Destination Nuclear
Lead Commissioning Engineer
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From Hackathon to High-Impact Engineering
About the Role
Anouschka Vanmarik is a Lead Commissioning Engineer at Sellafield Ltd, currently working on the major Silos Retrievals Project (SRP). Based at an off-site testing facility in Wolverhampton, her role involves leading teams through test documentation, supervising commissioning activities, and ensuring equipment is ready for handover.
"It’s not so much hands-on with the test equipment," Anouschka explains, "but it’s about making sure every requirement is met and the systems are fully ready for operation."
Journey into the Nuclear Sector
Her journey into the nuclear sector began somewhat unexpectedly. During her university studies, Anouschka won a hackathon competition, earning an internship at Siemens Mobility, where she worked as a telecommunications commissioning engineer in the rail sector.
"That internship came during COVID, which was a godsend," she laughs. "It gave me great exposure to commissioning, and I realised I wanted something even more technical and meaningful, that’s when I found Sellafield."
Discovering the Nuclear Industry
Before joining, Anouschka knew little about the nuclear sector, aside from what she had studied in sustainable energy modules at university. "I was always interested in energy, particularly nuclear fusion and fission," she says. "Even though nuclear isn’t renewable, it plays such a vital role in reaching net zero by 2050."
She admits she came into the industry "pretty blind," but quickly learned that the nuclear world operates differently from any other sector. "I knew it would be safety-driven, but you don’t quite realise how complex it is until you’re in it. It’s a beast, in a good way!"
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What Makes Nuclear Special
What Anouschka enjoys most is the sheer variety of expertise involved in every project.
"Whether it’s a small monitoring equipment change or a brand-new facility, there’s a huge amount of technical detail," she says. "Everyone is an expert in their own right. That level of collaboration and specialism is what makes it so exciting."
Standout Achievements
Anouschka’s standout career moment came when she was named Sellafield Graduate of the Year, a recognition she describes as "incredible and surreal." Her leadership and contribution to key site projects also earned her nominations for the NSAN Graduate of the Year and ECITB Graduate of the Year awards.
A particularly proud moment was witnessing the first removal of waste from one of Sellafield’s legacy silos, the first time in more than 40 years. "Being part of that milestone was huge. Those moments make all the hard work worth it."
Life in West Cumbria
Originally from South Yorkshire, Anouschka studied in Sheffield before moving to West Cumbria through Sellafield’s graduate scheme.
"It’s not too different from home, lots of countryside, great for walking and the outdoors," she says. "When I first moved, I didn’t even have a car, so one of my colleagues had to drive me to work for six months! But the community of graduates made it feel like university again, there’s a real social side here."
For Anouschka, the lifestyle in Cumbria perfectly suits her love of hiking and quiet rural life. "I’m definitely an outdoorsy person, so it fits me really well."
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Looking Ahead
Anouschka sees her future firmly within the nuclear sector. "I’m passionate about the work we do and the opportunities within Sellafield. There’s still so much to get involved in."
Beyond her day job, she’s also committed to mentoring and inclusion work. "I’ve done a lot with local schools and early careers, and I’m really involved in ED&I initiatives, things like the Women in Nuclear mentoring scheme and promoting chartership pathways. There’s a clear structure for professional development here that really supports growth."
Advice for Future Engineers
Asked what advice she’d give to anyone considering a career in nuclear, Anouschka is quick to respond:
"Join! Honestly, there’s so much happening behind the scenes that people don’t realise. It’s not slow, it’s not boring, and it’s definitely not just about radiation. My day-to-day is busier than I ever imagined."
She encourages anyone curious about the sector to explore internships or placements. "Even a week or two can open your eyes. There’s so much opportunity, you just have to take that first step."
Final Thoughts
For Anouschka, a career in nuclear isn’t just about engineering, it’s about being part of something with lasting national impact. "We’re shaping the future of clean energy and sustainability. That’s something I’m really proud to be part of."
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