Contract Opportunity: Principal EC&I Engineer Location: North West (Hybrid - minimum 2 days per week in the office) Contract Length: 12 months (with strong likelihood of extension) Rate: £60 per hour (Outside IR35) Hours: 4-day week (Monday to Thursday, 10-hour days) We're seeking a highly experienced Principal EC&I Engineer to lead the design and delivery of complex, safety-critical projects within the UK nuclear sector. This role offers the opportunity to take technical ownership, guide project teams, and ensure engineering excellence across all phases of delivery. Key Responsibilities: Provide technical leadership and oversight across all EC&I design and engineering activities. Lead the development, review, and approval of key design deliverables, including control system architectures, schematics, wiring diagrams, and functional specifications. Ensure compliance with nuclear, safety, and legislative standards, maintaining design integrity and traceability. Drive design reviews, HAZOPs, and risk assessments, ensuring solutions meet project, safety, and regulatory requirements. Support and mentor Senior and EC&I Engineers, fostering a culture of technical excellence and continuous improvement. Liaise closely with Project Managers, Engineering Managers, and key stakeholders to ensure effective technical delivery. Act as the technical authority for EC&I matters, providing expert input across multiple projects. Ideal Candidate: Extensive experience in EC&I engineering within the nuclear or other highly regulated sectors. Proven track record leading and approving designs for safety-critical systems in compliance with industry standards. Deep understanding of control systems, instrumentation, electrical design, and functional safety principles. Strong knowledge of relevant standards such as BS EN 61508 / 61511 and associated compliance requirements. Project experience within AWE, Sellafield, or equivalent regulated environments is highly desirable. Excellent leadership, communication, and stakeholder management skills. Security Clearance (SC) is highly advantageous. What's on Offer: Compressed 4-day working week (Mon-Thurs) - 10-hour days for improved work-life balance. Hybrid working - with a minimum of 2 days per week expected in the office. Competitive rate up to £60/hr (Outside IR35). Secure 12-month initial contract with strong likelihood of extension. If you're a technically strong and proactive leader ready to take responsibility for high-impact, safety-critical EC&I design work, we'd like to hear from you