Project engineer

Are you looking for a role where your engineering expertise directly contributes to solving some of the most complex waste challenges in the UK? Do you want to be part of a programme that sits at the heart of the ILW waste journey where your work enables critical retrieval, processing, and decommissioning activities to move forward safely and effectively?

This is a unique opportunity to join the Hinkley Waste Projects team at a pivotal stage, with multiple projects in active commissioning or on the verge of starting. You’ll be part of a highly capable, delivery-focused team working across a diverse range of activities from waste recovery and processing through to de‑planting and final clean‑out of legacy facilities helping to shape outcomes that truly matter.

What will you be doing

As a Project Engineer, you’ll play a central role in delivering a varied portfolio of waste projects at the implementation phase. You’ll contribute across the full lifecycle of activities, from enabling works and system installation through to commissioning and operational delivery, ensuring everything runs smoothly, safely, and in line with project objectives.

You’ll be immersed in hands‑on engineering work, supporting complex waste retrieval and processing operations while also contributing to the decommissioning of redundant plant. Your role will require adaptability and a solutions‑focused mindset, as you work across multiple disciplines and collaborate closely with both internal teams and supply chain partners.

• Supporting waste retrieval activities, including pumped and vacuum recovery from tanks and vessels
• Delivering installation, testing, and commissioning of plant and equipment
• Contributing to de‑planting, decommissioning, and post‑operational clean‑out of legacy systems
• Developing practical engineering solutions, including small‑scale design and work package preparation

Who are we looking for

You are an adaptable and proactive Project Engineer with a strong engineering foundation, ideally in Mechanical or Process disciplines. You thrive in a fast‑paced project environment and are motivated by solving real‑world challenges, bringing both technical knowledge and a hands‑on approach to everything you do.

You’ll be comfortable stepping beyond your core discipline when needed, applying your skills across a range of tasks while always working within your level of competence. A collaborative mindset is essential, as you’ll be working closely with a variety of stakeholders to deliver safe and effective project outcomes.

• A solid engineering background, ideally Mechanical or Process, within industrial or process environments
• Experience supporting installation, commissioning, or decommissioning of plant and equipment
• Ability to develop practical engineering solutions and contribute to design and work package delivery
• A flexible, team‑oriented approach with strong problem‑solving skills and a willingness to take on varied responsibilities
• Minimum National Qualifications Framework (NQF) level 4 (HNC) or level 5 (HND) / SCQF level 7 or 8 in a relevant engineering or technical discipline.
• Degree in relevant engineering or technical discipline or working towards

We also welcome applications for those looking to develop and therefore may not meet all the essential criteria for the role. In these circumstances there may be a lower grade offered for a development opportunity. The successful candidate would be considered on a case by case basis and supported with a PDP (Personal Development Plan) to enable a clear path for progression into the role.