The Nuclear engineering Technical Network facilitates sharing and understanding of technical information and knowledge associated with Nuclear engineering for the benefit of IET members and the wider community. All of our events are open to the public and most are free of charge.
IET Nuclear Technical Network
About the Network
The IET Nuclear Engineering Technical Network (NETN) is a cross-industry working group supporting the IET and its members.
Our Purpose
The following core principles describe the purpose of the Nuclear Engineering Technical Network (NETN). All activities performed by the TN ultimately support these objectives.
1. Advocate for the nuclear industry within the UK technical community
2. Encourage sharing of information between nuclear licensees
3. Advise the IET on key events within the nuclear industry
4. Support IET Members working within the nuclear industry with cross-industry events thereby supporting Continuous Professional Development.
5. Engage and inspire future generations of engineers and technicians to work in the nuclear sector.
Upcoming Events
How the Use of Digital Technology can Transform your Business Effectiveness.
21st February 2024: 12-1pm
Location: Virtual (Zoom)
Using Digital technology has the power to transform how we manage nuclear (and non-nuclear) assets. Computer Aided Engineering (CAE) tools, Virtual Reality (VR), Augmented Reality (AR) can all combine to transform how we create and maintain existing and new assets in a more effective and creative way – providing benefits to designers, maintainers, human factors, ergonomics capabilities and those charged with operating and maintaining these assets.
The two speakers are based at Jacobs in the North-West. Jacobs has significant experience in utilising this technology in a range of areas in the Nuclear Industry. The presentation will help you understand the benefits of using this technology, the various ways in which basic data can be created, utilised and connected to improve your visualisation of the assets and how the imagery used can support the early decision making on asset design and maintenance , avoiding expensive errors and optimising performance.
Please join us. The presentation will be of interesting and informative to anyone who is curious about how this technology can benefit a business, wherever you may be on the Digital Technology learning curve.
Meet The Team
Alan Steedman CEng MIET Chairperson
Alan has spent the last 10 years of his career employed by Sellafield Ltd working in various roles within the Engineering Design discipline both in Warrington and Cumbria. Most of Alans career has focused on engineering physical security and emergency management systems within the UK nuclear industry.
Alan was elected the Chair of the Nuclear Technical network in March 2023 with a view to reinvigorate the TN. Alan aims to help spread the message and raise awareness of the opportunities within the nuclear industry to the wider IET membership.
Phil Gilders CEng MIET Vice Chairperson
Phil is the IET Discipline Chair for EDF Energy, and have worked in the nuclear industry for 18 years, with the majority of my experience focused on C&I within the UK’s operating nuclear fleet. During my career I have particularly focused on reactor protection systems, management of ageing and obsolescence and the qualification of smart devices to meet nuclear safety duties.
I believe that the TN can perform a vital role in supporting the technical community, helping them understand the importance of the nuclear industry, the challenges which we face, and the opportunities which are available within the UK and around the world.
Ian Belger CEng FIET
Ian has worked in the Nuclear Industry for most of his working life and has held various roles in both the Design and Operational environments for Sellafield Ltd since 1989. Ian is now working for Jacobs Engineering as a part-time design consultant, and represent them on this Nuclear TN.
The TN can be an important voice for the wide nuclear industry in the UK. Ian has a history of involvement with the TN, and with the IET itself, so aims to bring experience and enthusiasm to the group.
Will Davies
Will is the instrumentation and control architect for the SPARC project at Commonwealth Fusion Systems and is responsible for the integrated design and realisation of (almost) everything that is measured or controlled in the SPARC device and surrounding facility.
Will has been at CFS since July 2021 and prior to that he led I&C design for the ITER tritium plant - probably the largest such plant in the world - as well as being responsible for integration of local and central I&C systems across the facility.
Will’s career started with British Energy (latterly EDF Energy) in Barnwood, Gloucester, on their graduate training scheme, and subsequently, he led safety-critical I&C work for the fuel route systems of Hartlepool and Heysham 1 power stations through the transition to EDF Energy.
Prior to that Will grew up as a sheep farmer in the Yorkshire Dales and studied computer systems and software engineering at the University of York.
Barry Brooks
Barry read Electrical Engineering at Imperial College, sponsored by the Royal Navy.
Barry is a past president of the IET and has sat on both the Board of Trustees and Council for a number of years. He established the Nuclear Technical Network and is a CEng / IEng / FIET assessor and interviewer. Barry is a strong advocate for small civil nuclear reactors and clean hydrogen as alternatives to fossil fuels.
Paul Stirling
Paul is a chartered member of the IET and his current role is a Principal Nuclear Cyber Security Consultant for Jacobs. Paul has been working within the Nuclear Industry for over 20 years, primarily delivering ICS Sellafield projects and more latterly, over the last 5 or 6 years has been focused on OT Security projects within Nuclear. Paul is a supporter of the Nuclear TN as it helps bring together the varied elements of the Nuclear Industry and bring that combined view to issues such as the engineering skills shortage.
Tim Ingram
Tim has spent a significant portion of his career across the nuclear landscape aswell as other highly regulated sectors such as oil & gas and defence. This experience spans the lifecycle, aswell as the infrastructure needed to make nuclear capabilities a reality, and is a generalist that understands the technical, cultural and commercial requirements of the nuclear sector. He truly believe we are greater together, whether that be technical thought leadership, or diversity of perspectives in a truly collaborative working environment.
Tim started his career at Sellafield as a Systems Engineer supporting the manufacture of Mixed Oxide fuel, and has transitioned into the consultancy domain. Within which he has established good practice for the nuclear sector in Asset Management both for the Office of Nuclear Regulations and the International Atomic Agency. This covers the whole lifecycle from business case, through design optimisation, manufacturing, build, operation, and decommisioning.
Zain Iqbal
Lee Carr
Lee is an engineering and technology leader with extensive experience in highly regulated nuclear operations and P3M3 environments. Lee has a strong track record of successfully delivering complex change programmes and enabling safe and secure enterprise asset management delivery at Sellafield.Current role involves leading a digital asset management transformation programme with outcomes and benefits focused on improved operational performance, lifecycle cost reduction and digital integration of activities across the asset lifecycle.
Key attributes: Chartered Engineer and Fellow of the IET, with expertise in strategic asset management, programme and portfolio management, nuclear plant engineering and cyber secure digital transformation.
Aisling Mattinson
Aisling is an Electrical Engineer for Jacobs and has 9 years’ experience within the nuclear sector, with most of her time spent seconded to projects within the nuclear industry.
Aisling’s is responsible for producing suites of Control, Electrical and Instrumentation design deliverables for projects on the Sellafield site. This involves following the design process from concept, preliminary and detail, through to procurement, and testing. As a STEAM Ambassador, Aisling regularly promotes engineering & nuclear within schools and workshops, with a passion for engaging and promoting ‘Women in Engineering’
Mitchell Smith
Mitchell Smith is a Chartered Engineer and studied Electrical and Electronic Engineering at Northumbria University. He is currently a "Lead Reliability Engineer" at Sellafield Ltd, where he oversees the engineering and maintenance of the hundreds of uninterruptible power supplies that affect nuclear safety and security.