Alexis Jourdain on broadening horizons and building nuclear expertise in France

We recently spoke to Alexis Jourdain, our nuclear lead in France, about his career journey, what drew him to the nuclear sector and how he’s helping grow our presence in one of the world’s most established nuclear markets. From international collaboration to local expertise, Alexis shares what makes working in nuclear so exciting.

A new window into the world

After 25 years in the French nuclear industry, I found myself at a crossroads. I’d worked across the full spectrum, from engineering and manufacturing to marketing and communications on the same major programmes, such as EPR and fuel reprocessing. It was rewarding, but I felt like I was going in circles. I needed a new challenge and a fresh perspective which is why I joined Mott MacDonald.

What attracted me to Mott MacDonald was the opportunity to step outside my comfort zone. In France, nuclear work is often focused on engineering and design. But in my new role, I discovered a much broader scope – advisory services, multidisciplinary design and projects that span the globe. It was a chance to see nuclear from a different perspective, to work on international projects and collaborate with colleagues from the UK, Bulgaria, the Netherlands, Italy and beyond.

There’s something unique about the culture at Mott MacDonald, it’s hard to describe, but you feel it. People are genuinely engaged. As an employee-owned company, there’s a shared sense of responsibility and care. Everyone is invested in the success of the business and that creates a special atmosphere.

Why nuclear?

When I started in nuclear, no one was talking about it as a low carbon energy source. Back then, I was drawn to the complexity, the science behind how a small amount of fuel could generate so much energy.

Over time, my reasons have evolved. Today, I’m proud to be part of an industry that plays a vital role in the clean energy transition. On a personal note, nuclear brought me more than just a career, it’s where I met my wife during an internship 25 years ago.

Building something new in France

France has a unique nuclear ecosystem, its own regulator, standards and ways of working. That’s why local knowledge is so important. But what sets us apart is our ability to combine that local understanding with global expertise. We’re not just another design office. We bring insights from projects in Finland, Bulgaria, Korea and beyond. That diversity of experience helps us offer something different to the French market.

We also collaborate seamlessly across borders; for example, on one of our major projects, nuclear safety is led from our team in France, advanced analysis from Bulgaria, mechanical work from Italy and project management from the Netherlands. We have all the expertise required in-house, across various teams and we trust and respect each other’s expertise.

We’ve recently joined the Groupement des Industriels Français de l’Énergie Nucléaire (GIFEN) and are actively involved in the French nuclear landscape, engaging with key industry players and contributing to major programmes.

My role now is to grow our nuclear presence in France. That means business development, recruitment and building a team that can deliver end-to-end solutions.

Why now is the time to join nuclear

The nuclear sector is more dynamic than ever. Every country in Europe is exploring new projects, whether it’s gigawatt-scale plants or small modular reactors. For engineers, it’s a chance to work on complex, meaningful challenges that go beyond technical design. You’re thinking about safety, sustainability and systems as a whole.

There’s also space for people from diverse backgrounds. I’m not an engineer, I studied business, but I’ve built a career in nuclear and we’re open to people from other regulated industries too. It’s about mindset – if you understand safety, efficiency and complexity, you can learn the specifics of nuclear.

A fresh option for French engineers

In France, the nuclear job market can feel limited. Mott MacDonald offers something different – more openness and a global outlook. We’re building a team that’s collaborative, curious and ready to challenge the status quo.

Alexis will be attending the World Nuclear Exhibition (#WNE2025) in Paris this year. If you’re interested in joining Mott MacDonald’s growing nuclear team in France or want to learn more about our global expertise and local delivery, come speak with Alexis at the event or view our nuclear opportunities.