safety really like? Expectation vs Reality
After spending time at British Gas Exploration and Production, Jess applied for a role at AEA Technology, joining the nuclear industry in 1994.
Expecting to be surrounded by highly academic experts, Jess was initially worried that she might struggle to keep up with her peers. ”What I found was an industry full of approachable colleagues who are always willing to share their expertise and help others succeed,” she explains.
She was also surprised by how varied the work turned out to be. ”Early in my career, I assumed I would spend my entire working life focused on nuclear reactors, but the reality has been far more diverse. The range of roles, projects and challenges across the sector has kept my career both interesting and rewarding,” she says.
A career full of progression
Jess’ career journey highlights the progression routes within nuclear. Over her 30 years in the industry, she’s earned several promotions, including three head-of-department roles.
She recalls, “I spent the first 12 years of my career in consultancy, supporting organisations including UKAEA, AWE and the Royal Navy by developing nuclear safety cases. During this time, I progressed to become Head of Nuclear and Radiological Safety at WS Atkins in Epsom.”
In 2006, Jess joined AWE as a Project Assurance Manager, where she continued to shape her career path, holding several senior roles, including Head of Assurance for the Directorate of Major Projects, Head of Nuclear Safety, and Principal ESH&Q Manager for AXO.”
”For the past six years, I have been working on the Astraea Project, helping to ensure the facility design can be successfully manufactured and delivered. Looking back, one of the most rewarding aspects of my career has been the opportunity to work across such a broad range of technical, safety and leadership roles.”
Jess’ career milestones
One of Jess’ key career milestones was serving as an expert witness in planning appeals relating to Radiation (Emergency Preparedness and Public Information) Regulations (REPPIR) and risk assessment, in which AWE was a Rule 6 Party.
“Being cross-examined by a King's Counsel was certainly nerve-racking, but it was also a hugely rewarding experience. It required extensive preparation, from helping legal teams understand complex technical issues to developing the supporting evidence needed for the case,” she explains.
Jess mentioned that the teamwork involved made this experience particularly memorable.
“Everyone brought different strengths and expertise, and together we delivered a successful outcome. It reinforced the importance of collaboration and clear communication when tackling complex challenges.”
"Whether your interests lie in engineering, science, safety, project management or operations, there are opportunities to build a career that matches your strengths and ambitions."
Supporting the next wave of nuclear talent
With the nuclear industry currently experiencing a hiring boom, with an estimated 40,000 new roles expected to open in the sector by 2030, Jess believes the industry should do more to highlight what makes it such a great route for building a career.
“We should do more to showcase the breadth of careers available across the sector. Many people are unaware of the diverse range of engineering, scientific and professional roles that contribute to nuclear projects, and greater awareness could help attract new talent,” she explains.
Jess continues to highlight the industry’s strong commitment to safety and environmental responsibility, a message that matters more now than ever, given how central safety and sustainability have become in public conversation, adding:
“The nuclear industry plays a vital role in supporting communities across the UK, whether through clean and reliable energy generation or contributing to national defence and security.”
What Jess would tell someone considering a career in nuclear safety
If you're wondering what makes the nuclear industry a great choice, Jess says it comes down to how many different career routes it offers.
“The nuclear sector offers an exciting and fulfilling career with a huge variety of paths to explore. Whether your interests lie in engineering, science, safety, project management or operations, there are opportunities to build a career that matches your strengths and ambitions," she explains.
Her advice for anyone weighing up the sector is to lean into the support on offer and stay open to learning, even after 30 years in the industry herself.
“You will encounter challenging problems, but you'll also work alongside talented and supportive teams who are keen to share their knowledge. My advice would be to make the most of those opportunities, learn from the people around you and stay curious throughout your career," Jess concludes.
Reflecting on her three decades in the sector, it's the wider purpose behind the work that has stayed with her throughout.
"The nuclear industry plays a vital role in supporting communities across the UK, whether through clean and reliable energy generation or contributing to national defence and security.”
She concludes.
“It's incredibly rewarding to know that the work we do helps provide essential services that people rely on every day. Being part of an industry that makes such an important contribution to the country is something I'm very proud of.”
Your questions, answered honestly
Nuclear safety FAQs
Do I need a qualification to work as a nuclear safety specialist?
Generally, you need a qualification in engineering, maths, or science to jump straight into a nuclear safety role.
However, if you’re just finishing school or looking to learn on the job, there are apprenticeships available. You can browse apprenticeships to find the pathway that’s right for you.
Will I need to relocate for a principal safety specialist role?
Whether you relocate or not depends on the location of the role you’re applying to.
Some roles in nuclear are remote, others offer the flexibility of hybrid working, and some will be on-site. With multiple organisations to explore, and regional offices spanning across the UK, you’ll be able to find a role in nuclear close to home.
Visit our site locations to see which employers around the country are hiring.
What is the average UK salary for a principal safety specialist?
The baseline salary for a principal safety specialist is between £50,000 and £60,000 per year, with roles in London offering a regional adjustment.
How do I know which pathway is right for me?
If you’re not sure whether a role as a Principal Safety Specialist is right for you, or a career in nuclear safety, there are plenty of other routes into nuclear. With roles in project management, cybersecurity, and engineering available, the sector offers a wide range of pathways for people ready to build a long‑term, future‑proof career.
Why not take our career fit quiz? It can help you identify where your skills could take you.
Where can I find nuclear safety specialist job listings in the UK?
Thinking of embarking on an exciting journey in the nuclear sector? Browse live opportunities on our careers portal. You’ll be able to filter jobs by company, work pattern, salary, and more, so you can find the right position for you.
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