Mechanical Engineer – Nuclear Decommissioning
Location: Warrington / Hybrid
Contract / Permanent: Contract
Sector: Nuclear
Overview
We are seeking a Mechanical Engineer to support the delivery of mechanical design solutions across major nuclear decommissioning programmes. This role will involve the development, substantiation, and delivery of mechanical equipment and machinery within highly regulated environments, ensuring compliance with relevant safety, quality, and regulatory requirements.
You will contribute to the full engineering lifecycle, from concept development through detailed design, manufacture support, and commissioning.
Key Responsibilities
* Deliver fit-for-purpose mechanical design solutions to meet project cost, quality, and schedule requirements
* Develop mechanical designs in accordance with applicable codes, standards, and nuclear regulatory expectations
* Produce and review engineering drawings, specifications, and technical documentation
* Break down complex engineering problems and develop practical, risk-informed solutions
* Support the planning and execution of engineering work packages, including progress reporting
* Review and challenge engineering calculations and design substantiation
* Support manufacturing activities, resolving technical queries and providing engineering guidance
* Ensure compliance with applicable regulations including SOMSR 2008, CDM Regulations, PUWER, LOLER, and relevant machinery directives
* Contribute to design reviews, safety case deliverables, and design substantiation activities
* Interface with multidisciplinary teams including CE&I, process, safety, and project engineering functions
* Support commissioning, testing, and installation activities where required
Essential Requirements
* Professionally registered as Chartered Engineer (CEng) or Incorporated Engineer (IEng)
* Experience delivering mechanical design solutions within regulated industries (nuclear, defence, oil & gas, or similar)
* Strong understanding of mechanical engineering principles and design processes
* Ability to analyse engineering problems and develop effective technical solutions
* Experience producing and reviewing engineering drawings in accordance with BS 8888 and Geometric Product Specification (GPS) standards
* Ability to review and understand engineering calculations in accordance with relevant standards such as BS 2573
* Working knowledge of machinery regulations including SOMSR 2008, CDM, PUWER, and LOLER
* Strong written and verbal communication skills
* Ability to work effectively within multidisciplinary engineering teams
Desirable Experience
* Experience working on nuclear decommissioning projects
* Ability to apply sound engineering judgement to support evidence-based and risk-informed decision making
* Experience producing manufacturing specifications and supporting manufacturing activities
* Experience preparing Engineering Order (EO) packs and supporting quality requirements
* Experience producing Technical Files and demonstrating compliance with Essential Health and Safety Requirements (EHSRs)
* Experience supporting safety case development, design substantiation, and regulatory deliverables
* Experience working with legacy plant equipment, lifting equipment, or bespoke machinery
Typical Equipment and Systems
* Mechanical handling equipment
* Lifting and rigging systems
* Containment and waste handling systems
* Bespoke machinery and tooling
* Structural and mechanical assemblies
* Plant modification and upgrade systems
What’s on Offer
* Opportunity to work on major UK nuclear decommissioning programmes
* Long-term project work with strong pipeline visibility
* Hybrid working arrangements
* Competitive salary or contract day rates (DOE)
* Collaborative, safety-focused engineering environment