Markets · Nuclear
Quantity Surveyors in nuclear.
A nuclear QS works in the most regulated corner of construction. That means decommissioning and waste at existing sites, and new build at the next generation of power stations. Long programmes, heavy governance, and security clearance on almost every site.
The work.
Decommissioning, waste retrieval and new facilities on existing sites, with Sellafield by far the largest. New build at Hinkley Point C and Sizewell C. Early work on small modular reactors.
The civils, the structures, the mechanical and electrical packages and the infrastructure around them all need commercial control.
The contracts.
Decommissioning runs on long frameworks and partnerships, mostly NEC with the client's own amendments. New build runs on bespoke contracts at enormous scale.
Either way, the governance is heavier than anywhere else in construction. Every change, cost and forecast is reviewed, reported and audited.
The clients.
The Nuclear Decommissioning Authority and its sites, led by Sellafield. The new build developers. Beneath them, the tier one contractors and joint ventures, and a supply chain built to nuclear standards.
What a good nuclear QS has usually done.
Worked on a nuclear licensed site and held clearance. Understands the reporting and assurance a nuclear client expects. Managed cost on a long programme where change is constant. Knows that on a nuclear site, the paperwork is part of the product.
How careers move.
In. From other heavily regulated work: defence, rail or major infrastructure. The clearance and the governance take time.
Through. From package QS to project and programme cost roles, often inside the client's own teams.
Out. Few leave once they are in. The skills carry across to other major programmes and to client-side cost management.
Freelance QS work in nuclear.
Cost control, commercial assurance and change backlogs on long programmes. That is Delivery work.
Assistant Quantity Surveyor to Commercial Director, Permanent and Contract, UK wide
Hiring in nuclear? For commercial leaders
Sectors Water · Gas · Electricity · Telecoms · Rail · Highways · Nuclear · Energy · Data centres · Building · Fit-out · M&E
Regions London and the South East · Midlands · North West · North East and Yorkshire · Scotland and Wales
What people have said · Google reviews
Matt helped us place a freelance QS whilst we had an opening for a new full time position.
Andy Pickering · June 2026
Matt sourced the freelance position at the company I wanted to work for, and negotiated terms perfectly.
James Hughes · May 2026
They came highly recommended from a close friend. When I was ready for my next commission, I reached out.
Matthew B · August 2026
Do you have nuclear Quantity Surveyor jobs?
Yes, Permanent and Contract, with contractors, joint ventures and client side, in Cumbria and at the new build sites. A Career Insight Call is where to start.
Do I need security clearance?
For most site roles, yes. The client arranges it and it takes time, so an offer can sit conditional for weeks. Plan your notice period around it.
Can I get into nuclear without nuclear experience?
Yes, through the right first role. Highly regulated experience helps most: defence, rail or major programmes. Expect the first year to be spent learning the governance.
Is nuclear work long term?
Decommissioning at Sellafield runs for decades, and new build programmes run for years. It is one of the steadiest commercial markets in the UK.
Is the work only in Cumbria?
No. Sellafield is the largest site, but decommissioning runs at sites across the UK, and new build is in Somerset and Suffolk.
